Gender Inequality In The Renaissance
The English Renaissance lasted predominantly through the sixteenth and early seventeenth century. Its influence was felt in many of the arts. Exploring or acknowledging sexuality was deemed negative due to gender expectations. “Traditionally, women were told to obey their fathers and then their husbands; to be virgins and then chaste wives; to prefer silence to speech and self-expression” (Carole Levin et al., 2000, p.15). The role of women in the renaissance was patriarchal in nature and their roles were secondary to men’s. Even putting class aside, women were expected to take on the traditional role of wife and fulfil the role that the concept of marriage gave them. Education for women was limited and gender inequality was what caused the
lesser roles of women. In turn, men’s roles were quite simple, being the provider and the authoritative, dominant figures. The church played a significant role in sexuality during the Renaissance, believing all sexuality should be heterosexual and the purpose is reproduction. Religious views on sexuality can be seen in works such as The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spencer. However this didn’t stop writers such as Shakespeare from discussing sexuality and identity in his works.
lesser roles of women. In turn, men’s roles were quite simple, being the provider and the authoritative, dominant figures. The church played a significant role in sexuality during the Renaissance, believing all sexuality should be heterosexual and the purpose is reproduction. Religious views on sexuality can be seen in works such as The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spencer. However this didn’t stop writers such as Shakespeare from discussing sexuality and identity in his works.