Fed the same way? Exploring the influence of breastfeeding, weaning and childhood diet on the sex ratio of Medieval Tuscany (Italy)

In my doctoral research project, I will analyse infant and childhood feeding practices from three different medieval Italian sites (11th-14th centuries AD). These collections are housed at the University of Pisa where I propose to do my field work. The aim of my research is to test the hypothesis that gendered feeding patterns existed, which contributed to the shortage of women in medieval Europe that historical and archaeological records seem to support. The analysis of breastfeeding and weaning patterns will be conducted using incremental sampling of tooth dentine, a recent technique that cuts a tooth in to multiple samples (increments), where each increment corresponds to a specific developmental period during childhood. Each of these increment will then be analysed to determine the ratios of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, which can be used to infer diet. The fluctuations of these values allows us to detect feeding strategies and their duration. My doctoral research, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Pisa, will contribute to a better understanding of medieval infant feeding practices and their role in the reported unbalanced sex ratio in medieval Italy and the rest of Europe.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tracy Prowse

Student:

Partner:

University of Pisa

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: