Patriarchy in Ancient Rome
On this page, you can identify the importance of patriarchy in ancient Rome as you prepare yourself for your travels. Knowledge of family structure will exhibit importance as you interact closely with the Romans.
As in all ancient societies, Patriarchy dominates in all families and Rome is no exception. Patriarchy is a social structure within the family with the oldest male at the top, and everyone else in the family – wife, children, parents – obeying him. Since the oldest male was the head of the house hold, if anyone within his family committed a crime, he accepts responsibility for the crime and is expected to receive the punishment. Also, the head of the family can force marriage on his children, divorce, sell his children into slavery, and punish/kill his family members at any time.
While women have the least power in Roman society, they do have more rights and freedom than most women of this time period. They are allowed to own property, control their dowries, receive some formal education, and attend pater functions. However, women cannot join legions, vote, hold office, and are expected to exert their time and energy in maintaining the home. Once women are middle aged, their influence in their family's life grows by a little. Children, like women, do not posses much power in the family. Their spouses are chosen for them and while the the oldest male is still alive, the oldest son does not have any power.
As in all ancient societies, Patriarchy dominates in all families and Rome is no exception. Patriarchy is a social structure within the family with the oldest male at the top, and everyone else in the family – wife, children, parents – obeying him. Since the oldest male was the head of the house hold, if anyone within his family committed a crime, he accepts responsibility for the crime and is expected to receive the punishment. Also, the head of the family can force marriage on his children, divorce, sell his children into slavery, and punish/kill his family members at any time.
While women have the least power in Roman society, they do have more rights and freedom than most women of this time period. They are allowed to own property, control their dowries, receive some formal education, and attend pater functions. However, women cannot join legions, vote, hold office, and are expected to exert their time and energy in maintaining the home. Once women are middle aged, their influence in their family's life grows by a little. Children, like women, do not posses much power in the family. Their spouses are chosen for them and while the the oldest male is still alive, the oldest son does not have any power.