Similarities Between Medieval European Women And Modern Day Australian Women

MEDIEVAL EUROPEAN WOMEN AND MODERN-DAY AUSTRALIAN WOMEN - COMPARATIVE ESSAY

- Sarah Zulkernain

Women in modern-day Australian society have many rights, responsibilities and freedoms allowing them to do anything they please, as long as it is within the bounds of the law. Women are also entitled to the same rights as their fellow male counterparts. Today, we regard many of our freedoms as basic human rights, however, previously in history, it wasn’t always seen this way, especially regarding medieval women and their position within society. Women in medieval Europe had very different experiences in life compared to modern-day women in Australia. This varied from significant things like legal rights to simple things like education, and work.

During the Middle Ages, women were allowed to work and were even known to work alongside men in things such as harvesting. They worked to support their families and themselves like many women still do today. Though businesswomen during both times could protect their assets, in medieval Europe this was only if their area of trade was different to that of their husbands. Many things done by medieval women to work and earn money for their families are still done today by modern women living in Australia. These things include making and selling drinks, food, cloth and clothing; assisting with the birth of a baby; running shops; brewing and selling ale; and creating amazing pieces of literature and art such as poems and paintings. Though there are many similarities between the work opportunities of medieval women and modern women, there are also a few differences. For example, despite women being able to work and earn an income, their economic activities during the Middle Ages were seen as secondary to men. Some companies even needed permission from the woman's husband to let her work there. Today, this is no longer the case. In Australia, a law prevents women from being paid less than men if they are doing equal work. As stated previously, women in modern Australia have the right to make their own money, meaning that they do not need to get their husband’s consent to work. This proves that women’s life in Australia has changed over the years for the better, giving women an enhanced opportunity to do work of their choosing in a more equal