Historically, the roles of men and women in society have never been dictated and their lives have never been noticeably disconnected until the 18th and 19th centuries with the emergence of social stratification. and industrial revolution. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Before the Industrial Revolution, men and women were treated and considered equal and both men and women were involved in leadership and governance roles. As early as the 2nd millennium BC, women ruled Egypt. Cleopatra was Egypt's most famous queen and she reigned from 51 BC to 30 BC. She was very resourceful and a smart politician who brought good news and peace to her war-torn country. Hatasi Hatshepsut was the long-serving pharaoh in Egypt. She reigned for 20 years. She is considered one of Egypt's most triumphant pharaohs and is remembered today for her magnificent obelisks in Thebes. Women were also engaged in military campaigns and in the Middle Ages. When most landowners across Europe were waging wars, wives had to stay behind to defend their families and estates with their great abilities and skills. Women also owned land: Spartan women owned two-fifths of the land by the 4th BC. B.C. and Roman imperial times, women controlled more property and wealth than men. Eleanor of Aquitaine's wealth was much greater than that of King Louis VII of France when she married him. During this period, daughters were allowed to inherit their father's wealth, just as wives were allowed to inherit their husband's wealth. Women and men worked together, particularly in commerce and land exchanges which accelerated across the European continent in the 12th century. In England, the majority of the population moved from the countryside to the city and women often became associated with men as business or trading partners. Women were known for regulating trade and setting standards as they belonged to powerful and exclusive guilds which some of them transformed into family strongholds which were to survive until the Industrial Revolution and the division of capital and labor. Women in the Western world gained immeasurable respect, usually approaching reverence, as they shared all the difficult tasks of a primitive society and shouldered the primary responsibilities of bearing and raising children. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom article now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay The advent of the Industrial Revolution informed new beliefs and attitudes regarding all aspects of life, particularly towards male and female roles in the family. This new expectation regarding female and male roles marked the beginning of a new lifestyle that began to evolve between the 18th and 19th centuries in England as a result of industrialization. The industrial revolution brought about social stratification. The exciting fortunes and prospects of the middle class led to the separation of the sexes. Studies over time have shown that patriarchy has become a natural condition of gender separation. Men started working in factories and shopping malls and their wives were left at home.