Classic Eurasia: a time saturated with cultural growth and development of societies. During this era Empires rose and fell, various religions were created, and mankind was morally tested time and time again. In some societies, the equality of men arose from these challenges. In other civilizations however, people were dragged into the toxic cycle of sharply stratified class systems. But, a common presence amongst all of the societies of this time was the patriarchy. Under patriarchal rules, women are inarguably defined as subordinate to men in all matters (233). Indeed, despite differences in culture, religion, and language, the patriarchal oppression of women was a common theme among all Classic Eurasian Empires. Although the patriarchy
…show more content…
Roman women were allowed to spur political discussions as evidence by the women protesting the restrictions on their luxuries during Early First Century Rome (249). After sparking a political debate, women achieved their goal of repealing the law that dictated those restrictions (251). However, their victory was reluctantly accepted by some. Male supporters of maintaining the law saw the female protestors as trouble makers (250). In any case, their struggles paid off, given that the council agreed with the women and repealed the law. Although, political influence was made available to upper class Roman women, these freedoms weren’t available to all classes of women. Similar to India, other classes of women were granted freedoms through religious means. In Pompeii, there is evidence of multiple cults who accepted many women into their ranks. For example, the cult of Dionysus encouraged its followers to temporarily abandon their inhibitions through drunkenness, wild dancing, and unrestrained sexuality (257). Unfortunately, the initiation into these cults could get quiet intense. This is illustrated by the painting documenting the initiation of a young woman into the cult of Dionysus. In the painting the woman appears to be being ritually whipped, whilst another women dances with a pair of cymbals (258). These precarious hazing methods undoubtedly dissuaded many women from using …show more content…
Although these options sometimes overlapped, each Empire typically had unique options for women’s liberation. Indeed, India supported religious means for women of all castes to gain independence. Further, the Roman Empire somewhat supported women politically bartering for what they want. Finally, the Chinese Empire was partial towards educating upper class women and allowing them independent political positions. These methods for woman to gain independence were subtle in their existence in these civilizations. They existed in between the lines of the written status quo, hidden from the weight of the patriarchal society they existed under. Although it was necessary for women to gain their independence somewhat quietly, it was definitely a reality for some. Their existence has been documented and preserved throughout history, allowing a glimpse into the struggles of women in the
Roman women were allowed to spur political discussions as evidence by the women protesting the restrictions on their luxuries during Early First Century Rome (249). After sparking a political debate, women achieved their goal of repealing the law that dictated those restrictions (251). However, their victory was reluctantly accepted by some. Male supporters of maintaining the law saw the female protestors as trouble makers (250). In any case, their struggles paid off, given that the council agreed with the women and repealed the law. Although, political influence was made available to upper class Roman women, these freedoms weren’t available to all classes of women. Similar to India, other classes of women were granted freedoms through religious means. In Pompeii, there is evidence of multiple cults who accepted many women into their ranks. For example, the cult of Dionysus encouraged its followers to temporarily abandon their inhibitions through drunkenness, wild dancing, and unrestrained sexuality (257). Unfortunately, the initiation into these cults could get quiet intense. This is illustrated by the painting documenting the initiation of a young woman into the cult of Dionysus. In the painting the woman appears to be being ritually whipped, whilst another women dances with a pair of cymbals (258). These precarious hazing methods undoubtedly dissuaded many women from using …show more content…
Although these options sometimes overlapped, each Empire typically had unique options for women’s liberation. Indeed, India supported religious means for women of all castes to gain independence. Further, the Roman Empire somewhat supported women politically bartering for what they want. Finally, the Chinese Empire was partial towards educating upper class women and allowing them independent political positions. These methods for woman to gain independence were subtle in their existence in these civilizations. They existed in between the lines of the written status quo, hidden from the weight of the patriarchal society they existed under. Although it was necessary for women to gain their independence somewhat quietly, it was definitely a reality for some. Their existence has been documented and preserved throughout history, allowing a glimpse into the struggles of women in the