Relations between social classes of the 17th century

Disparity and Concord: Relations Between the Social Classes of the 17th Century

A traditional way of thinking about separate and distinct social classes includes the assumption that there will be a strained relationship between the two; in which mutual feelings of mistrust and fear will be present due to the inherent inequality and ignorance that exists between the groups. During the 17th century, this sense of disparity between the classes was certainly felt and acknowledged, but it was not always accompanied by such strong feelings of suspicion toward the members of the other class. In fact, many cases exemplified the fact that often the upper class and lower class recognized that they depended upon one another for survival, and a mutual acceptance, if not always respect, sprung from that. In some cases, the lords of large houses were portrayed as models of the highest charity and benevolence, whom opened up their houses and lives to those less fortunate than them. However, ...