Mistresses

Historic Evolution and Significance

The term mistress dates back to the 14th century and originates from Anglo-French and Middle English roots. The term's original usage described a woman with power, a woman who owns property or servants, or a woman who is the head of an institution-usually in an educational setting. Earlier meanings of the word have largely ceased to be used due to the negative connotations derived from either the ownership of servants or common distain for the later connotation of adultery. Still yet, in many British-English speaking areas of the world, the term is used to denote an educational institution's female headmaster or other administrative leader.

The term mistress is historically significant because it was one of the first terms used to denote nonroyal female power holders. Prior to the development of the term, common women were often seen as powerless across cultures. Royal females have long been seen as powerful women but other leadership roles for females have been historically limited. Placing women in charge of educational institutions (at first only girls’ institutions) was a step in the direction of society's acceptance of female leadership and early gender equality.

The later and alternative meaning of the term also has historic significance. The use of this term, though similar in meaning, marks a clear etymological and cultural distinction from the use of the more ancient term concubine. Concubines are women who cohabitate with a man and his wife. The concubine held status in the household but was seen as ranking below the status of the wife. Historically, the practice of keeping concubines was well documented and largely accepted. This can be seen in early religious writings (Christian, Jewish, and Islamic texts) and Greek and Roman records. However, as time progressed, the practice of keeping concubines was largely shunned. [Page 971]This prompted mistresses to replace concubines as extramarital partners and live separately from the already-established matrimonial relationships. Famous examples of married men and mistresses can be seen throughout the remainder of world history and into the present day. Some notable couplings include European royalty (Edward II and Alice Perrers), politicians (John Edwards and Rielle Hunter), and celebrities (Tiger Woods and various women).

Modern Cultural Variations

Generally speaking, modern cultures are becoming less approving of the practice of men having or keeping mistresses. In U.S. culture, the practice is highly stigmatized yet frequently practiced. This distain for infidelity is seen legally and socially. Legally speaking, if a man has a mistress (or is otherwise unfaithful), his wife has the right to file for a divorce and usually receives alimony as a sign the man was at fault for the failed relationship. Socially speaking, there is often public embarrassment for the offending man and public anger at the existence of his extramarital relationship. Recently, political and celebrity affairs have sparked media firestorms that are sure to be long lasting and cause damage to reputations and careers.

...