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Greek and Roman Gender Roles

Team C

LaShanda Prejean & Erica Zacharie

October 4, 2011

Carole Lormand

Gender roles as it relates to ancient cultures through early Greek and Roman times mottled a great deal. The Greek and Romans lived in a world where strict gender roles were view where each person was judged according to the provisions of conformity with gender-specific principles of demeanor. In terms of sovereignty, power, and overall liberty men were overseers over the women.

When it comes to the gender roles with the Ancient Greek and Roman period, both cultures were similar yet different. The men and women were treated very differently in both cultures. The women were considered second to the men in their society. They were basically sheltered slaves and housekeepers. Whereas the men worked and were the head of households who set the grounds and expected them to be followed. They could go anywhere they wanted to while the women stayed inside.

Even though the Greeks and Romans shared similarities, they were also very different. “Greek law required each woman to have a guardian, whether it is her husband, father, or close male relative. Roman women were not required to have such guardians, due to the fact that they lived with their father until they were given away. Greek women were thought of being weak minded and in need of protection, much like children are” (Thompson, 2010). The Greek men were required to get married by age 30, whereas for he Romans marriage was only encouraged for the sake of their children

Looking back from the way the Ancient period viewed gender roles as opposed to the modern way not much has changed. The way the Romans and Greeks viewed the gender roles in the past is slightly different to the modern view. The men are still the head of household and dominant gender. The women are still considered as second to the men, even though they are given their freedom to do as they please and rights to vote.

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