Violent and Abusive Behaviour in Nineteenth-Century Marriage in Bohemia

Abstract

The study focuses on the conflictual, abusive relationships between spouses in the second half of the long nineteenth century in Bohemia. We will trace the ways in which constructions of masculinity and femininity in the past have influenced the possibilities for perpetrating violence and how offenders have defended their behaviour. The children were also part of the conflicts and sometimes displayed problematic behaviour. In addition to the judicial apparatus, marital disputes also involved town parish priests, and families, possible witnesses in cases of marital divorce. We will also focus on using gender-related swear words during the conflicts.