Women's second-class status in ancient Greek society

¶ … Greek women were treated as second-Class people in Greek society

Evidence of women's subjugation and status as second-class people in Greek society were primarily indicated in legal and philosophical writings. In general, women were not given the privilege to take part in Greek public life, thus limiting their activities and opportunities in life within the domain of domesticity.

The cultivation of a Greek woman's second-class status is reflected in her relationship with her family. Early on in her life, a girl is almost always under the control of a male guardian, either her father, brother, or a male relative. Increased dependence occurs when the woman reaches the age of eighteen, wherein she undergoes arranged marriage with a man who is in his 30s. This large age discrepancy reflects the fact that women are not given the chance to enjoy and make the most out of their singlehood, while males are given the privilege to not only enjoy singlehood, but has the choice to choose the woman he is going to marry through arranged marriage. Dowry and gifts given to the bride are under the control of her father or brother. At the event of a divorce, a woman is return to her family and the dowry given back to her ex-husband. These family and marriage arrangements leave women at a disadvantage, showing how the people closest to them actually contribute to the perpetuation of their second-class status in Greek society.

Evidence that shows women as second-class citizens in Greek society is people's regard for them as only child-bearers. They are only valued for their ability to reproduce; however, despite this unique capability, women are still considered as commodities, to be passed on as wife of one male to another male (he can also be a relative of the woman) in order to produce the desired male child. The birth of a male child is preferred because it ensures a family that the tradition of oikos is preserved, where it is preferred that a male will take over and control the household's property and wealth.

Women are also separated from the male members of the family and are put in a separate room in the house. This arrangement is tolerated in order to preoccupy the woman on her household chores, while the man (husband, father, and/or brother) goes on to enjoy the comforts that the women in his family provide for him.