Did the Aztecs have gender equality?

Sixteenth-century documents indicate that gender equality prevailed in many areas of Aztec life. Aztec men and women regarded themselves as equally related to their mother’s and their father’s families. Men and women could both own houses, land, and moveable property, and they inherited these assets equally.

What were the gender roles in Aztec?

As such, Aztec men and women had very different roles. In general, men were expected to do more laborious work while women were expected to work in the household and care for the family. For example, women were tasked with caring for young children, preparing meals and repairing clothing.

How many wives could an Aztec man have?

Though the Spanish accused the Aztecs of polygyny (men being married to more than one wife at the same time) it seems that this was limited entirely to the Mexica élite. For the vast majority of ordinary Aztecs, marriage was ‘monogamous’ (between one man and one woman).

Did the Aztecs have prostitutes?

It is agreed that the Aztec god Xochipili (taken from both Toltec and Maya cultures) was both the patron of homosexuals and homosexual prostitutes. Xochiquetzal was worshiped as goddess of sexual power, patroness of prostitutes and artisans involved in the manufacture of luxury items.

How many genders are there in the Aztec culture?

In Oaxaca’s Istmo de Tehuantepec region, the traditional indigenous division of three genders is seen as a natural way of being.

Did the Aztecs have marriage?

Aztec family law generally followed customary law. Men got married between the ages of 20-22, and women generally got married at 15 to 18 years of age. Parents and relatives decided when and who their children would marry, and sometimes used marriage brokers.

How was marriage arranged in Aztec?

Aztec Marriages The women were younger, about 14-15. Upper class marriages were arranged, usually by a professional matchmaker. Lower class marriages, parents did help their children decide who to marry, but girls could say no to their parents suggestion. They did have the right to choose who to marry.

Did Aztecs practice marriage?

Men got married between the ages of 20-22, and women generally got married at 15 to 18 years of age. Parents and relatives decided when and who their children would marry, and sometimes used marriage brokers. Nobles could only marry other nobles, and marriages were often used to form political alliances.

What were Aztec families like?

Aztec society was a patriarchal society in which the men led the family and ruled within the government. The Aztec family was structured with the man as the head of the home and his primary wife. His primary wife was given the most significant ceremony and the children he had with her were considered his inheritors.

Did the Aztecs have slaves?

The Aztecs additionally had landless serfs and slaves. Serfs worked land that was owned by nobles and did not live in the calpulli. Individuals became slaves (tlacotin) as a form of punishment for certain crimes or for failure to pay tribute. Prisoners of war who were not used as human sacrifices became slaves.

What age did Aztec girls marry?

15 to 18 years of age
Aztec family law generally followed customary law. Men got married between the ages of 20-22, and women generally got married at 15 to 18 years of age. Parents and relatives decided when and who their children would marry, and sometimes used marriage brokers.