The Role of Honor, Marriage, and Illegitimacy in Colonial Latin America

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The Role of Honor, Marriage, and Illegitimacy in Colonial Latin America
Honor, illegitimacy and sexuality were among the most contested issues especially in the colonial Spanish America (Lavrin 10). In colonial Latin America, the concept of personal honor was more of a mental construct that was expressed through a complex set of social and personal behavioral code that was a prerequisite for acceptance in any given social setting (Lavrin 10). Sexual conduct was referred to as the touchstone of honor because it restrained people from engaging in sexual behavior before marriage (Lavrin 10). Those who were most affected by these assertions were the female due to social consequences emanating from illegitimate children.
Apparently, these male-defined concepts and stringent regulations imposed heavier penalties for women than men because women were mandated with the heaviest burden of keeping their honor. Central to the concept of honor was a woman’s need to keep their virginity intact otherwise she would be ostracized by the society. A woman who preserved her virginity was held with honor and esteem because she proved superior to her peers (Lavrin 11). Virginity in itself was a highly esteem social quality worth keeping (Lavrin 11).
On the other hand, married men and women had to preserve their marriage state to preserve their honor and the honor of their families (Lavrin 11). A wife was required to be faithful and modest at the same time.
Women who gave birth to illegitimate children were required to legitimize their children through marriage (Lavrin 12). This form of legitimization was subject to the husband’s approval and request for honor. Illegitimacy was a pervasive aspect in the colonial cities especially in 17th and 18th cen...

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Works Cited

Lavrin, Asunci¢n. Sexuality and Marriage in Colonial Latin America: Latin American Studies Series. Latin America: U of Nebraska Press. 1992. Print.
Mirrer, Louise. Revolution! The Atlantic World Reborn: A Resource Guide for History Teachers of Grade 6-12. New York: Historical Society Museum & Library. 2012. Print.

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