Staus of women during 16th and 17th century

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the status of women declined due to marital stipulations, occupational limitations, and accusations of witchcraft. Many women had to choose between household, midwivery, or prstitution because of the extreme poverty of the time.

The Catholics and Protestants of this era held different views on marriage. Catholics believed marriage was a sacrament that could not be broken. Thus, Catholics could not be broken. Thus, Catholics could not divorce. Protestant viewed marriage as a contract, in which the husband and wife were companions who support one another financially, physically, and mentally. Prodestants could be granted a divorce if their spose was commiting adultery, abusive or other important reasons. In a marriage the wif...