Representations of women, marriage, and conjugal life in two 16th-century Portuguese avant-garde authors: João de Barros and Rui Gonçalves

Abstract

In mid-sixteenth century, two Portuguese jurists argued for equality of capabilities between the two sexes and strove for a change in the discourse on women and for greater equity between women and men. The first, João de Barros (not to be confused with his contemporary and namesake, João de Barros, the intellectual), published the book Espelho de casados (A mirror of married people) in 1540, in Porto, refuting the detractors of marriage and women, and praising married life. Seventeen years later, in Lisbon, Rui Gonçalves published Dos privilégios e prerrogativas que o género feminino tem (On the privileges and prerogatives of the female sex). After arguing that women are equal or superior to men, he systematises from the abundant legislation in force all situations that could, in any way, protect women. In this chapter, I will try to highlight the innovative contributions of these authors and what their work reveals about the prevailing images and practices of their time.