Paternity and illegitimacy: A problem for church and state at Cape Town, to the mid 1800s'
Journal Article
2006
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South African Historical Journal
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Taylor & Francis
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Using records kept by Church and State, this paper addresses the question of illegitimacy in early Cape Town, South Africa, by investigating fatherhood with respect to children born out of wedlock. It roughly covers the period 1750-1850. Who were the men? What is the evidence for sexual, non-marital relationships across ethnic or religious lines, and between free persons and slaves? On what grounds were allegations of paternity challenged or established, that is, how did the law treat this issue? What sanctions against sexual misconduct were applied by society at large and its religious institutions? The study concludes with some reflections respecting fatherhood within the relationships of concubinage and promiscuity in Cape Town in the period defined.
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Reference:
Malherbe, V. C. (2006). Paternity and Illegitimacy: A Problem for Church and State at Cape Town, to the mid 1800s. South African historical journal, 55(1), 66-87.