In reading both Book V of Plato’s Republic and Book I of Aristotle’s Politics, there is a noticeable difference in the ideal role of women within each philosopher’s view. To compare and contrast these differences, one must observe the culture of the Ancient Greeks as well as understand the fundamental inequality between men and women in Greek city-states. In all aspects of Greek life, women were unequal to men. They were not allowed to own land, inherit, vote, or participate in many social and political activities of the time. Their husbands were their masters, their home and family were their only purpose. With that in mind, it is easy to see where Plato’s ideas of women were drastically radical. While Plato acknowledges women’s inherent weakness
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However, Plato was able to think outside of Greek culture and recognize an opportunity for growth of the society by educating women and allowing them more responsibilities and opportunities. Aristotle, on the other hand, maintains the status-quo of Greek gender roles, claiming that women are to remain subservient to men in every aspect. Throughout the growth of western civilization, we have seen many reforms concerning women and their role in society. In more recent history, there are examples of women taking traditional male roles in times of warfare and instability, such as the female work force being instrumental to the United States victory in WWII. This development pulls parallels from Plato's Republic in illustrating women's potential to aid in war and guardianship. Today, women are considered practically equal to men in academia and the workforce and their role in childcare is almost level with men. In this way, Plato’s works are much more closely aligned with the growth of women in western civilization than Aristotle’s. It is fair to say that Plato’s views were ahead of his time and did not become major aspects of society for thousands of years. However, Plato had the foresight to acknowledge opportunities in the roles of women that have become crucial to the survival and growth
However, Plato was able to think outside of Greek culture and recognize an opportunity for growth of the society by educating women and allowing them more responsibilities and opportunities. Aristotle, on the other hand, maintains the status-quo of Greek gender roles, claiming that women are to remain subservient to men in every aspect. Throughout the growth of western civilization, we have seen many reforms concerning women and their role in society. In more recent history, there are examples of women taking traditional male roles in times of warfare and instability, such as the female work force being instrumental to the United States victory in WWII. This development pulls parallels from Plato's Republic in illustrating women's potential to aid in war and guardianship. Today, women are considered practically equal to men in academia and the workforce and their role in childcare is almost level with men. In this way, Plato’s works are much more closely aligned with the growth of women in western civilization than Aristotle’s. It is fair to say that Plato’s views were ahead of his time and did not become major aspects of society for thousands of years. However, Plato had the foresight to acknowledge opportunities in the roles of women that have become crucial to the survival and growth