Socializēšanās prakses viduslaiku pilsētā: amatu korporāciju piemērs

Abstract

One of the most important aspects of medieval human life was being in a community. On the one hand, medieval city itself was such a community, whereas on the other hand, there still remained social, economic and occupational differences between its inhabitants, which in daily life dissociated people. In addition to the community in the city, the church and the family, another type of community developed in medieval cities – professional or artisan associations, fraternities or guilds. For a very long time, the studies dedicated to these organizations focused mainly on their economic, legal and organizational aspects, and hence guilds are mainly associated with their economic activities. However, the religious and social life they yielded was no less important and provided people’s daily lives with activities that complemented their spiritual and social life. The aim of the study is to review and analyse the social practices found in the source material, whereby such aspects of socialization as the formation of beneficial social contacts, maintenance of relationships, as well as mutual assistance were practiced in medieval artisan associations. Examples and their similarities in various artisan associations in Europe, including Riga, which are reported in medieval written sources, especially the statutes of these associations, will be discussed. The obtained information collected in the study confirms that associations extended beyond economic goals, as their practices promoted social contacts between members, strengthened friendships, fostered respect and responsibility for each other.