patriarchal relates to a society that is controlled by men

aristocratic refers to a powerful and wealthy group in society who own land and have titles

The role of women in the early modern period

History

Women and the medieval Church

Women and the Industrial Revolution

The right to vote and the role of women in the 1920s and 1930s

The role of women in post-war Britain, 1945-1975

The changing role of women

In ‘Women’s suffrage: why did it take so long for women to get the vote in Britain?’, pupils studied the historical battle for women’s right to vote. This unit extends that understanding by examining how women’s roles and societal expectations have continued to change and develop in British society.

In this unit, pupils consolidate and extend their knowledge of history before 1066 by examining how women's roles in British society have changed from the medieval period to the present.

Thematic study: how has the role of women in British society changed?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of sexual or domestic abuse or violence, including  threats of or the aftermath of.

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Both believed women were weaker than men and needed to be controlled by them.

Catholics believed women were weaker than men but Protestants didn't.

Protestants believed women were weaker than men but Catholics didn't.

Both believed that men and women were equal.

Which statement best describes Catholic and Protestant views on women?

Which position of responsibility could a woman hold in early modern England?

The only professional role a woman could act in officially was that of a licensed {{ }}. 

Educational opportunities improved for both boys and girls.

Educational opportunities improved much more for boys than for girls.

Educational opportunities improved much more for girls than for boys.

Educational opportunities improved for both neither boys or girls.

Which statement best describes changes to education in the early modern period?

Aristocratic girls did not attend school, but they did receive an education from a private...

Which of these were early modern women not allowed to do without their husband's permission?

Priests oversaw the most important moments in people’s lives, such as {{ }}.

The Church had power and influence over the law courts, land ownership and {{ }}.

Men had more power, control and opportunities than women.

 Women had more power, control and opportunities than men.

Men and women had equal power, control and opportunities.

Which statement best describes the power dynamic between men and women in medieval England?

Medieval women's lives were centred on the {{ }.

In medieval towns, the guild system was often used to exclude women from {{ }}. 

Becoming a {{ }} was one of the few ways in which women could receive an education in medieval England.

The role of women in the early modern period

Lesson outcome

Content guidance