Post 2: The Roles of Women

Change can be so significant when it comes to gender roles throughout history.  Throughout time it can be seen how the roles of change between genders especially with the involvement of women.  This perception of genders roles have been proven not to be permanent and can be viewed through the compare and contrast of lifestyles from the different times of eras. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Reinsurance and into the 19th century.

The early roles for women in the Middle's Age society is way different from today's modern time.  Women's roles in the middle ages can be seen almost in comparison to a servant, towards her husband needs and wants.  In the middle ages, it was suggested that women should not take a big roles in choices and have a voice of opinion.  Most women were viewed to keep domesticated areas of her household in check.  Women were not viewed to leave their home for work purposes; family care should come first for them.  Due to these restrictions, it left men to be seen as "bread-maker" and leader of their household by popular culture of the time.  As stated from "The Guerilla Girls' Bedside Companion To The History of Western Art", "It was a courageous act for a woman to be an outspoken intellectual in an era when females were thought to be morally inferior and incapable of reason or logic".(The Guerilla Girls 23)  Therefore, it was hard for women to advance with their interests of art, but there were some females able to gain success. Interesting Timeline of the Few Middle Ages Women Rulers

"The Bricklayers", From The City of Ladies,

A piece by Christine De Pizan to show symbolize the 'bravest, strongest, most virtuous women from history.'  These women signifying reason, rectitude and justice.

From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period time, women's roles began to build and improve slowly.  Women began to have the privilege to work and study outside of their homes.  As women became more independent during this time period, their stories of horror were brought to attention.  It was a significant time period because women artists were able to bring their horrific stories through their creations of art pieces, especially in their paintings.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes,C. 1620

  

This artwork shows the story of women taking control.  It symbolizes that women are capable more than people would think.  Many people first thoughts is how could a woman not bear to look away when committing such a powerful, and wrongful act.

Some interesting things that were stated about, "What a woman was allowed to do in the Renaissance:

• "She could divorce her husband only if she could prove him impotent
• She could savage her reputation by marring any man who raped her.
• She could attend or teach in a university if she moved to Bologna
• She could get a legal abortion sanctioned by the catholic church, but the primitive procedure could kill her
• She could wear underwear only if she was an aristocrat. A prostitute. An actress. Or a window washer."

(The Guerilla Girls 32) 


Finally into the 19th century, women's roles in society began to be somewhat acceptable in society.  Women during this time was still looked past their skills and knowledge due their gender difference.

Some interesting things that were stated about, "If you were a 19th century Girl...."

• You could be used to symbolize Democracy-E.G., The Statue of Liberty-But you weren't allowed to vote.
• You could not be the legal guardian of your own children or hold a job without your husband's permission.
• In France, your husband could divorce you if you gave him syphilis.  But you couldn't divorce him if he gave it to you.
• You could finally become a practicing lawyer or doctor, but surviving law or med school was like surviving citadel today.

(The Guerilla Girls 52)

During the 19th century, women artists still faced challenges to getting their artwork appreciated by society.  This was because of gender still playing a role in recognition.  As The Guerilla Girls state, "Women who became artists-like Mary Cassatt, Rosa Bonheur and Edmonia Lewis- had to fight to be taken seriously.  They were success stories, managing to live as they chose (often by traveling as far from home as they could).  Although, women artists faced challenges in these times, it should be taook into consideration the dedication and hardships women went through just to make sure that they got to prove their message of that 'yes women can have the talents and skills it takes to succeed' and that men should watch out for what time can offer.



 Another Interesting Timeline of Women Rulers of 19th Century