As civilization developed, the social strata became more hierarchical and specific groups of individuals became synonymous with inferiority and thus developed secondary roles in society. Such is the case of women. Since the beginning of the first human civilizations, most men viewed women as lesser individuals, subjugating them to secondary roles and restraining their rights. The rise of such social-Darwinist view of female’s role in society was mainly due to economic factors, as women could not provide for themselves in the new physical labor-intensive economy. Furthermore, based on this social doctrine and economic needs, women abided to numerous heinous social institutions—such as polygamy and work-related discrimination—that further reassured their subordinate state in society. Even in today’s progressive and presumably egalitarian states, mainly those of Europe and North America, women are still subject to discrimination and lesser roles. Although women, until the recent decades, have been subject to a supposedly “separate sphere” and a subordinate socioeconomic place in society, they played a crucial role in the development of human civilization, ingeniously finding manners—particularly through marriage—in which to exert their influence and shape society based on their views.
Before the Neolithic Revolution and the rise of agricultural-based economy, women had an important role in the gathering of substantial resources; thus enjoyed a respectable role in society. In other words, the change in the economy after the commencement of agriculture played a significant role in the lowering of the status of women. Acclaimed biologist Jared Diamond, argued in his Pulitzer prize-winning novel—Guns, Germs, and Steel—that women lost their prominent state in the social field after the manners of acquiring food shifted from hunting and gathering, where they excelled, to an agrarian system that require labor-intensive procedures that fell to men. Regardless, women still sought to exert influence over affairs and, sometimes, rose to prominent position.
The idiom “Behind a great man, there is a great women,” explains the important function women have played throughout history that, although mostly indirectly, has had a paramount effect on it. An excellent example of both the idiom and the prominence of women can be seen in the story of Theodora, wife of the powerful Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Coming from humble beginnings, Theodora sought to better her socioeconomic means. Working as a dancer at a local parlor, she befriended and eventually fell in love with the future Byzantine Emperor, Justinian. Forbidden to marry her due to the strict Byzantine legal code, Justinian—originally a senator—championed legislation that eventually allowed him to marry Theodora. Once married, they both ascended to the throne and became one of the most influential monarch in Byzantine history. Theodora—always keeping her roots in mind—pressured Justinian, whom had a deep sense of love and intellectual respect for Theodora, to pass another set of legislation that guaranteed rights to the lower class and females. This set of laws became known as the Code of Justinian. Furthermore, she also proved to be an excellent advisor, and with her military and social leadership, Justinian was able to stop the Nika Revolts of 532. Theodora serves as a prime example of the influence women yielded on historical events. She played an optimum role in the development and stability of the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Justinian. In addition, she was not viewed as inferior; on the contrary, contemporaneous aristocrats, along with her husband, viewed her as an ingenious socialite and leader that rivaled their capacities.
Furthermore, although during the first millennia of human civilization women tended to influence history indirectly, during the 1800’s they began to voiced more fervently their opinions and demand equality. This can be seen to through the numerous reform movements of the era. With growing economic opportunities of the nineteenth century, women were allowed to be more independent. Some did not subject themselves to marriage and pursued their own independent careers and lives. The greater freedoms women began to enjoy allowed them to enact social reform movements. For example, according to a report on “Women in the Gilded Age” by the Library of Congress, women pushed for the abolition of alcohol in what became known as the Temperance Movement. During this period, women did not have political rights and the reform movements provided with another venue, besides espousal influence, to voice their opinions and, in some cases, mold society based on their beliefs.
Moreover, Evelyn Nesbitt, from E.L Doctorow‘s acclaimed novel—Ragtime—portrays the rising liberalization of women. Throughout the cinematic adaption of the literary work, Nesbitt demonstrates a deep self-struggle, perplexed about her place in society. Eventually, after working hard and focusing solely on her, she is able to rise to a position of her desire. In other words, Nesbitt dynamic characterization mirrors the rising desire for women to better themselves and gain equality to that of men. It also shows that women have the same potential and aspirations as men. They are both human and, most likely, want to attain a respectable socioeconomic state. Doctorow’s depiction of women premonitions the rising struggle for female suffrage after the Gilded Age, as women grew tired of having a secondary role in society.
Although women had the ability to influence society and history through various means, it is important to notice that that was usually not always the case. Kate Chopin’s “A Story of an Hour” provides an excellent example of the struggles some females faced in marriage. In said story, a woman is elated to hear her husband perished; however, this was faulty information and her husband is actually alive. At the end, only a couple of minutes after she was informed, her husband arrives and she, ironically, is the one that dies. The events of “A Story of an Hour” are symbolic of the restraining life women were subject to, and are still are in some parts of the world, by marriage and tradition. The female protagonist preferred death to returning to a life of oppression under the tight bonds of marriage.
Women have experienced a turbulent history when it comes to their socioeconomic place in society. Although some might have been subjugated to total oppression, others were still were able to yield a significant amount of influence over the course of both domestic and external affairs, sometimes—as in the case of Theodora—affecting the course of history. It is important to note that, regardless of the influence and socioeconomic prominence they might enjoy through marriage, women were still not equal to men until the contemporary era. As “A Story of an Hour” demonstrates, women did not know the true meaning of freedom regardless of how benevolent and willing her husband might be. However, females were tenacious in the manner in which they indirectly ran society until equality was granted.
