Women's time, men's time: gender, leisure and work in ancient Greece

Abstract

Gender roles prevailing in ancient Greece conferred different duties and spaces to women and men, as well as different uses and concepts of time. Men's time was plainly divided into work and leisure, that allow them to involve in political activities -in short, the control and direction of public and private affairs. Women's time appeared like a continuum of work -mainly textiles-, related to their reproductive role; thus, leisure for them would be not necessary, and even could be a handicap to correct performance of feminine gender roles. Whereas men's time would be basically political (cultural) and ruled by civic rhythms, women's time would be basically natural, as reproductive cycle ruled their lives.