Women were seen as objects. Marriage was basically like an exchange. It was like a business arrangement, not a love match. In marriage, the wife’s possessions were hers and the husband’s possessions were his, if the wife had any. The husband possessed total control. When he died, the control would go to the children or the guardians of the children. The property could go to the wife when the husband dies, but that is only if there were no children to give it to. Women could inherit things, but only from their brothers.
Today the roles have changed a little. Women have more freedom than the past. Today men are the provider to the family. He is usually making the money for the family. He is the main authorities figure and deals with discipline. Women are the focus of the home. They cook, clean, and take care of the children.
My thoughts on the roles of men and women are that they did not surprise me. Usually in a family, the wife is cleaning, taking care of the family, and cooking. The husband is making money and taking care of the family financially. The roles during the ancient times frighten me. It frightens me because of how women were like objects. They had no voice except for their husbands or their fathers. Women usually married for love, but back then it was a business transaction. I am glad that it has changed and I hope women get more freedom in the future.
Citations:
Cho, A. (n.d.). History: Women in Ancient Greece. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
Donn, L. (n.d.). Greek Men. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
King, J. (n.d.). Greek Care. Retrieved September 17, 2014.