10/13 Medieval Women (#7a)

Women have not always received the same treatment or respect as they do to day. In the medieval ages many scholars believed women to be inferior.

Misogynists

One justification for the idea that women were “defective male[s]” was that man was made in the image of God and woman was only “made from man” (1843). A second justification is that all women are “guilty through Eve’s transgression” (1844). Women in the medieval ages were also thought to be “chronic and even dangerous talkers” (1844).

The belief of women inferiority is less prevalent today. There are circles and small groups where sexist thinking prevails, but their influence on culture is minimal. In todays culture, a woman does not have to endure such judgement and if she should find herself in one of the backward sexist circles, it is likely she subjected herself to their influence. Usually, the act of subjecting to the circles influence is unnecessary and there is no benefit to receiving the circles criticism or even abuse.

Feminists

One argument against women inferiority in the medieval ages is that woman was not made from man’s head or foot, “but from his rib” (1844). The rib is ment to signify the “social union of man and woman,” not emphasize man or woman dominance.

The rebuttal to the inferior women argument is stronger. The idea is more consistent with the teaching in the bible.

While at first glance the inferior women argument appears oddly sound, it is inconsistent with the rest of Christ's teaching.