On The Status Of Roman Women

The status of women in society is one of the signs to observe the degree of development of a society. This article describes the changes of Roman women's status in different historical periods from the economic, political, marriage and family angle, analyzes reasons of Roman women's status changes, and evaluates the effects of these changes.The position change of Roman women are mainly embodied in changes of the role and position in marriage and family, economic and political status changes, etc. The first, the changes of Roman women in marriage and family roles and position contains Roman women's marriage decision developing from nothing, the punishing object of violation of ethics from women alone unfairly to both men and women, the degree of freedom of women's divorce gradually increasing.The second, economic status changes of Roman women are reflected in the expanding of property ownership and enhancement in the degree of participation in social economic activities. The third, political status changes of Roman women are mainly embodied gradual improvement in the women's political participation and enrichment of religion life.The changes of Roman women's status is the result of comprehensive effect induced by many factors. Judging from the objective reasons, firstly, the development of commodity economy provides financial and social support for the improvement of women's social status. Secondly, because of frequent foreign wars, men have to fight battles in a long time and can not participate in the economic and social life, so women have more opportunities to participate in social life. Thirdly, with the decline of patriarchy and the maturity of state system, women have acquired more freedom. Fourthly, the improvement of legal system has strengthened protection for women. Fifthly, the thought of women's protection of Christian contributes to the emancipation of women. Judging from the subjective reasons, the gradual strengthen of women's self-awareness brings important efforts to the improvements of their own rights.The change of Roman women's status has produced great influences in the development of ancient Rome society.The improvement of Roman women's economic status promotes Roman's social economic development and social stability. Roman women's active participation in state politics exerts great influences in the relevant national policy formulation, pounds the patriarchal politics, makes the laws and customs decrease limits of Roman women. Roman women's status changes also convert the original traditional family values and social atmosphere correspondingly.To study the social status changes of Roman women contributes to not only more comprehensive understanding of ancient Rome, but also more enrichment of the research of Roman society and social research on women's history.