Mujeres, trabajo y servidumbre en la Grecia antigua

Abstract

This paper argues that conventional modern western approaches to the analysis of work are inadequate for the understanding of labour processes in the ancient Greek polis. The value systems in the Greek city were linked to the ideal of citizenship. The Greeks conside-red two types of work, ‘respectable’ or ‘unrespectable’. ‘Respectable’ work was especially linked to agricultu-ral production and enhanced the dignity of the citizen. By contrast, works carried out by craftsmen, women and slaves were regarded as ‘unrespectable’. Using a variety of literary sources, the author demonstrates that in addition the representation of women’s work was seen as degrading and humiliating by contrast to the high status accorded to male labour.