David Kent (historian)

David Kent is an historian known for his work on social history, particularly concerning gender, family, and crime in early modern England. He has published extensively on the lives of ordinary people during the 16th and 17th centuries, utilizing sources such as court records, parish registers, and personal diaries to reconstruct their experiences. His research often focuses on the intersection of social norms, legal structures, and individual agency. He is considered a significant contributor to the field of early modern social history. Specific areas of focus include infanticide, illegitimacy, and the social roles of women. He has also examined the role of the community in shaping individual behavior and enforcing social standards.