Family Structures and Gender Roles in Mesopotamian and Modern Societies

Introduction

Ancient Mesopotamia, as considered by scholars, stands as the cradle of civilizations. Undeniably, Mesopotamian civilizations have had a profound impact on the evolution of humanity. The establishment of many traditions we uphold today can be traced back to the first civilizations of Mesopotamia. It is imperative to acquaint ourselves with and analyze the early emergence of specific behaviors, particularly concerning social relationships. By comparing ancient Mesopotamian civilizations with modern habits, including the roles of women, children, and family life, we observe several similarities that lead us to conclude the enduring influence of Mesopotamian culture. Issues regarding women's perceptions, concepts of marriage and divorce, relationships with children, and views on adoption continue to influence our decisions today. Thus, juxtaposing contemporary customs with classical Mesopotamian traditions presents an opportunity to address and resolve any lingering shortcomings.

Patriarchal Society in Mesopotamia

Like numerous other civilizations, ancient Mesopotamian societies operated under a patriarchal structure. This led to limited rights for women compared to their male counterparts. Women were primarily expected to marry, raise children, and manage household affairs. While most women were dependent on their husbands, some, such as priestesses, enjoyed greater rights and freedom, even possessing property inherited from their families. In situations where a woman's children were not of age when their father passed away, she could retain possession of the property. The custom of marrying girls off at an early age to older men, chosen by their fathers, was prevalent. The marriage process entailed various stages, with dowry and symbolic actions being prominent features. Dowry, comprising diverse goods, jewelry, furniture, and even land for wealthier families, were gifts exchanged between the newlyweds' parents, predominantly from the bride's family. Wedding ceremonies celebrating the union would vary in duration based on the families' financial status. The preservation of family property held immense importance in ancient Mesopotamia. Consequently, when a groom died, a bride could marry his brother to ensure the property remained within the family. Though Mesopotamian marriages were usually monogamous, if a couple had no children, men could marry again. However, the groom was obligated to support his first wife (Nemet-Nejat, K. R. (2008). Daily life in ancient Mesopotamia. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers).

It is evident that certain customs and duties of women persisted over time. The fundamental obligations of women have remained largely unchanged. However, the practice of marrying girls off at a young age by their parents has considerably decreased, with most girls having the right to choose their partners today. While there are still elements of gift-giving in modern weddings akin to dowries, it is typically directed towards the bride. In contemporary times, wedding ceremonies are usually single-day events, and unveiling the bride is a favored aspect of the celebration. Unlike ancient Mesopotamia, modern societies no longer legally allow individuals to marry more than one person simultaneously, and marrying within the family is no longer practiced.

Divorce Process

Based on historical records, we can assume that the divorce process in ancient Mesopotamia was relatively straightforward, involving an oral and symbolic dissolution of the relationship. However, social criticism often deterred couples from pursuing divorce. Even for men, divorce was not encouraged, as they might face severe penalties in certain situations. Initiating a divorce was frowned upon for women unless they had compelling reasons to do so. In the case of a successful divorce, a woman could return to her paternal home, and if her husband could afford it, he would provide financial support. Instances of divorce were less frequent when couples faced infertility issues, as surrogate mothers were commonly employed. Mesopotamian civilizations are widely credited with pioneering surrogacy practices. Today, attitudes towards divorce, even if initiated by women, remain relatively unchanged, particularly in Eastern societies. Divorce proceedings are now executed under the law, and the decision to terminate a marriage due to infertility or other issues lies with the couple. The practice of involving a surrogate mother to address infertility remains prevalent and beneficial in modern times.

Family Concept

In ancient Mesopotamia, the father held the position of head of the family. While sons were typically preferred for inheriting family property, daughters could also inherit based on the father's choice when dividing his wealth. Unfortunately, children could be sold into slavery to settle family debts. Additionally, disabled newborns, perceived as omens of evil, were sometimes abandoned to perish. This practice was more common for girls, as they were often considered less useful due to their inability to inherit. However, others would save and adopt these abandoned babies. Adoption occurred when there was no son to bequeath property to, and it extended to older children as well. Furthermore, unmarried women had the option to adopt daughters to care for them, regardless of the daughter's decision regarding marriage. Comparing ancient times to the present reveals that the father figure continues to be viewed as the head of the family. While many modern parents do not have specific preferences concerning the gender of their child, there is still a tendency to desire sons in their families. Notably, the practice of selling children is no longer observed, and strict regulations govern this issue. Modern communities have distanced themselves from superstitions, and attributing disability or other conditions to bad luck has become irrelevant. Today, parents have the legal right to place their children in foster care or other forms of care centers. Single adults and couples who adopt children in contemporary times are driven not only by the aspect of inheritance but also by a desire to provide love, education, and contribute to the greater good of society.

Conclusion

Known as the "Fertile Crescent," the development of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations contributed significantly to our present-day community. While our modern society has advanced technologically, the foundation of many actions and concepts stems from classical cultures. The division between male and female roles in ancient societies bears some similarity to that of the contemporary world. Therefore, understanding the rationale behind certain practices and finding appropriate ways to address longstanding issues remains crucial. Marriage customs, divorce practices, and family dynamics originated in the early stages of history and have continued to evolve. In conclusion, many enduring traditions in today's world can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia. By comparing our daily lives with those of the past, societies can identify negative tendencies and strive to achieve the best version of an ideal society through continuous growth and improvement.