Women in Ancient Athens

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the limited rights of women in archaic Athens regarding ownership of property. The paper looks at Frederick Engels belief that women's oppression was an unnatural consequence of property relations and was essential for the survival and the privileges of men. The paper therefore shows how Engels' theory on the oppression of women confirms the formal and legal position of women in archaic and classical Athens.

From the Paper:

"Law in ancient Athens forbade a woman from engaging in business transactions with money value in excess of five or six days' food for her family (Thompson 2005). Buying anything beyond that required the approval of a male guardian. Ownership of property was likewise complicated and frustrating to her. She might have owned and used a slave, clothing, furniture and jewelry every day but she could not sell or give any of them. She might have claim over land but had no right either to use or sell it. Her rights over property did not mean or include ownership (Thompson)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clarke, R. (2005). The origin of the family, private property and the state by Frederick Engels. Lits2007. 2 pages. Retrieved on January 22, 2008 from http://www.nlwclarke.net/coursesLITS2307/2004-2005/11BEngelsOriginofhteFamily,PrivatePropertyandtheState.pdf
• German, L.(1994(. Frederick Engels: life of a revolutionary. Issue 65. 50 web pages. International Socialism Journal: International Socialism
• Thompson, J. (2005). Women and property in ancient Athens. 5 web pages. Women in the Ancient World. Retrieved on January 22, 2008 from http://www.womenintheancientworld.com/women_and_property_in_athens.htm

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