The author’s claim that the position of Roman women was different from that of Greek women is supported by several key differences in their roles and societal status.
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Legal Status and Citizenship: Roman women, while still lacking full citizenship rights, had more legal autonomy than their Greek counterparts. In Rome, women could own property, inherit assets, and manage their financial affairs, especially in the later periods of the Republic and Empire. In contrast, Greek women were largely under the legal authority of their male guardians and had limited rights regarding property ownership.
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Household Authority: As noted in the quote, Roman matrons wielded significant influence within their households. They were responsible for managing domestic affairs, including finances, property, and the education of children. This contrasts with Greek women, particularly in Athens, who were expected to remain secluded and had little authority or responsibility outside of child-rearing and weaving.
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Social Expectations and Public Life: While Roman women primarily operated within the home, they could participate in social and religious events. They played active roles in religious ceremonies and could attend public events in a manner that was often restricted for Greek women, especially in cities like Athens, where women were generally expected to remain hidden from public life except for specific occasions.
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Marriage and Social Alliances: Roman women often married for love and had a greater say in choosing their partners compared to Greek women, who were typically married off for political alliances or familial ties. This agency in marriage contributed to their elevated status in society as matrons who managed their households and had a more prominent role in the family structure.
In summary, these distinctions illustrate that the role of women in Roman society allowed for greater autonomy, authority within the home, and social engagement compared to the more restrictive and subordinate roles of women in Greek society during the time of Pericles.