"Bastards" refers to individuals born out of wedlock, meaning their parents were not married at the time of their birth. Historically, this status often carried social stigma and legal disadvantages, affecting inheritance rights and social standing. The term has evolved over time, and in many cultures, the negative connotations associated with being illegitimate have diminished. In modern society, the concept of family has broadened, and the term "bastard" is less commonly used in a derogatory sense. Many people now recognize that a child's worth is not determined by the marital status of their parents. Legal frameworks in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have also changed to provide equal rights to all children, regardless of their birth circumstances.