How were woman looked upon during the middle ages?

Women were largely regarded as subordinate and inferior to men during the Middle Ages and accorded fewer rights and privileges than men. Some key aspects surrounding the perception and treatment of women during the medieval period include:

1. Dominance of Patriarchy: Societal structure was deeply rooted in patriarchal norms and values, where men were considered the dominant gender and heads of households.

2. Legal Status: Legally, women had fewer rights compared to men. They had limited control, over their property, could be denied inheritance, and were largely excluded from participating in political or public life.

3. Education and Literacy: Opportunities for formal education were primarily reserved for boys and men. As result, literacy rates were generally, lower among women.

4. Marriage: Marriages were often arranged with little consideration for women's personal preferences. It was common for women to be married off at young age, often to men considerably older than themselves.

5. Roles and Occupations: Women were largely relegated to domestic roles, such as childbearing housewifery, and caring for the household. Women from noble or affluent backgrounds might have had more access to education or artistic pursuit but their opportunities were still confined by social expectations.

6. Religious Influences: Religious doctrines during this time often portrayed women negatively. They were viewed as temptresses or sources of sin, perpetuating inequalities between genders.

7. Property Rights: Women had little control over their own property or inherited wealth. Their property and assets often became subject to the control of their fathers or husbands.

8. Legal Protection: Women, especially those belonging to lower social classes, had limited legal protections. They were at risk of abuse and violence with few avenues for seeking justice or redress.

Despite the prevailing social and cultural norms, there were instances of women exerting influence and achieving prominence, typically within religious orders, as mystics, or as rulers in rare instances. However, overall, women faced systematic discrimination and marginalization during the Middle Ages.