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Women Early Modern Period

In: Historical Events

Submitted By KelBC
Words 1437
Pages 6
The main characteristics of the role of women in Europe changed for the worst during this period. To what extent do you agree with this view of the role and position of women in the Early Modern period?

During the Early Modern period changes involving society and religion began taking place, creating a society that was beneficial to elderly men, whilst restricting women in most aspects of their lives, including life partners and even their ability to become financially independent. This all leads to the conclusion that their role in society ultimately changed for the worst during this period. Although some evidence does point to the fact that men sometimes experienced oppression and a lack of independence over their own lives.

During the Early Modern period, women and their sexuality definitely changed for the worst. During this time people believed anatomist Vesalius about how a woman’s genitalia was the same as a man’s except it was outside in, this was presented in a book called De humani corporis fabrica libri septem, 1543. This led to the belief that women weren’t equal to men because as the Bible states Eve was made from Adam’s rib, and because of the fact men were supposedly created first, this implied importance for their role in society. Galen was one of the main people that disagreed with Vesalius and believed that men and women were sexually equal. However it is possible that Galen’s view wasn’t as supported because religion at the time supported Vesalius and people refused to believe that men and women were equal. Also during this time groups of men would attack non-respected women and sexually assault them to prove their virility to peers, and not only were the women attacked but they were saw as dishonourable afterwards especially if they became pregnant as it was thought that women couldn’t become pregnant without having an orgasm, which showed

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