Servants of Francophilia : French Migrant Women as Governesses in the Bohemian Lands, Between Cultural Transmission and Reproduction of Social Distinction (1750 - 1810)
Abstract
This article shows empirical and conceptual possibilities of exploring the transcultural roles and economic situations of French migrant women who served as governesses in the noble circles of the Habsburg monarchy. It combines various research methods as it employs narrative textual analysis, socio-economic and material culture approaches and cultural exchange perspective, among its major research techniques.
The author uses printed librettos and comparative insights to reveal broader social anxieties connected with governesses who were multiple border-crossers in terms of geography, cultures, languages, classes and gender order. She also draws attention to inheritance tax related sources to show economic conditions of these women.
Finally, the author outlines a broader time frame to capture changes in the governesses' labour market.