Throughout the Ancient Greek world, there have been many aspects that built on the history that was made. The base of this history as we know it has mainly revolved around the accomplishments and success of men. The question here is where were the women and what were their roles in the building of these historical times?
Women in Ancient History
Predominantly in Ancient Greek history men were the head of the household, busying themselves with tasks like producing the goods and culture, ruling of people and building institutions.[1] Men spent the majority of their time away from the hold upholding all the tasks that were required of them, giving women, for the most part, the authority over the household work.[2] Men played the main role in women’s lives through every stage, as a young woman they would follow the orders of their fathers and once married they followed the orders of their husbands. Through the men made most of the historical records, women had some responsibilities that aided in this process by dedicating time to the wellbeing of the household.
The main aspects of women’s roles surrounded the household by ensuring everything was in order for their husbands. Women’s main specific role was to bear the children, preferably male which they would then dedicate their time to raising the child to follow in the footsteps of their father and create more history.[3] If the women were to have female children it was then made their duty to raise the child as a proper woman who would continue the cycle so history would continue to be made.[4] . Although it was believed that women have no significance in the making of history many significant women built different aspects of historical form. This was the stereotype that remains on the surface for many years but without the constant assistance from the women ensuring the wellbeing of those in their households none of this would be possible.
Women did not have the freedom to speak for themselves, they were to conform to the thoughts and beliefs of their husbands. In a political aspect women had no voice, they did not have the right to an opinion on political views or the power to run for political office. It was understood to be improper for a woman to discuss their political views with others, depending on their relationship with their husbands they may have the approval to speak on these topics behind closed doors.[5] Although it was believed that women have no significance in the making of history there were many significant women that built different aspects of historical form.
Although it was believed that women have no significance in the making of history many significant women built different aspects of historical form. Agnodice of Athens was born into a wealthy Athenian family in the 4th century BCE. [6] She was a knowledgeable woman who studied medicine under Herophilus disguised as a man because women were not allowed to practice medicine. It was believed that women had a “healing hand” which is the reason behind her ability to take this role.[7] Angodice of Athens was the first woman in ancient history to take the role of a midwife, she took the role of aiding women through labour as many men refused to do so. She had revealed herself to her patients to allow them to feel more comfortable through the process.[8] There was an abundance of jealousy surrounded by her success and she was eventually accused of seducing women, she defended herself and had other women behind her to support her. For these reasons, the law against women physicians was overruled and she was able to continue in her practice.
Women in Modern History
The history built through these historical ages has empowered many women to break the conformities that were expected of them throughout the past times. In consideration of all the injustices women faced in Ancient Greek times, women have built themselves as people who stand on their own. Contrary to the Ancient Greek time's western women are not obligated to partake in arranged marriages and build their lives revolving around the male figure in their lives. Many cultures around the world still partake in the aspect of arranged marriage but western women have more freedom to make choices for themselves.
Over periods throughout history women were still seen as a man’s property, they were to stay home and abide by the rules of their husbands. Over time the topic of women’s roles have been at the surface of society, women have learned and experienced the injustices that women over history have faced and chosen to stop this cycle.
This was a very long process that continues to be an issue in today’s society but women have much more of a voice in comparison to the Ancient times. Pertaining to the household roles, it is not expected for women to stay home and surround themselves with all the household tasks that were expected of women in the past. Women have the choice today to have children, it is not a requirement for them to raise their sons to partake in the footsteps of their father. Young girls are not raised to aid in the comfort of men and learn the necessary tasks that will confront the lives of others as opposed to their own.
In a political aspect women have the right to a voice, they have the power to vote and voice their opinions on any range of topics. It is not a secret or something for women to be ashamed of like in the Ancient times, women are able to speak about their opinion on political rights with whomever and wherever they please. Contrary to the Ancient Greek time’s women are now able to run for political positions and have an equal chance to obtain those positions. Margaret Haile was the first woman to run for a seat in the Ontario political elections in 1902. [9] Although she lost the election she paved the way for many other women who began to take part in political actions. [10] During this time women were not allowed to vote but Haile running for office was a smart move to get things to change. The laws that were in place barred women not to vote but they had not included any law against women running for office. [11] In 1929, Agnes Macphail, was the first woman elected to the House of Commons.[12]
Where she later sat as the first woman in the Ontario Legislature, sustaining a high provincial and federal position longer than any other women, Macphail constantly overcame obstacles that corralled her sex. She believed in fighting for the pension of seniors and the wellbeing and care of workers.[13] These historically significant women broke the prejudices that women were unable to voice their opinion in the political world and their ability to run for office. In the 2020 United States election, Kamala Harris was the first woman of colour to win vice-president. With the influences of many powerful women, women will continue to gain power and break the stereotypical systems that had commenced decades ago.
Concluding Thoughts
To conclude, throughout the evolution of history women have grown to obtain their well-deserved power. Starting from the Ancient Greek time's women were belittled by men in society, giving them very little freedom and rights that in today's society is a must. Ancient Greek women had a minimal amount of authority throughout their lifetime as they were constantly being ordered around. As history developed and times have changed women have a greater amount of power and freedom. With many influential women who changed the world for the better of women, women in today's age have the courage and authority to speak their minds. Modern women have grown with these influential women allowing them to have no man of any authority to change their views. Women of history have changed societies all over the world giving women the power and credibility they deserve.
Bibliography
Blundell, Sue, and Susan Blundell. Women in ancient Greece. Harvard University Press, 1995.
Crowley, Terry, and Terence Allan Crowley. Agnes Macphail and the politics of equality. James Lorimer & Company, 1990
Dilouambaka, Ethel. Ancient Greek Women Who Changed History. Culture Trip. The Culture Trip, 2018. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/athens/articles/ancient-greek-women-who-changed-history/.
Sangster, Joan. One hundred years of struggle: The history of women and the vote in Canada. ubc Press, 2018.
Schaps, David M. Economic rights of women in ancient Greece. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1979.
Endnotes
[1] Blundell “women in ancient Greece,” 9.
[2] Schaps “Economic rights or women in Ancient Greece,” 2.
[3] Blundell “women in ancient Greece,” 9.
[4] Blundell “women in ancient Greece,” 9.
[5] Schaps “Economic rights or women in Ancient Greece,” 2.
[6] Dilouambaka “Ancient Greek Women Who Changed History,” 4.
[7] Dilouambaka“Ancient Greek Women Who Changed History,” 4.
[8] Dilouambaka“Ancient Greek Women Who Changed History,” 4.
[9] Sangster, “One Hundred Years of Struggles.” 1.
[10] Sangster, “One Hundred Years of Struggles.” 1.
[11]Sangster, “One Hundred Years of Struggles.” 1.1.Equality.” 1.
[12] Crowley, “Agnes Macphail and the Politics of Equality.” 1.
[13] Crowley, “Agnes Macphail and the Politics of Equality.” 1.
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