Social+Hierarchies+of+the+17th+Century

The quality of life during the Seventeenth Century depended heavily upon the class of society a person was born into. Royalty was, of course, the highest class a person could be born into, followed by aristocrats and noblemen. Whilst some nobles may have been poorer, they had the status the lower class citizens wanted. The common man and woman had to be happy with what they were born into, as climbing the social ladder was nearly impossible. The only escape might be to join the army or navy and gather riches in one of the many campaigns, however they had to risk the chances of death and serious injury. For those born into a rich family life was easier and their chances of survival much greater. Parents arranged unions for their children far in advance with a view to increasing the family's standing and property. This was one of the reasons marrying beneath one's status was considered such a problem. Nobles were married as early as 14 for boys and 12 for girls, although they generally stayed with their families until considered mature enough to live together. Marriage was for life, and in the rare circumstance of divorce the couple had to be granted special permission from the government or church and were disgraced in their community. Women, they believed, should be totally subservient to men.
 * Marriage **

Families were large, with ten or more children but many families lost children at an early age, with only one or two reaching adulthood. Children of poorer folk were put to work as soon as they were able. Working class boys were apprenticed to tradesmen, if their fathers could pay the fee to the master training their son. Wealthy families gave their offspring a variety of toys and education. Boys were either sent to a grammar school or provided with a tutor. Girls were usually taught by their mothers.
 * Children **



In 1692, Salem was divided into two sections: Salem Town and Salem Village. Salem Village was actually part of Salem Town but was set apart by its economy, class, and character. Residents of Salem Village were mostly poor farmers who made their living raising crops. Salem Town, on the other hand, was a wealthy port town at the centre of trade with London. Most of those living in Salem Town were rich merchants.
 * Social Hierarchy in **** Salem ****, **** Massachusetts **

But there was also a division within Salem Village. Those who lived near Ipswich Road, close to the business of Salem Town, became merchants, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, and innkeepers. But many of the farmers who lived far from this prosperity believed the wealth and greed of Salem Town threatened their Puritan values.

It is likely that the jealousies and hostilities between these two factions played a major role in the witch trials. Most of the villagers accused of witchcraft lived near Ipswich Road, whereas the accusers lived in the distant farms of Salem Village

// **The Salem Social Hierachy:** // God and the Bible Bishops and religious figures Judges and political figures Pastors and ministers Wealthy, land owning men Merchants (blacksmiths, etc.) Farmers Women Children Servants Social outcasts