'Improper' Women

‘Improper’ Women

Ancient Greece

• Women breaking societal norms were often labelled as ‘improper’ women in ancient Greece.
• Heterae were educated, independent women who often attended male-only social gatherings (symposiums). They were considered improper due to their freedom and influence over men.
• Similarly, the character of Medea in Greek mythology is portrayed as improper due to her violent and rebellious actions against societal norms.
• Comedy plays, such as those by Aristophanes, often featured improper women characters for satire. Lysistrata, who leads a female rebellion against men, is a notable example.

Ancient Rome

• ‘Improper’ women in Rome typically referred to those who defied the societal expectations of piety, modesty and fidelity.
• Women who exerted their legal rights, such as divorcing their husbands or owning and managing property, could be perceived as improper.
• Actresses and prostitutes were among the professions considered improper due to their public exposure and sexual nature.
• Mythological figures like Medea and Helen were used in literature as examples of improper women due to their supposed disloyalty and treachery.

Early Christian Era

• Early Christian teachings imposed strict morality codes on women, assigning them a subservient role. Women not conforming to these standards were seen as ‘improper’.
• Religious literature often featured tales of sinful women who transgress boundaries, such as Mary Magdalene, who is portrayed as a prostitute before her conversion.
• Women who sought religious authority or refused to marry, despite the Church’s emphasis on childbirth and marriage, were deemed improper.
• These ‘improper’ women often faced persecution; however, they also played crucial roles in challenging and reforming religious and societal norms.