| Through the trade between the east and west, Venice had accumulated huge wealth. During the 1600s it became one of the most important city states in Italy. After the opening of the New Sea Route, Venice gradually fell into decline. Despite this, Venice remained the economic centre of the Mediterranean for a long time. As the important part of the society, Venetian women played a significant role in the society. From the point of view of the history of gender, this essay tries to explore the economic situation of the women in early modern Venice.The essay first reviews the literature of the research field and outlines the research plan. The main body of the essay consists of three chapters:Chapter One discusses the general condition of the economy in Venice, including its geographical features, the flourish of the economy as well as its decline from the world economic center after the discovery of New Sea Route. This chapter also discusses the living conditions of the women and their work environment.Chapter Two discusses the women's role in the maintenance of families'daily life and their financial resource. The analysis focuses on two aspects:the residential pattern of the women and their management of the family life. It noticed that women acquired financial resource via four ways:inheritance of property, the gifts from the friends and relatives, employment income and the lease of house.Chapter Three reviews Venetian women's financial expenditure. It examines the following four ways:daily living expenses, disbursement to the friends and relatives, charity donation and investment. The previous two are the main expenditure.Conclusion summarises the impact of the economic upheaviel on Venetial women's fianancial status and their contribution to the development of economy. |
