I just saw the film History Boys based on Alan Bennetts work. In the play was a few really superb lines. Basically the female teacher Mrs. Lintott says: "Can you, for a moment, imagine how depressing it is to teach five centuries of masculine ineptitude?".... "In 1919, for instance, they just arranged the flowers, then gracefully retired. History is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men. What is history? History is women following behind. With the bucket. "
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I also saw the Crucible. Abigail "knows" Mr Proctor, and all the blame goes on the girl. Not the man, his excuse is he couldn't help himself. In history, women are often blamed for allowing or encouraging lust. I think more focus needs to be placed on encouraging responsibility in men.
In healthcare in developing countries, education of women, girls is seen as vital in propogating change, as women educate their children. The hand that rocks the cradle and such.
If women had greater power, what would the outcome be? Why has history developed toward the gender roles we currently see and have known since time began?