Question

Which of the following options best explains the sumptuary laws?

• A. The laws that prohibited wearing short skirts
• B. The laws that declared that silk clothes could not be used by peasants
• C. The laws that controlled the behaviour of the 'social inferiors'
• D. The laws that prohibited the socially superior class from wearing cotton dresses
• E. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C The laws that controlled the behaviour of the 'social inferiors'

From about 1294 to the time of the French Revolution in 1789, the people of France were expected to strictly follow what were known as ‘sumptuary laws.’ The laws tried to control the behaviour of those considered social inferiors, preventing them from wearing certain clothes, consuming certain foods and beverages (usually this referred to alcohol) and hunting game in certain areas.