Greek Democracy Research Paper

Greek Democracy was a revolutionary and enduring influence, helping to mold and shape the face of today’s democracy, while simultaneously subjugating women and paving the way for a male-dominated society the world over. Bolstered by the advent of democracy, the systematic oppression of women continued well into the 20th century in most of the developed world and arguably still persists today.
During the Greek Dark Ages, the Greek villages were controlled by independent monarchies (Kidner et al. 67). The petty kings were determined to keep power within their own tribe and therefore, primarily served as warlords (Kidner et al. 67). Because political power tended to favor the very wealthy, those who owned the majority of the land also held all
After dividing Athens into three groups: the city, comprised of tradesmen; the coast, comprised of sailors; and the plains, comprised of farmers, Cleisthenes then created ten new tribes composed of 50 citizens, known as prytaneis, which consisted of members of all groups (Kidner et al. 79). This restructuring of government served to separate the power and effectively break down prior allegiances (Kidner et al. 79). He called it Democracy, from the Greek demokratia, originating from demos, meaning people, and kratos, meaning rule
15). Through his 282 written laws, Hammurabi aspired to protect the weak so that they would not be oppressed by the powerful (Class notes, February 8). Perhaps none were as oppressed as women, who, under the code, were granted a modicum of rights while viewed as equal to, or even beneath, slaves (Class notes, February 8). A woman could ask for a divorce, but may be put to death; or if she is lucky, be left penniless and forced to work as a servant (Class notes, February 8). Women were defined by the man in their life; they were either their father’s daughter or their husband’s wife (Class notes, February 8). Hammurabi’s Code formalized the codification of patriarchal values; men were in charge (Class notes, February