What was the role of fathers in Elizabethan times?
He was the head of the family, the protector, provider and authority. Not only did he have to look after his wife and children, he had to arrange good marriages for the sons and daughters and advance his own family’s interests. The Elizabethan family life for men was one of power. The men made the decisions and the women were expected to obey them! The men were expected to support the family from a whole variety of occupations. And they were expected to improve the positions of all members of the family through influence and patronage from wealthier people and families than their own. They would expect absolute obedience and respect from their wives and children. http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizab… Here’s a good piece; it’s mainly about women, but gives interesting information about men: http://www.elizabethi.
