'Upon your entry into the world': masculine values and the threshold of adulthood among landed elites in England 1680-1800.

The article presents an analysis based on the British Academy research regarding the norms of masculinity in landed gentry society during the 1600-1800. It states that surviving studies of the aristocrats in showing life-stage as a matter of control of obstinate youth rather than as one in which the autonomy and independence of the sons were considered as a positive male virtue, and a parental obligation. Moreover, a study of F. Heal and C. Holmes mentions the long-standing parental concerns regarding moral risks and a son's entry to the world, suggesting that children born in upper classes were often sent away to gain knowledge from school to acquire worldly culture. However, in J. Cannon's study the growing assistance of public, rather than private is emphasized.