Role of women and children (1600-1900)

The role of women has changed dramatically throughout the centuries. The early years for women were always harsh and demanding, but as time went on and feminism spread, the role of women and family became more dominant. The male Christian clergy portrayed women in the Middle Ages having two options: subjugated housewife or confined nun. Fortunately, most medieval women avoided both fates. The vast majority of them, in fact, worked in a range of trades, …

…as has the European environmental movement), and on helping women as individuals take control of their own lives. European women have fewer children than in the past, which leaves them more time developing careers. Abortion, which was widely available in Europe, has reemerged as a political issue. Women in Eastern Europe were entitled to guarantees of equality and broad benefits; they are now learning how best to make their way in more free-market, democratic systems.