Essay about Gender Roles in Ancient Greek Society

Gender Roles in Ancient Greek Society Throughout history, the roles of women and men have always differed to some degree. In ancient Greece, the traditional roles were clear-cut and defined. Women stayed home to care for children and do housework while men left to work. This system of society was not too far off the hunter gatherer concept where women cared for the house and the men hunted. Intriguingly enough, despite the customary submissive role, women had a more multifaceted role and image in society as juxtaposed with the rather simple role men played. Morals for the two were also different. Men obviously had the upper hand with women being the traditional passive. For an example, it was quite acceptable for a man to commit†¦show more content†¦As shown, women were considered naturally submissive as in most other old cultures. This is somewhat understandable as women were the ones who bore children and men provided for the family unit. As time progressed, this stereotype was over emphasized into what is portrayed in these plays and poems. Despite this submissive image, Greek women were not considered naà ¯ve, but a pleasurable if a bit foolish kind of a creature. In Aristophane?s play, Lysistrata, this concept is amply portrayed. Most of the women are portrayed, as impulsive individuals while men are carnal gluttons. Notwithstanding this facet of their image women could also be wily as Medea and Lysistrata: ?What is more, you were born a woman, And women, though most helpless in doing good deeds, Are of every evil the cleverest of contrives? The deceitful female is epitomized by the character of Aphrodite in Euripidies?s Hippolytus. Due to having her altar neglected (as in the case of Psyche) she plotted to bring ruin to Hippolytus and all those who loved him. At the end of the play, Artemis plots revenge against Aphrodite (also called Cypris) saying: ?Hush, that is enough! You shall not be unavenged, Cypris shall find the angry shafts she hurls Against you for you?re your piety and innocence Shall cost her dear. I?ll wait until she loves a mortal next time, And with this hand?with these unerring arrowsShow MoreRelatedWomen in Ancient Greece1638 Words   |  7 Pagesfor developing and enacting the concept of democracy, women were excluded from the equation. Women in ancient Greece were believed to be weak of mind and in need of protection by a male guardian such as a brother, husband, or father (Women in Ancient Greece). Sophocles play Antigone encapsulates the conflict in Greek society between genuine and farcical democracy. Greeces patriarchal society excludes women from formal decision-making processes so that, in the case of Creon, leaders enact theirRead MoreWomen Of Ancient Greek Mythology Essay1535 Words   |  7 PagesGender inequality has been a controversial topic for numerous religions and cultures throughout history. 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