Post by Admin on Aug 13, 2017 8:43:36 GMT -5
Life in Shelbourne is very casual and laid-back, where formality is not the normal way of life. Consequently, the gender roles are a bit more relaxed as well. There isn't as much of a patriarchal hold over every part of life, but more of a cooperative aspect. Shelbourne families aren't totally run by committee, but it comes very close.
The eldest male and eldest female are the heads of the house and make the majority of the choices necessary, but that is typically after the family gathers to hear what the questions are and offer their opinions on what should be done. In some families, the open atmosphere means the discussions are spirited and some times descend into out-right arguments, but the understanding is fully grasped - once the decision is made, that is the end of it. And if that decision is supported by the majority of the voices, there is no talk of dissent.
Each family member has a say in their own lives, but if it truly goes against the wish of the family, then they must have a compelling reason beyond emotion for their objections. If the issue cannot be solved within the family unit, then they can bring it to the city noble, or barring that, there is always the court of the Duke. Those decisions are considered final and settled, they cannot be re-opened.
Women can opt out of marriage, but must be willing to accept roles to support themselves as companions, governesses and chatelaines. They can petition to own businesses as well, if they can display a useful trade or skill, and may take apprentices the same as a man can.
Women can inherit some property, but they are not able to inherit the titles that go with certain properties. Widows can stand as inheritors of their husband's lands and money, but if they have children, it must be held in trust to support the family and raise the children, reverting to the heir's control when he reaches adulthood. Those who become widows without children must be supported and pensioned by the next male of the line.
In Shelbourne, the levels of education are equal, taught in city or villages. Each child must be able to achieve a basic level of literacy, figuring and writing. Noble children are given a much more extensive education, incorporating natural sciences, history, languages and the like.
The eldest male and eldest female are the heads of the house and make the majority of the choices necessary, but that is typically after the family gathers to hear what the questions are and offer their opinions on what should be done. In some families, the open atmosphere means the discussions are spirited and some times descend into out-right arguments, but the understanding is fully grasped - once the decision is made, that is the end of it. And if that decision is supported by the majority of the voices, there is no talk of dissent.
Each family member has a say in their own lives, but if it truly goes against the wish of the family, then they must have a compelling reason beyond emotion for their objections. If the issue cannot be solved within the family unit, then they can bring it to the city noble, or barring that, there is always the court of the Duke. Those decisions are considered final and settled, they cannot be re-opened.
Women can opt out of marriage, but must be willing to accept roles to support themselves as companions, governesses and chatelaines. They can petition to own businesses as well, if they can display a useful trade or skill, and may take apprentices the same as a man can.
Women can inherit some property, but they are not able to inherit the titles that go with certain properties. Widows can stand as inheritors of their husband's lands and money, but if they have children, it must be held in trust to support the family and raise the children, reverting to the heir's control when he reaches adulthood. Those who become widows without children must be supported and pensioned by the next male of the line.
In Shelbourne, the levels of education are equal, taught in city or villages. Each child must be able to achieve a basic level of literacy, figuring and writing. Noble children are given a much more extensive education, incorporating natural sciences, history, languages and the like.