'Mij gaet hier ock wel een ongewonte aen'

Zeemansvrouwen in zeventiende-eeuws Amsterdam

Samenvatting

The image of seaman’s wives in seventeenth century Amsterdam, as portrayed in literature, prints and songs, is predominantly negative. They are described as an unwanted social group and belong to the lowest group in society. This research proves that this image is inaccurate, and that the wives of seafarers had to take care of their social position in the city. Provided aid was coherent to their social status. In letters written by seaman’s wives they disclose that poverty was determent to their quality of life. Due to debt problems or the lack of financial aid seaman’s wives sometimes had to look for alternative ways to survive, which made them undesired and unwanted. Seaman’s wives were for example involved with protests for lower food prices and better working conditions for their husbands at sea. They also turned to crime, where necessary evil was a last resort for those who had no other option.