WOMEN DURING THE VICEROYALTY THEIR ROLE IN THE NEW SPAIN AND DIFFERENCES

 The colonization of the American territories by the spaniards has been a fundamental part of universal history. Placing ourselves in the context of our country, this process brought with it various political and cultural changes and this was reflected not only in bureaucratic and territorial issues, but also in the social pyramid and the roles that each individual had to fulfill in this new society.

During this new period, the role of women goes into the background and gender inequality is perceived: they could not intervene in important matters and were mainly "used" for household activities. However, this inequality was also defined by the origin.

With respect to Spanish and Creole women, beyond domestic chores, they also dedicated themselves to religious tasks, because for society "they were inconsistent and not very quiet." From the age of 15 and with the consent of the father, they had to look for a husband and devote themselves fully to raising children, sewing and crafts, in addition to dressing "covered" when going out alone. Those who did not, would be mocked and criticized. The role of women was limited to being wives or nuns.

It is important to mention the role in religion, being almost relegated to living in monasteries and far from male interference, with little social contact outside the convent. However, both religious and intellectual education allowed many women to end up being poets and intellectuals.

On the other hand, the indigenous woman played a much smaller role, however, those who came from the nobility of Tahuantinsuyo kept the privileges of their husband, but were influenced by the new family concepts brought from Europe. For those who were not lucky enough to do so, she was relegated to being a worker, but with a so
mewhat peculiar family role: they cooperated with her husband at work and provided cooking, laundry and sweeping services in the homes of Spanish nobles.

To conclude, the various advances in women's rights generate a contrast with the roles between these different eras. The way of thinking has changed and continues to do so, however, there is still a way to go. It is necessary to know the history from it to distinguish what is correct and incorrect and thus correct the errors of the past.

References:

Guevara, C. “Socio Mundo- Civilización” (2016). Sociedad y cultura en el Virreinato (196-197) (Book)