Women can do anything! The reason why we were mistaken!

Women in the Elizabethan era were forbidden to perform in theatres.This prohibition was due to the beliefs of men and society, which are in contrast to what the majority in Western society believe today. Such beliefs held by men included that women were “inferior” as they were seen to be physically weak.

Men were physically bigger than women. This consideration led to the thought that men should make decisions for their wives. Men also assumed that acting was not an honourable profession. They did not allow their wives to act in plays in public as a woman could be a target of prostitution.

 The limitations of society were extended to professions such as acting. Women were confined to their homes as they were seen primarily as mothers and caregivers, not workers. They were responsible for raising their children efficiently. Men did not want their wives to take up things that could distract them from their families, causing them to disobey their fathers or husbands.

Elizabethan women were prohibited from performing in plays because they were considered weak and honourable. Their only job is to raise children efficiently. According to Chris Knox, a famous protestant leader, "Women in her greatest perfection was made to serve and obey man".