Messopotamian Society Ans Hyerarchical Structure

Why in a patriarchal society like the Mesopotamian where women was under the total authority of man can it be that in some (may be very few) regions like Nuzi we have quite a different situation? InNuzi women is much more independent because she can owe property, represent husband in court, deal with tax inspectors and arrange the marriage of their children.

In my opinion part of theexplanation for the existing of such situation lies in the very rational part of us as humans by adjusting our logic and thinking towards “the benefits” we can get out of each aspect of our life.
What Iassume for the explanation is that women due to the fact that their husbands were out for trading, and going to trade could take several days or weeks at those times, were having no other choices but todeal themselves with many issues affecting their living.
As the husband was not home she has the responsibility to make business run normally and if possible to develop it (maximize profit).Besidesthat she also had to manage different life situations in absence of her husband which woke up her survival instincts and this is enough motivating to act “on behalf” of husband.

Other part of myattempt to explain the reasons behind this active participation of women in a few regions have to do with the fact that they were merchants’ wives and not just “anybody’s” wife. In order to develop thebusiness another input is always helpful and when it comes from somebody in whom we are supposed to trust, even better.
This phenomenon doesn’t happen sporadically but it comes as a tradition from theregions where merchants are in a bigger number then in other regions so a culture of support and participation from the women is slowly developed.

Another potential reason coming to support thisactive role of women comes from the widows living in Mesopotamia. Widows were left with no other choice but to take over the business or the family and try to develop or protect them. The fact that...