Women's Roles In The Renaissance

Women’s Roles Compared to Men’s in the Renaissance The Renaissance has been considered a period of rebirth and renewal. From 1350 to 1550 men made new discoveries in art and politics, but women’s roles did not grow or evolve much at all. Most historians concur that the Renaissance was a time of rebirth for men rather than women because men were the rulers of everything ,women were seen as prizes, and they were excluded from opportunities that men had. Some women evolved in the Renaissance by taking part in their father’s family business. Instead of staying home taking care of their families and doing housework women helped their fathers in family businesses. Women largely impacted the Renaissance by taking care of the men and their families. Women were the main reason for keeping households together and stable, and taking care of their husbands. [Their husbands

Roman law stated that women were not allowed to participate in certain activities because they were considered incompetent. Women were looked at as fragile, delicate people who could not provide or stand up for themselves. Since they were seen as incompetent, men did not see them worthy enough to make big decisions. “Roman law, as codified in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian, presupposes female incapability and is typified by a protective, paternalistic attitude. Such an approach tends to justify the exclusion of women from certain activities” (Kittell). An aura of paternalism existed which made them weak unlike men who were not seen as sympathetic as women. Roman law exempted women from any sort of leadership also. Stereotypical attitudes existed and made women appear incompetent. Lastly, gender roles appeared in artwork. Although artwork revolved around women mostly it was not all good. While women were seen as beautiful and dainty, artwork also portrayed them as weak, fragile, and