Read the quote about women in Roman society. “[T]he position of the Roman matron was quite different from that of the Greek matron in the time of Pericles. The Roman matron was mistress in her own household. As the husband took charge of all external transactions, so the wife was supreme in household arrangements.” —James Donaldson, Woman; Her Position and Influence in Ancient Greece and Rome Based on your knowledge of the role of women in the Roman republic, provide evidence to prove the author’s claim that the position of Roman women was different from that of Greek women. (4 points)

Answer 1

The quote highlights the distinct social roles of women in Roman society compared to their Greek counterparts, particularly in the context of the household and family structure. Here are four points of evidence to support James Donaldson's claim:

1. Legal Status and Authority: In ancient Rome, women enjoyed a degree of legal independence and authority over their households. While they were not granted full citizenship rights, Roman women, especially from the upper classes, could own property, manage finances, and make legal decisions regarding their estates. This contrasts starkly with the situation in classical Athens, where women were generally under the control of their male guardians (kyrios) and had limited legal rights.

2. Economic Roles: Roman matrons often played significant roles in managing their family’s wealth and resources. They were involved in the production and management of goods and agriculture, with the ability to supervise slaves and servants. In contrast, Greek women, particularly in Athens, had limited access to economic activities outside the household and were generally excluded from participating in public life.

3. Social Influence: Roman women, particularly those from patrician families, had a notable social presence and could exert influence within their households and on their husbands’ public lives. Notable Roman women like Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus, were known to have significant political influence. In contrast, Greek women were typically confined to the domestic sphere and had minimal visibility in public life, especially in Athens.

4. Cultural Expectations: The cultural ideals surrounding women also differed; Roman society often celebrated the concept of the matrona, who was expected to be a strong matriarch and family leader. The values of pietas (duty), fidelitas (loyalty), and the management of family affairs were highly regarded. In contrast, Greek society often idealized the notion of female modesty and seclusion, with women expected to remain largely passive and confined to the home, particularly in the context of the Athenian model.

These points illustrate that Roman women, especially within the context of their households, enjoyed greater autonomy and respect compared to their Greek counterparts, supporting Donaldson's assertion of a different positionality in society.