About the book
In mid-sixteenth-century England, people were born into authority and responsibility based on their social status. Thus elite children could designate property or serve in Parliament, while children of the poorer sort might be forced to sign labor contracts or be hanged for arson or picking pockets. By the late eighteenth century, however, English and American law began to emphasize contractual relations based on informed consent rather than on birth status. In By Birth or Consent, Holly Brewer explores how the changing legal status of children illuminates the struggle over consent and status in England and America. As it emerged through religious, political, and legal debates, the concept of meaningful consent challenged the older order of birthright and became central to the development of democratic political theory.
The struggle over meaningful consent had tremendous political and social consequences, affecting the whole order of society. It granted new powers to fathers and guardians at the same time that it challenged those of masters and kings. Brewer’s analysis reshapes the debate about the origins of modern political ideology and makes connections between Reformation religious debates, Enlightenment philosophy, and democratic political theory.
Editions of By Birth or Consent
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807829509
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807858325
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469601120
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890871886
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807839126
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890871879
Read an Excerpt
In mid-sixteenth-century England, people were born into authority and responsibility based on their social status. Thus elite children could designate property or serve in Parliament, while children of the poorer sort might be forced to sign labor contracts or be hanged for arson or picking pockets. By the late eighteenth century, however, English and American law began to emphasize contractual relations based on informed consent rather than on birth status. In By Birth or Consent, Holly Brewer explores how the changing legal status of children illuminates the struggle over consent and status in England and America. As it emerged through religious, political, and legal debates, the concept of meaningful consent challenged the older order of birthright and became central to the development of democratic political theory.
The struggle over meaningful consent had tremendous political and social consequences, affecting the whole order of society. It granted new powers to fathers and guardians at the same time that it challenged those of masters and kings. Brewer’s analysis reshapes the debate about the origins of modern political ideology and makes connections between Reformation religious debates, Enlightenment philosophy, and democratic political theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is By Birth or Consent about?
In mid-sixteenth-century England, people were born into authority and responsibility based on their social status. Thus elite children could designate property or serve in Parliament, while children of the poorer sort might be forced to sign labor contracts or be hanged for arson or picking pockets. By the late eighteenth century, however, English and American law began to emphasize contractual relations based on informed consent rather than on birth status. In By Birth or Consent, Holly Brewer explores how the changing legal status of children illuminates the struggle over consent and status in England and America. As it emerged through religious, political, and legal debates, the concept of meaningful consent challenged the older order of birthright and became central to the development of democratic political theory.
The struggle over meaningful consent had tremendous political and social consequences, affecting the whole order of society. It granted new powers to fathers and guardians at the same time that it challenged those of masters and kings. Brewer’s analysis reshapes the debate about the origins of modern political ideology and makes connections between Reformation religious debates, Enlightenment philosophy, and democratic political theory.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in By Birth or Consent?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of By Birth or Consent?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807829509
How long is By Birth or Consent and how many pages does it have?
By Birth or Consent has 408 page(s)
Is By Birth or Consent part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press
Who is/are the Author/s of the book By Birth or Consent?
Holly Brewer
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
By Birth or Consent is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807829509) and paperback(ISBN 9780807858325) and ebook(ISBN 9781469601120) and ebook(ISBN 9798890871886) and ebook(ISBN 9780807839126) and pdf(ISBN 9798890871879)
Where can I buy By Birth or Consent online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy By Birth or Consent from below
Where can I buy By Birth or Consent?