Duality Of Gender Roles In Aztec Society

The goddesses of ancient Mexico played an important role not only in religion, but also in politics, culture, and art. They were very significant and influential figures in society which through stories and narratives about them, led people to justify how the world was created which they implement that on how societies should be created. This led to the justification and validation of hierarchical societies, rules and regulations in relation to genders, and the distinctions of gender roles in the home and in society. Two major ancient Mexican civilizations that were highly religious and devoted to their goddesses whom they believed were responsible in the creation of the earth and humans but were also belonging in the groups of women of enemies …show more content…
Much of their social environment is based on the principle of gender complementary and duality, where although men and women have separate work and roles in society, they are both still considered to be equal. Duality was an important aspect in Mesoamerican societies because it was integral in the people’s daily lives and shows pairing and binary contrasts that distinguish male and female roles and are considered both to be equally important. Duality and gender complementary both were fundamental in the Mayan and Aztec’s religion and were also associated with the gods and goddesses of Mesoamerica such as there is a male and female version of the patron of nature they are associated with that helped to create balance and harmony in the world which men and women had different, but equally important roles to create balance in their societies. They believed that the birth of all living things especially human beings and agricultural crop required complementary male and female contributions. This idea emphasized the equivalence and interdependence of men and women in economic and social life which was prominent in many areas of Mayan and Aztec lives. Men and women could both own houses, land, and other property, inheritance of assets are divided equally, and there were no concepts of primogeniture in these societies. Although most women had traditional roles of staying at home and caring for …show more content…
Although women were highly respected and were regarded as warriors during childbirth that help to contribute to societies, they were greatly feared if they ever had too much power which would cause chaos and disorder in societies. While men became warriors to find glory and honor, and fought for self-fulfillment, which they were able to have individual goals, women had to be unselfish and care for society, which they were expected to promote the welfare of the home and community. Women were responsible for the ultimate altruistic act of giving life to others and maintaining the social networks which bound the community together and were expected selflessly to keep the peace. The narratives and stories of the goddesses helped to emphasized and justify these fears that were people believed were evidence of the affects and consequences if women ever had too much power. Although female deities and gods create, sustained, and controlled human, life, they can also take away lives and destroy the world. They are not only considered to be nurturers and mothers, but also as temptresses and enemies. As Hall stated, “Duality throughout the pre-Columbian religions of the area is most strikingly portrayed in the goddesses” shows how women have two