Women's Rights During The Renaissance

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Intro: Men and women have never fully possessed equal opportunities or rights, although it has improved immensely over time. During the Renaissance (1300-1700 AD), women were not given that much opportunities. The Renaissance was an iconic rebirth and change for Europe. Humanism was the force of change during this era. It emphasized the study of science, philosophy, art, poetry, and the importance of an individual contribution. With all these new ideas being introduced to society/people, they happened to benefit men more than women. A female’s purpose was for having children and taking care of homes. Including the little to no rights they had, almost everything they did was for the benefit of someone other than themselves. This being …show more content…

This also included not being allowed to have acting roles in theatre. On the other hand, male artists were very successful with the new, realistic art, as well as playing all roles in theatre. The most famous artists during the Renaissance were majority, if not, all men. This is because women were expected to marry, have children, and if they worked, they were not able to work in male dominant professions (like painting). Females were not even able to have formal art training, there were only few who made a living as an artist in the Renaissance, such as Lavina Teerlinc, and Caterina Van Hemessen (http://www.artcyclopedia.com/hot/women-artists-of-the-renaissance-1.html, July 27 2010. February 21 2017). Men played all roles in theatre until 1660, when women started to act in theatre as well. Men had the chance to benefit from the new art and theatre during the renaissance, given the opportunities they …show more content…

They were responsible for being the managers and workers of the household. It was their job once they were married to have as many children as they could, raise the children, and work alongside their husband to support their families. Wealthier women would complete their textile work they were expected to do such as spinning, weaving and embroidering. They mainly had to replenish household supplies, entertain their husbands’ visitors, supervise the servants, and nurse the ill (whether servants or family members). Poor wives would help their husbands on the farm by tending sheep and gardening. (http://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/women-renaissance-and-reformation, 2002, February 21