Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I. DEFINITION OF TERMS. Define each term below and give your own understanding of
each word.
4. GENDER PAY GAP – In my own understanding, the gender pay gap refers to the
average difference in pay between men and women for the same work. It is a
manifestation of gender inequality in the workplace, where women typically earn less
than men for performing the same jobs.
1. GREEK - In ancient Greece, gender roles were distinctly divided, and the society was predominantly
patriarchal. Men were primarily involved in public life and decision-making, dominating political, social, and
economic spheres. Women, on the other hand, were confined mostly to the domestic sphere, their roles revolving
around household duties and managing family affairs. However, it is essential to note that there were exceptions,
particularly in mythology and among the deities, where goddesses held significant power and influence, reflecting
a complex view of femininity and strength. Additionally, the city-state of Sparta presented a somewhat different
picture, where women had more freedom and could own property.
2. EGYPT - Ancient Egypt presented a more nuanced view of gender roles compared to many contemporary
societies. Women in ancient Egypt enjoyed a higher degree of social and legal rights. They could own property,
initiate divorce, and were involved in court proceedings. The society revered goddesses as much as gods, with
deities like Isis exemplifying the ideal mother and wife while also being a powerful magic practitioner. Pharaohs,
regardless of gender, were considered divine, and female pharaohs like Hatshepsut demonstrated that women
could rule as effectively as men. This relative gender equality, however, did not necessarily translate into all
aspects of daily life, where traditional roles were often maintained.
3. CHINA - In ancient China, Confucian philosophy greatly influenced gender roles, emphasizing a patriarchal
society where filial piety and hierarchical order were paramount. Men were seen as the carriers of family lineage
and were dominant in social, political, and familial roles. Women were expected to adhere to the "Three
Obediences": to their father before marriage, their husband after marriage, and their son in widowhood. Despite
these constraints, there were periods and dynasties where women exercised significant influence, such as Empress
Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, who was the only woman to declare herself emperor in Chinese history.
Additionally, in literature and philosophy, women's roles and their contributions were sometimes idealized,
though often these ideals still reinforced traditional gender norms.
س ْ ع ال م ن
ُ إَف َ َ ”ر: Fa Inna ma'al 'usri yusra : Verily, with hardship comes ease - Surah Ash-Sharh (The Relief)
ْ ُي ْس ًرا ع
[94:6], Qur'an.”