Patriarchal controls on women’s lives have existed for as long as history records. Control of women by men has always been a result of negative stereotypes, where men are perceived to be superior while women are portrayed as inferior. Such perceptions caused and currently, in some societies continue to place women at the periphery of important social, economic and political spheres. Although women were controlled in the past, patriarchal controls began to weaken, and between 5000 BCE to 1000 CE, the controls weakened because of civilization and war.
Civilization to a great extent paved the way for emancipation of women from strict patriarchal controls. Civilizations in Greece, Rome, China, and India led to the invention of better agriculture techniques, emergence of liberal thoughts and consequently, better ways of thinking (History Haven). If the society was to progress, men had to give women a chance to participate in some activities. Since new ways of doing things were being invented, men could not do everything. Additionally, liberal thoughts triggered enlightenment; women were not just seen as men’s property but important people in the transformation of the society.
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War especially in Greece and Rome meant that men would be enrolled into the army. Women at the time would not be enlisted in the military because they were considered weak. However, since the military was one of the most significant professions at the time for men, women would be left at home. They would not only take care of their families but also take part in important social and economic activities (Cartwright, 2014). Some men would die or get wounded while fighting. Therefore, patriarchal controls on the lives of women had to inevitably weaken to foster sustenance and social progress.
References
Cartwright, M. (2014). The Role of Women in the Roman World. Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/article/659/the-role-of-women-in-the-roman-world/
History Haven. Unit I: Foundations (8000 BCE to 600 CE). Retrieved from http://www.historyhaven.com/APWH/unit1/UNIT%20I%20NOTES.htm
