Sexism's origins are complex, but it's widely believed to have solidified after the adoption of agriculture and sedentary cultures, when the concept of one gender being inherently inferior to the other—typically women—became established.
This wasn't a sudden event, but a gradual shift tied to societal changes:
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Shift in Labor Roles: With agriculture, societies began to develop more defined labor roles. Men often took on tasks that involved physical strength or venturing away from the settlement (like hunting or clearing fields), while women were often relegated to tasks closer to home (child rearing, food preparation, and tending to domestic animals). This division, while initially practical, contributed to a perception of differing values between men's and women's work.
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Control of Resources and Lineage: As societies became more settled and accumulated resources, the importance of inheritance and lineage grew. This led to increased emphasis on controlling women's reproductive capacity to ensure the "purity" of bloodlines and the secure transmission of property. This control further limited women's autonomy and power.
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Development of Hierarchical Social Structures: Agriculture also led to the development of more complex and hierarchical social structures. Men often occupied positions of power and authority, reinforcing the idea that they were inherently more capable of leadership.
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Justification through Mythology and Religion: These emerging inequalities were often justified through mythology and religious beliefs. Stories and doctrines were created that portrayed women as being inherently weaker, more susceptible to temptation, or subservient to men.
Examples of Early Sexism:
- Ancient Mesopotamia: Laws and customs in early Mesopotamian societies, such as the Code of Hammurabi, often codified unequal treatment of women, particularly in matters of property, divorce, and adultery.
- Ancient Greece: While some women in ancient Greece held positions of influence, the dominant view was that women were intellectually and physically inferior to men and should be confined to the domestic sphere.
- Ancient Egypt: Although women in ancient Egypt enjoyed more rights and freedoms than in many other ancient societies, they were still generally excluded from positions of political power and high-level religious authority.
It's crucial to remember that sexism is not a monolithic phenomenon. Its specific manifestations have varied across cultures and historical periods. However, the core principle of one gender being inherently superior to the other, and the subsequent unequal treatment and power dynamics that result, are rooted in these historical and societal shifts that began with the advent of agriculture and sedentary lifestyles.
