Medieval Japan: Women's Roles and Status

The video explores the roles of women in medieval Japan, highlighting their importance in society despite being valued less than men. Women's roles varied by social class, with low-class women having more freedom than high-class women. Marriage was crucial for alliances, often limiting women's choices. Geishas were respected and sometimes used for espionage, while Samurai women were trained to fight but rarely did so. The video concludes with a discussion on persistent gender roles and misconceptions.

What roles did women in medieval Japan typically fulfill?

• Only entertainers

• Only warriors

• Mothers, entertainers, and sometimes warriors

• Only housewives

What determined the amount of freedom a woman received in medieval Japan?

• Her occupation

• Her marital status

• Her social class

• Her age

What was a common responsibility of low-class women in medieval Japan?

• Teaching at schools

• Leading military campaigns

• Caring for children and doing housework

• Managing family businesses

How could high-class women in medieval Japan escape marriage?

• By paying a fine

• By running away

• By becoming a nun or a monk

• By refusing the proposal

What was the primary reason for marriage among high-class families in medieval Japan?

• Religious reasons

• Love and companionship

• Alliance between families and strengthening the clan

• Social status

What is a common misconception about geishas?

• They were only entertainers

• They were glorified mistresses

• They were uneducated

• They were not respected

What skills did a woman learn before becoming a geisha?

• Martial arts

• Cooking and cleaning

• Traditional tea ceremonies, dances, and playing stringed instruments

• Medical practices

What was a unique role of geishas in medieval Japan?

• Managing businesses

• Teaching children

• Spying, infiltrating, and assassinating

• Leading armies

What was the primary purpose of training Samurai women to fight?

• To defend their homes and children in desperate times

• To lead battles

• To compete in tournaments

• To become military leaders

How were Samurai women expected to behave despite their training?

• Passively and silently

• Independently and rebelliously

• Submissively, yet intelligent and quick-witted

• Aggressively and dominantly