Essay --

Gender roles have been a predominant factor in our world since the early emergence of human societies. They are based on expectations that societies have over the people in them. Gender roles have always been a part of society, whether they are positive or negative. The Epic of Sunjata, shows us how men and women are treated almost equally in different forms. Women are praised for their ability to birth leaders, which is similar to the early Greek Society. In most societies, women are treated less equal than men. This was prevalent in the early Indian society. No matter the gender role, it has been shown that any society cannot survive without both men and women. As we studied in class, early Indian culture and society in 300 C.E., the Hindu society was dominated by the caste system, which influenced almost every aspect of life. Each caste had its own particular dharma, carrying with rights, obligations and restrictions. Beyond this was a generalized dharma applicable to all: deference to the Brahmins, devotion to the gods, and reverence for the Ganges and for sacred cattle. Procreation too, was considered a sacred duty: large families were seen as blessings from the gods, and any attempt to limit family size was frowned upon. Since reproduction was essential to reincarnation, for most people marriage and parenthood were moral obligations. Naturally, to fulfill their dharma, people had to marry within their caste. Unwillingly to leave such a crucial concern to romance or personal choice, parents arranged proper unions for their children, sometimes at ages as young as eight or nine, before sexual attraction had a chance to complicate things. Indian society was patriarchal, centered on villages and extended families dominated by ... ...o Greek polis ever granted them. Athenian women, in contrast, were confined to the home, except for infrequent occasions such as celebrations or funerals. As full citizens of a state that relied on substantial male political participation, Athenian husbands possessed nearly total authority over their households and everyone living in them. A woman was protected by her father or male guardian until she married; if divorced or widowed, she returned to him Virginity before marriage was highly prized for both men and women. After marriage, wives were expected to remain faithful, but a husband’s casual adultery, particularly when away from home, was not considered immoral. Wives ran from their households, supervised slaves and wove clothing for family members. Once menopause occurred, Athenian women enjoyed greater freedom, working as midwives, nurses and seamstresses.