Violences, simulations and abuses in matter of child abandonment: Galicia in the 18th century

Abstract

The unfortunate situation of foundling children in the Spanish Modern Age is well known. In a society where, in general, infant mortality was so high, the chances of survival of these children were considerably reduced. In the Galician case, public institutions were not enough to deal with the problem of the increasing abandonment of children, mainly in the eighteenth century, and it became essential to search families to whom, in one way or another, the duty of raising the minors could be imposed. This imposition generated significant levels of rejection towards these children. This work intends to present the simulations accomplished to be freed of this charge; the frauds in order to obtain a monetary advantage using the minors; the physical violence, even up to the death of children. This is done through the documentation. Neighborhood and parish struggles with the only intention of «breaking free» of this charge. The social rejection, the scarcity of means and the medical ignorance are joined by a judicial system that also did not help to improve the situation of the foundlings.