Seducidas y abandonadas. El incumplimiento de la palabra de matrimonio en el Alt Urgell (s. XVII)

Abstract

Seduced and abandoned. False promises of marriage in Alt Urgell (17th century)

This article makes a first microhistorical qualitative study of rape in Alt Urgell, in the Catalan Pyrenees, through thirteen judicial proceedings of the secular court of the Cathedral Chapter of Urgell from the 17th century. We will analyze seductions, betrothal with carnal knowledge, withdrawals from marriage agreements and feminine strategies, judicial or not, aimed at forcing the fulfillment of these contracts or obtaining compensation for the loss of their honor. We will give a voice to the protagonists and their neighborhoods, who will speak to us about sexual violence, gender relations, social inequalities and a sense of honor from the perspective of community uses and customs. Obviously, these guidelines relegate to the background the view that the Roman legal tradition, canon law and moral treaties defended on these issues.