Gender roles have been a predominant factor in our world since the emergence of human societies. They are based on the expectations that societies have towards the people who compose them. Gender roles have always been a part of society, whether positive or negative. The Sunjata epic shows us how men and women are treated almost equally in different forms. Women are praised for their ability to create leaders, which is similar to early Greek society. In most societies, women are treated less equally than men. This was prevalent in early Indian society. Regardless of gender role, it has been proven that any society cannot survive without men and women. As we studied Indian culture and society in the early 300s AD in class, Hindu society was dominated by the caste system, which influenced almost every individual. aspect of life. Each caste had its own particular dharma, which brought with it rights, obligations and restrictions. Beyond this there was a generalized dharma applicable to all: deference to Brahmins, devotion to the gods, and reverence for the Ganges and sacred cattle. Procreation was also considered a sacred duty: large families were seen as blessings from the gods, and any attempt to limit family size was frowned upon. Because reproduction was essential for reincarnation, for most people marriage and parenthood were moral obligations. Of course, to fulfill their dharma, people had to marry within their caste. Not wanting to leave such a crucial concern to romance or personal choice, parents arranged suitable unions for their children, sometimes at age eight or nine, before sexual attraction had a chance to complicate matters. Indian society was patriarchal, centered on villages and extended families dominated by……middle of paper……or Greek polis never granted to them. Athenian women, by contrast, were confined to the home, except on infrequent occasions such as celebrations or funerals. As full citizens of a state that relied on substantial male political participation, Athenian husbands possessed almost total authority over their families and all those who lived in them. A woman was protected by her father or male guardian until marriage; if divorced or widowed, she returned it to him. Virginity before marriage was highly valued by both men and women. After marriage, wives were expected to remain faithful, but the husband's occasional adultery, especially when he was away from home, was not considered immoral. Wives ran away from their families, watched over slaves, and wove clothes for family members. Once menopause occurred, Athenian women enjoyed greater freedom, working as midwives, nurses and seamstresses.