Starting from Roman times we reach the present day to understand how the approach to gender equality has changed

A long excursus of more than two thousand years, trying to interpret how the condition of women in society, in the family and in the world of work has changed, influenced by time that has passed, by technical knowledge, by cultural, religious, economic and social.

What is of interest is trying to understand whether, after 2000 years, the position of women has evolved for the better and to what extent it really has.

However, it may become difficult to make a precise comparison on the importance and consideration of women in the social context, especially in certain eras and in certain countries, where the intervention of some important factors have influenced their course.

In general, the historical comparison over such a long period makes sense if we take into consideration the populations that inhabited the European continent, of which we have greater historical traces and comparative terms.

The condition of women in the Roman Empire

The condition of women in the Roman Empire, as far as one might think, could have been one of freedom and consideration for the time, but keeping in mind some factors, such as social class, age, citizenship and historical period.

Legal status

In Roman law, women were seen as citizens, but did not have the same political rights as men. They could not vote or hold public office. However, they could own assets and inherit property.

Pater familias

The society was patriarchal, with the head of the family having absolute power over its members, which meant that women were under the legal guardianship of their male relatives for much of their lives.

Marriage

Marriage was a fundamental part of Roman women's lives. These often married at a young age, and marriage was seen primarily as a means of producing heirs.

However, various forms of marriage existed, some of which gave women a greater degree of independence and autonomy.

Education

Women from wealthier families had access to education and could learn to read, write and study literature, although higher education was reserved for men.

Daily life

The quality of daily life of Roman women depended on their social class. Those in the upper classes often had slaves or servants who performed household labor, while those in the lower classes often worked in the fields, shops, or homes.

Cultural and religious influence

Although women had no official role in Roman politics, they had significant influence in other aspects of society.

For example, there were priestesses and associates of various cults who carried out free religious practices. The figure of the "matron", or noble Roman woman, was highly respected and often idealized for her virtue and integrity.

Evolution over time

The status of women varied over time during the Roman Empire. We can in fact notice, in this long period, an increase in the influence and autonomy of women, particularly in the upper classes. For example, some empresses such as Livia, Agrippina the Younger, and Faustina had considerable power and influence.

We can therefore say that, for wealthy Roman women, the social condition and freedoms were remarkable considering that they lived in a patriarchal and military society.

The condition of women in the Middle Ages

Characterizing the condition of women in the Middle Ages is a vast and complex topic, as the historical period spans nearly a thousand years and covers several geographic regions.

Furthermore, their status varied greatly depending on social class, region, age, and many other factors.

However, we have some interesting comparative ideas between the approach of the Roman era to the medieval one in the consideration of women.

Traditional roles

In the Middle Ages, women were often associated with domestic and family roles. They were expected to take care of the home and children, without much distinction between peasants and nobles.

Marriage

Marriage was a fundamental part of medieval women's lives, which was often arranged for economic or political reasons rather than love, with the importance of dowry an essential element of unions.

Work

While women were primarily tied to the home, many also worked outside the home, often out of necessity, but rarely in positions of power. They might have been involved in trades such as weaving, brewing or selling at the market.

Education

Access to education was limited, although exceptions existed. In convents, for example, women could receive an education, but their culture was destined to remain within the walls in which they lived, without them being able to exercise their knowledge in society.

Religion

In a society quite hostile to women, convents offered one of the few opportunities to retreat from traditional society and gain a degree of independence.

Many found in the convents a refuge and a place of education and devotion. During the Middle Ages, there were also many female saints and mystics, such as Saint Clare of Assisi or Hildegard of Bingen, who had significant influence.

Law

Medieval women also had many limited legal rights. They were often subjected to the authority of their father or husband. However, in some regions and in special circumstances, they could own property, run businesses, or act in court.

Regional variations

Importantly, the status of women varied greatly depending on the geographic area in which they lived. For example, women in medieval Scandinavian societies had significantly different rights and opportunities than their counterparts in southern Europe.

The condition of women between the two world wars

The period between the end of the First World War and the conclusion of the Second World War was crucial for women's rights and the changing role of women in society in many parts of the world.

This period was characterized by significant political, social and economic evolutions, which laid the foundations for future feminist movements.

Role in wars

During both world wars, many women entered the workforce to support the war industry and compensate for the lack of male labor, which was at the front.

This situation allowed women to demonstrate their abilities in traditionally male roles.

Suffrage

After World War I, many gained the right to vote in several countries in recognition of their contributions to the war effort.

In 1918, for example, the United Kingdom granted those over the age of 30 the right to vote (and in 1928 to all adult women), and the United States ratified the 19th Amendment in 1920, which guaranteed women the right to vote.

Economic empowerment

The need for female workers during wars and increasing urbanization and industrialization led many women to seek work outside the home. However, many were pushed out of the job market when soldiers returned after the conflicts.

Cultural changes

The 1920s, in particular, were marked by notable cultural emancipation. The symbol of the "flapper" in the United States and Europe represented a new generation of women who challenged traditional conventions, having short hair, wearing shorter clothes, smoking and drinking in public, and behaving more liberally even from a sexual point of view .

Women's rights legislation

Many nations introduced legislation to protect and expand women's rights, including employment rights, reproductive rights, and protection against discrimination.

Effects of the Second World War

World War II brought many women back into the workforce. However, the post-war period also saw a strong return to traditional values, and many women were encouraged to return to domestic roles.

The condition of women today

The status of women today varies greatly based on geography, culture, religion, economy and other factors.

However, compared to the past, there have been many positive developments in the field of women's rights and gender equality.

Education

Girls' participation in education has increased in many countries, and in some regions women now surpass men in terms of educational success.

Work

Even though women are more present in the labor market than in the past, equal pay remains a problem in many regions. They are also underrepresented in leadership positions and in certain sectors, such as technology and engineering.

Violence against women

Domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence remain significant problems globally. Campaigns like #MeToo have brought attention to these problems, but there is still much to be done to prevent and address them.

Legal rights

While many nations have made progress in recognizing women's legal rights, discriminatory laws and practices still exist in various countries that limit women's autonomy, property rights, and equality before the law.

Cultural and media influence

Women have become more prominent figures in media, art, sports and other sectors of society, even though they often face gender stereotypes and sexualized portrayals.

In conclusion, although there have been many positive evolutions in women's rights and opportunities over the years, there are still numerous inequalities and challenges that women face around the world.

The fight for gender equality and women's rights continues to be a central issue in the 21st century.

Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.