The evolving status of European women from the sixteenth to the early twentieth century (Essay Sample)

The evolving status of European women from the sixteenth to the early twenty-first century
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The status of European women has evolved since the pre-history period. The context of the evolution of the status of European from the 16th century up to present, shows a series of factors that led to their growing emancipation. Notably, historical records of women in the 16th century did not have a clear illustration of the involvement of the female gender in any political, medical or scientific affiliation. During the 16th century, the women were commonly identified as homemakers. However, in most parts of Europe during the years before the 19th century, the women, partly played crucial roles in the economy of the region.
Religion was a major factor in the changes in the status of women over the period spanning from the 16th century to the 21st century. As from 1700s, there were major divisions in the church, which led to the emergence of Protestants. Women across the continental Europe were greatly involved in almost all issues regarding religion. The religious denominations that were emerging upon the split from the Roman Catholic, installed new beliefs on social life and subsequently changed the status of the women. According to the newly installed theological interpretation of the Bible by the Protestant denomination, the occupation of the women was mainly in the home taking care of the family.
Industrial revolution of the 18th century was a crucial factor in shaping the women’s status in the society. Upon the Agricultural and the subsequent industrial revolution, more women moved to towns and cities across Europe looking for job opportunities. Most of these women performed domestic works, as several others became prostitutes bringing in a new social culture of immorality. The women subsequently became more economically independent, particularly due to the reason that more women were getting employment opportunities throughout many cities and towns of Europe. The status of women was greatly changed as the industrial revolution period ended. In the late 18th century, women had more control of their plans and purpose in life, such as considering the marriage age at a certain point, or opting not to be married.
Modernism was also an essential factor in reshaping the status of the women in the European society. Aspects of modernism were for the first time evident in Western Europe and primarily entailed specific empowerments for the women in the society. Such empowerments included giving more legal rights for the women to possession and ownership of a property, issues of divorce and marriage, job opportunities and political positions of women. The female suffrage that became popular in the entry of the 20th century provided a major boost to the women’s status in the society. The new woman of this period made huge contributions during major world conflicts such as WWI and WWII.
The contemporary status of women in the society has greatly improved, reaching a highly respectable societal obligations and contributions. The 21st century women are much respected and subsequently given equal opportunities with the men in different scenarios. The place of women in the society has been applauded for promoting peace throughout the period of more than seven decades since the Second World War. The role that the European women have taken and subsequently due to the status they enjoy, has led to a peaceful coexistence across the entire European continent. The achieved status of the women in Europe has been the reason for pacific coexistence in the r...