The Economics History of Nunneries and Convents

A reexamination of European nunneries as economic and social institutions, highlighting nuns’ overlooked contributions beyond religious devotion.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Abstract:

Nuns dedicated their lives to the convent, the institution of marriage to God, and took three solemn vows: a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience. They, therefore, lived off of charity and were never paid. Despite taking up an austere lifestyle, nuns contributed significantly to the European economy throughout history through land ownership, funding education services, and establishing social welfare systems. This essay would thus flip our traditional stereotype of nunneries and shed light on this group of important women whose stories are often overshadowed by patriarchal narratives throughout the story. 

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