The eighteenth century saw a dramatic change in the traditional social class structure. This was evident in the lives of the aristocracy and the peasantry, as the former held the highest status in society while the latter was of a much lower standing. Despite their disparities in wealth and power, both classes had commonalities in their lifestyles. This essay will compare and contrast the lives of aristocracy and peasantry in the eighteenth century.
The eighteenth century also saw a sharp divide between the sexes. The life of the aristocracy was largely dominated by men, who were in charge of the family’s business dealings and had the right to make decisions regarding the family’s wealth. On the other hand, women were largely excluded from the business aspects of life and expected to be obedient wives and mothers (Schneider 22). In contrast, peasant women could participate in agricultural labor but were often exploited and abused. Additionally, the aristocracy had access to the highest levels of government and often had a say in deciding laws and policies (Castiglione 92). On the other hand, the peasantry had no political representation and was subject to the whims of their lords.
The aristocratic class had a life of privilege, luxury, and excess. They maintained their prestige by demeaning their workers and living a lifestyle of racing, hunting, and feasting, as well as higher levels of education (Castiglione 81). Their wealth was often obtained through investments and trade, and with the profits, they could buy stocks and bonds to secure a lifetime of wealth and security.
On the other hand, the peasantry lived simple and humble lives with little money, struggled to make ends meet, and lacked the comforts and luxuries of the aristocracy. This led to the peasantry viewing the aristocratic class as morally inferior due to the exploitation of the poor and the lack of a fair wage (Wickham 173). They worked hard to provide for their families and often had to rely on the graciousness of the aristocrats for any extra money.
Despite the disparity in their lifestyles, both classes enjoyed prosperity from trade. The eighteenth century saw a surge in trading activities, with goods such as tobacco, tea, sugar, silk, coffee, and alcohol all being exchanged. Those with land became entrepreneurs and investors and were able to use the profits to buy stocks and bonds (Ovens, 60). This development in trade created wealth and success for both classes, although the aristocracy was still able to maintain its superiority due to their wealth and power.
Finally, both classes shared the spirit of enlightenment. This was evident in the value placed on learning and the availability of books and education for aristocrats and peasants (Schneider 21). This new way of thinking brought about a sense of equality between the two classes, even though it threatened the aristocrats’ privilege and superiority (Castiglione 90). The emphasis on knowledge, science, and rationality allowed for society’s advancement and the development of new ideas and innovations.
In conclusion, the lives of aristocracy and peasantry in the eighteenth century were vastly different. The former had a life of privilege, luxury, and excess, whereas the latter were of a much lower standing, struggling to make ends meet. Despite this, both classes shared some commonalities in their lifestyles, such as prosperity from trade and a shared spirit of enlightenment. The disparity in their situations was emblematic of the strict social class structure of the time. The aristocrats were able to maintain their power and prestige, while the peasantry were often left to their own devices with little to no chance of success. However, with the help of the enlightenment and an emphasis on knowledge, science, and rationality, both classes could benefit from the development of trade and the advancement of society.
Works Cited
Castiglione, Caroline. “Peasants at the palace: wet nurses and aristocratic mothers in Early Modern Rome.” Medieval and Renaissance Lactations. Routledge, 2016. 79-100. Retrieved from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315594743-5/peasants-palace-wet-nurses-aristocratic-mothers-early-modern-rome-caroline-castiglione
Ovens, Michael. “Masculine Identity and the Rustics of Romance in Chrétien’s Erec and Yvain.” Viator 47.1 (2016): 45-66. Retrieved from: https://www.brepolsonline.net/doi/abs/10.1484/J.VIATOR.5.109466
Schneider, Jane. “Introduction: The dynamics of neo-orientalism in Italy (1848–1995).” Italy’s” Southern Question.” Routledge, 2020. 1–23. Retrieved from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003085768-1/introduction-dynamics-neo-orientalism-italy
Wickham, Chris. “Looking forward: peasant revolts in Europe, 600–1200.” The Routledge History Handbook of Medieval Revolt. Routledge, 2016. 169–181. Retrieved from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315542423-18/looking-forward-peasant-revolts-europe-600%E2%80%931200-chris-wickham
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