Family Life and Gender Roles in Ancient Egypt

Introduction

Ancient Egyptian society was highly structured and hierarchical, with a clear division of labor between men and women. This division was based on the belief that men were naturally suited for certain roles, while women were better suited for others.

Gender Roles

Men

• Men were responsible for providing for their families.
• They worked as farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and government officials.
• They were also responsible for defending their families and communities from attack.

Women

• Women were responsible for raising children and managing the household.
• They also worked in a variety of occupations, including weaving, brewing, and baking.
• Women were generally not allowed to hold positions of authority outside the home.

Marriage and Family

• Marriage was an important institution in ancient Egypt.
• It was seen as a way to create a stable and prosperous family.
• Marriages were typically arranged by the parents of the bride and groom.
• The average age of marriage for women was 16, while the average age for men was 20.
• Couples typically had two or three children.

Divorce

• Divorce was relatively rare in ancient Egypt.
• It was only allowed in cases of adultery, desertion, or abuse.
• If a couple divorced, the children typically stayed with the mother.

Conclusion

The division of labor between men and women in ancient Egypt was based on the belief that men were naturally suited for certain roles, while women were better suited for others. This division was reflected in the different occupations that men and women held, as well as in the different roles they played in marriage and family life.