ABSTRACT
The social position of women is somewhat paradoxical. On the one hand, there is obviously no doubt that they are subject to a great deal of male control; in the first case, of the group into which they are born, and in the second, of the men to whom they are married. In the eyes of the ‘law’, a woman is generally looked upon as a minor and, except in certain circumstances, is not allowed to sue on her own account in court. Legally, she cannot be held directly responsible for her actions and, if married, is supposed at all times to be under the authority of her husband, or of one of his male relatives. The implications of the last point affect her position still further. Any work she does is, strictly speaking, for the sole benefit of her husband and his relatives, and, therefore, if she earns any money through trading, for example, she may retain it only with his consent. Any goods or articles she possesses, other than personal items of clothing or pieces of jewellery her husband has given her, belong to him, and can be claimed at his death by the relative who inherits his estate. Even jewellery, if it is particularly valuable, may fall into this category.
