Az erdélyi arisztokrata hölgyek és a közügyek

Abstract

This study examines the activities of Transylvanian aristocratic women based on personaldocuments (correspondence) from the second half of the 18th and first half of the 19thcentury. The members of the Csáky, Bethlen, and Jósika families were erudite, they were interestedin the problems of their environment, while also sensitively paying attention to the intentions of the Viennese Court besides politics. The aristocratic ladies gained useful knowledge regarding the social life primarily during social events, showers, and travels. They could also receive important information and judgement from letters discussing the foreign travels and meetings of men in their families. The aristocratic women showed interest in newspapers, and they also played a role in ordering certain press products. In the public life, it was the society of men that undertook a leading role. The accepted fields of activities for women were charity, aiding schools and the poor. Based on their literacy and political relations, Transylvanian aristocratic women (like Kata and Rozália Csáky) emerged, who drew attention by their interest, initiative, and theirown ventures, and became the founders of emerging civil initiatives.