What Life Was Like For Women In The Aztec Empire

A field called "radical archaeology" has been casting new light on gender roles within Aztec civilization. As the Vassar College website explains, women and men were considered to be different, but of equal importance to Aztec society. "Both genders could hold authoritative position within the market," for instance, and women controlled "wealth and assets," evidenced by remaining Aztec artwork.

The importance of women was not just related to commerce. Some Aztec deities were represented as female. In terms of family life, children were cared for by both parents: women raised the girls, men raised the boys. History Crunch relates that while women performed household tasks — meals, repairing clothing — they also engaged in commerce, working as artisans and selling their goods. Weebly adds that women functioned as midwives, a respected role that included helping to deliver children, but also offering advice and encouragement to other mothers. Women might also serve religious functions as priestesses, caring for temples and participating in various rituals. This was not necessarily a lifetime gig; some women left their religious roles to start families.

As Vassar further notes, "Although there was sexism in Aztec gender roles as there is today (women doing indoor work, men doing outdoor), the differences in child-rearing, power structures, and deities are important to note..."

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