16th Century Gender Roles

Over time values have greatly changed, for example, gender roles and courtship. Literature has coincided along history and it 's a great way to view how these values have changed. William Shakspeare’s Taming of the Shrew is a great example of how gender roles and courtship were portrayed in the 16th century. Although it was controversial in its time because the lead,Katharine, is a strong-willed woman who believed she didn’t need a man in her life. It is obvious that everybody 's obsession in this time period, and some small-minded people now is that a woman absolutely needs a man to survive.

There are many problems with believing that a woman should rely on men, especially in the 16th century. Men were the providers and women relied on their

In the 16th century, it was completely normal for younger girls to marry guys of any age. If we compare how this would have been handled in the 21st century, it would not be tolerated. As soon as a man is of legal age, it is frowned upon if he dates a young girl. If a man is caught dating a younger girl he risks being fined and going to jail. There are many laws that have been instituted to protect underage girls since the 16th century. Although in the 16th century age was not a matter because bachelors worried more about how much money they would be getting

The education they received was usually from their mothers, who taught them how to maintain their household and take care of children. Middle and higher class women usually received more education from private tutors or their parents. Middle class women were mostly taught needlework, reading, and writing. Higher class women were also taught music and sometimes other languages. In general, most women were taught to read by their husbands. Regardless of their education, women were not allowed to work. The only circumstance a woman was allowed to work was with their husband or father if he was a