Gender roles in Athens and Rome

What were the expectations on men in Athens

-provide funds for oikos (household)

-participate in assembly (political arena)

-serve as a soldier. Mandatory for anyone able between 20 and 60

-Behave in a moderate manner, no excess

-act as Kyrios

what was the Oikos

head on household

what was the kyrios

the head of the oikos, responsible for everything in it

expectations of women in Athens

-Fertility to guarantee a male heir for Kyrios

-Fidelity to guarantee the heir is legitimate

-Beauty

-look after oikos; organise slaves, control income, weaving, raising children

Voting in athens

voting was a criteria for citizenship. women couldn’t vote, meaning they weren’t considered citizens

Sarah Pomeroy scholarship (2)

-”While men spend most of their day in public areas such as the marketplace and the gymnasium, respectable women remained at home”

- “The separation of sexes was expressed in private architecture by the provision of separate quarters for men and women”

Women in public (athens)

Women would only be allowed to leave the house during religious festivals and important events in mens lives (eg. births, deaths, waving off to war ect).

expectations for men in rome

-concept of virtus was vital

-participate in political life by climbing cursus honorum

-skilled in public speaking- crucial for a political career

-be the paterfamilias

What is virtus

courage and virtue-

what is cursus honorum

a system of political offices starting in the military

what is patria potestas

legal power over household

expectations for women in rome

-concepts of pudicitia, expected to be virgins when they first married and to live free from extra marital sex

-to be frugal and capable of managing household businesses.

What is pudicitia

chastity, sexual modesty

inheritance in rome

shared between ALL children- even women so it was possible for them to have their own money and property