I was hoping to start a conversation in this thread about the pros and cons of moving from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture within the English nobility. I can see the rationale for keeping the bulk of the estate intact along with the title by passing it to one child, otherwise the family history and estates will peter away to nothing by being constantly split, generation after generation between many children.
Many monarchies have now moved to absolute primogeniture, and it is likely (or certain?) that whatever the sex of Kate & William's first child, that child will one day be monarch (barring unfortunate circumstances). But it seems easier to change the primogeniture form for the throne, than for all the separate titles. I think this may require a separate act of parliament for each title, no? Not sure on the legal specifics here.
I think everyone rational and non-misogynistic now accepts that women are as equally capable as men, and just as able to be intelligent. I myself am I feminist and can imagine being quite offended if I was the position of a being a first born and a daughter of the Duke of X, and being essentially told you are unworthy to inherit the estate simply because you are a woman and your younger brother will be hitting the jackpot just because he is male.
One notable issue could be the importance of the family name and the fact that tradition dictates that women change their name when they marry. For example, the Dukes of Devonshire's family name is Cavendish and it is very much part of their identity. This issue could circumvented in absolute primogeniture by including some sort of caveat in the amended title that the bearer must carry the surname of X or just having a new family tradition that the title bearer should carry surname X.
There is
quite a large article which discusses the background of primogeniture over at wiki.
What are everyone's thoughts on the concept and the actual mechanics of changing it? I would love hear everyone's varying thoughts, even if they don't necessarily agree.