Abstract
In this contribution, we study the founding of large charities for the elderly during
the Dutch Republic, demonstrating their number and nature, with an emphasis on
how almshouses for the elderly were intricately bound up with the concern to
preserve honour. Personal honour, being tied to community honour, formed a
vital part of the processes of patronage and corporatism that defined early modern
Dutch society. Through almshouse foundations the religious and civic communities
to which patrons and clients belonged were strengthened. Within the
fragmented religious landscape of the Dutch Republic these charities played an
important role in strengthening both mainstream and dissenter communities,
while providing a decent old age to Dutch citizens.
the Dutch Republic, demonstrating their number and nature, with an emphasis on
how almshouses for the elderly were intricately bound up with the concern to
preserve honour. Personal honour, being tied to community honour, formed a
vital part of the processes of patronage and corporatism that defined early modern
Dutch society. Through almshouse foundations the religious and civic communities
to which patrons and clients belonged were strengthened. Within the
fragmented religious landscape of the Dutch Republic these charities played an
important role in strengthening both mainstream and dissenter communities,
while providing a decent old age to Dutch citizens.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 17-34 |
| Journal | Scandinavian Economic History Review |
| Volume | 62 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- almshouses
- the Dutch Republic
- care for the elderly
- centrality of honour
- community building