Women in Athens and Sparta
Women in Athens and Sparta
Women in Athens and Sparta
| Differences between women in Athens and women in Sparta | ||
| Sparta | Athens | |
| 1. | Taught both to defend themselves and how to read and write | Only taught how to read and write and essential households jobs |
| 2. | Enjoyed much freedom and rights | Had very less freedom and rights |
| 3. | Were allowed to inherit property and own wealth | Not entitled to inherit property |
| 4. | Did not care much about artificial beauty and were not allowed to use jewelry, powder, or creams | Bothered much about beauty. Were allowed to use any cosmetics to be attractive and charming |
| 5. | Provided with both academic and physical education | Not allowed to participate in athletics events |
Similarities between Athenian and Spartan Women
- They have to get married and arrangements done by their fathers
- They were expected to give birth to strong and healthy sons
- They were not allowed to join or attend the assembly
- What qualities/traits did the Athenians value?
Even though they gave women little education, Athenians valued the concept of culture and education. Their primary objective was to build a democratic society. They knew that the only approach to creating a robust democratic society was to encourage well-informed citizens. Men were educated, learned how to read and write. They also learned to play instruments and sing and became citizens at 18 years. Girls, on the other hand, were not given education, stayed at home to take household responsibilities with little personal freedom, and expected to have children.
- What qualities/traits did the Spartans value?
Spartans placed great value on military strength, education, and discipline. Women were given independence, freedom, and rights. Any male Spartan citizen took part in the mandatory education system funded by the state which emphasized the values of courage, endurance, obedience, and self-control. Spartan men committed their lives to military service and lived as a communally.
- What was the most unusual or surprising Spartan practice?
The most surprising thing practiced by the Spartans is the sharing a wife and treating the children as their own. In Sparta, a single man can contact a friend and ask if he could have his wife for a short time to bear him a child. Marriage existed only for the procreation of children, and unlike our modern society where social and emotional needs coupled with reproduction defines marriage, this practice is surprising.
- If you were a woman in ancient Greece, which city would you prefer to live in? Which social class would you prefer? Why?
If I were a woman, I would choose the city of Sparta. Here, I would have more strength, freedom, independence, and rights. I would also get education and military training. I would prefer to be in a higher social class because, in this state, women are allowed to inherit property and own wealth. The freedom that women enjoy in Sparta is what would most inspire meto live there. Women in this area had a reputation for boldness and extravagance. They could wear tunics in a way that would give them much more freedom of movement and a chance to show a little thigh and leg if they wanted. Living in an environment where you have freedom and rights is a form of empowerment. As a woman, I can achieve a lot in terms of taking care of my children and protecting my state through courage and military practice. In Athens, women’s primary responsibility was to bear healthy children and manage the household. They were expected to remain inside the home, but only leave to join funerals and festivities of certain cults meant for them. As much as I would love to bear children and take care of them, this is not the kind of life I would like to live.
References
O’Pry, Kay (2014) Social and Political Roles of Women in Athens and Sparta, Saber and Scroll: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 3.
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