Dotes para moças pobres no Maranhão do século XIX: a influência do Asilo de Santa Tereza na sociedade maranhense

Abstract

The transformations in the field of historical knowledge have brought to light the History of Women as a field open to investigation and deepening of historical processes. In this context, many social structures began to be questioned and investigated, such as the role of women and their relationship with marriage. The study of the endowment of poor women by the Asylum of Santa Tereza in 19th-century Maranhão contributes to this investigation into the history of women. This study highlights the endowment for these destitute and poor young women, as well as demonstrating the importance of the education provided by the institution and how this organization promoted significant transformations in these women's lives. Thus, the aim was to analyze the discourses of civil and religious authorities regarding philanthropic institutions' support for these girls, as well as to point out the mechanisms used by authorities and charitable houses in promoting marriages for the girls in residence, and finally, to present the practices of providing dowries for the poor young women of the Asylum of Santa Tereza. Furthermore, this monograph contributes to studies focused on the assistance to poor women in 19th-century Maranhão, which still require investigation, although some works are already filling this gap, such as the monographic studies by Pinheiro (2021) and Barros (2022), which analyzed the Santa Casa de Misericórdia and its role in promoting dowries, in conjunction with the Asylum of Santa Tereza and the Casa dos Expostos, using periodicals and institutional documents, such as regulations and petitions. This study shows how the Asylum promoted significant changes in Maranhão society, both in relation to marriages and in promoting the education of these young women. Thus, its origins, objectives, and the development of the work of assisting poor, orphaned, and destitute young women in 19th-century Maranhão society are highlighted.