The ‘nature’ and status of women

Abstract

The position of women is rapidly altering due to technological advances and socio-cultural changes. Yet many of the old stereotyped conceptualizations of the ‘nature’ of women still abound. Previous research has placed emphasis on biological or psychological factors to explain the causes of sex discrimination, but recent writings are rejecting such views and laying stress on socio-cultural and economic factors. This article employs a historical perspective to prove that many of the long-held views on women and their place in society are primarily of socio-cultural and not biological origin. The article briefly traces the history of women from the matriarchal society, through Ancient society, the Middle Ages, the 19th century, to the varying roles that have been expected of Western women during this century. The homogeneity of the female condition is shown by a comparison of the histories of British, American, and South African women. Special attention is paid to the Black and Indian woman of this country,...