Gender Roles in Ancient Greece

Paper Summary:

This paper states that sexual roles were very different in ancient Greece as compared to today. The author points out that the differences between sexuality and gender were even more distinct back in ancient Greece. The paper relates that Odysseus, as he makes his travels through "The Odyssey", frequently pushes the limits of his gender role as presented in chapters 9 and 22.

From the Paper:

"Sexual roles were very different in ancient Greece, compared to those roles today. In fact, the differences between "sexuality" and "gender" were even more distinct back in ancient Greece. Just as in the modern world, sexual activity had certain strictures and gender roles had well-defined limits. All of these roles with their strictures and limits appeared in the literature of the time. Odysseus, as he makes his travels through The Odyssey, frequently pushes the limits of his gender role. This paper will discuss how he does so both in Chapter 9 and how he resolves this issue in Chapter 22. Over the centuries, men have traditionally been expected to behave "as men." Traditionally, they have taken on the role of family guardian and provider, of warrior and politician. Women have traditionally been the nurturers and caregivers, both soothing and passive."

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