Histo

Historical Background

Women of the twentieth century are very different from their fourteenth century counterparts. The fourteenth century women were primarily housewives. They stayed home and took care of the children and the house. They had the responsibility of raising the children, cleaning, cooking and working. The women also took care of the farm. Essentially, the woman worked and lived as a slave. Woman during this period were mainly uneducated; they were not allowed to go to school. Only men who had money were able to educate themselves. During the fourteenth century the boys were favored more than the girls. The boy always had to protect the mother and other siblings if anything happened to the father. The man of the family always wanted a son who could one day carry the family name.

Many marriages were arranged in the fourteenth century,to increase status and wealth. For example the king would marry a princess. Marriages were arranged according to status. If there was a problem in the marriage, no divorces were allowed. If the woman did something that upseted the husband, she was likely to receive a beaten from him. It was appropriate for the men to hit the woman if they disobeyed. Men were very fierce during the Middle Age. A woman could never talk back to them or state their opinion. Most woman were very faithful to their spouse. They did not cheat on them or disrespect them in any way. On the other hand, the man was allowed to have a mistress and disobey his spouse as well as abuse her. The women of the fourteenth century were very conservative in the way they looked as well as in the way they thought.

On the other hand, today’s women, the women of the 20th century, are more liberal. Today’s woman are working mothers who have nannies to take care of the children and housecleaners to take care of the house. Today’s woman is more educated than the woman of the fourteenth century. They are able to vote and state their opinion. If there is abuse in a marriage, a woman can now take control of the matter. A woman today has the power to take the spouse into court and resolve a problem with the judge and the jury. Today’s woman is allowed to pursue the man as well as to divorce him.

In many households, you can also see the husband cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the children. Most of the married couples now share chores around the house. They respect as well as help each other during difficulties of life. Women can now raise children, educate them and direct them to a good life without the monetary support of the husband.

As we can see, times have changed for the better. I must say some things still need improvement. Some men are still old fashioned and think they can control and look down on their wife. Some men still do not think a woman should have power in court, at home or in the office. Men believe that a woman’s place is in the home. What do you think?

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