Family as a Basis of Social Hierarchy in Developing US - Essay Sample

Introduction

The family was a basic unit of the family in the early 17 and 18 century. Each family was responsible for matters related to politics, social issues, wealth and inheritance, protection and employment. Sex, race, and status factors were also famous for one to have the responsibility for such matters. At the time the US was developing, the family was an essential tool because they played a significant role in the building of social hierarchy. Each family was assigned functions and dynamics which created a stable social structure but these social varied across English, Africa, and Indians society. To protect their families' slaves could adhere to the societal roles and practiced kingship. Many slaves' families had notions and expectations imposed by colonial masters. This led to many families from Afro- Americans to follow most of the western cultures. English men never liked the idea of equality as they believed men were more superior to women and they were supposed to control the family.

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Western culture had a significant influence on other social behavior because slaves and their families acted according to the rules and guidelines given by their masters. According to Virginia laws interaction outside the marriage was prohibited. Outside marriages between mistresses, masters, and slaves lead to bastard children who were born outside the marriage (Hening, William Waller, 1819). Marriage was supposed to be united by Gods word and those who disobeyed these laws were really punished and also fined dearly.

Most slaves had only faith in God to save them and their families. Most were separated from their families when they were sold out. The love they had for each other gives them the courage to move on and hoped that one day they will see each other. They would sacrifice a lot to protect their families. Most of Indians slaves treated the slaves cruelly and sometimes they were given little food (Hanson, Elizabeth, 1791). Most of the parents would sacrifice their food to give it to their children.

According to Virginia laws fornication was prohibited and those who did this were double fined according to the act. It's mostly occurred between English men and the Negro women. If this happens there was had to decide whether the child should be free or enslaved (Corbett, Mary Jean, 2010). The law decided only the mother could decide. Due to this law, a lot of fornication was prevented. This helped to unify the families as there were no family breakups caused by cheating.

Works Cited

Hening, William Waller. The statutes at large: being a collection of all the laws of Virginia, from the first session of the Legislature in the year 1619: published pursuant to an act of the General Assembly of Virginia, passed on the fifth day of February one thousand eight hundred and eight. Vol. 6. Printed for the editor by R. & W. & G. Bartow, 1819.

Hanson, Elizabeth. An Account of the Captivity of Elizabeth Hanson, Late of Kacheky in New-England: Who, with Four of Her Children and Servant Maid, was Taken Captive by the Indians, and Carried Into Canada. Setting Forth the Various Remarkable Occurrences,-sore Trials, and Wonderful Deliverances, which Befel Them After Their Departure to the Time of Their Redemption. A New Edition. Taken in Substance from Her Own Month. By Samuel Bownas. To which is Added, the Great Audit; Or, Good Steward. Being Some Necessary and .... Jones and Company, 1791.

Corbett, Mary Jean. Family Likeness: Sex, Marriage, and Incest from Jane Austen to Virginia Woolf. Cornell University Press, 2010.