Luther's Reformation and (Un)Holy Matrimony

Abstract

How dramatic was Martin Luther's impact on the Reformation family? By moving away from a history of politics and theology to the beliefs and practices of common people, scholars drawing from many disciplines paint portraits of Reformation families that differ little from those that preceded and followed them. Available information on household climate, the divorce rate, the social role of women, child-rearing practices, and education lead one to conclude that Martin Luther affected little enduring change in European families.