Stem families in rural northwestern Germany? Family systems, intergenerational relations and family contracts

Family influences on fertility in Europe, 1850-1920

“…However, these mechanisms may be too simplistic and household composition does not always reflect power relations within the household. For example, Fertig (2018) argues that within the stem family system, parental authority could be low even in multi-generational households. Since children had alternative options to make a living and their parents were dependent on them for retirement, children had considerable bargaining power over their parents.…”

“…Since children had alternative options to make a living and their parents were dependent on them for retirement, children had considerable bargaining power over their parents. Historical property transfer contracts from western Germany show that parents for example gave up their property rights or the right to manage the family farm (Fertig, 2018).…”