How did the conquest affect gender roles in Aztec society?

The conquest significantly altered gender roles in Aztec society, leading to the subjugation and marginalisation of women.

Before the Spanish conquest, Aztec society had a relatively balanced gender system. Women had significant roles in the economic, religious, and social life of the community. They were involved in weaving, pottery, and food preparation, and some even held positions of power as priestesses and healers. However, the Spanish conquest brought about a drastic change in these roles, as the Spanish imposed their own patriarchal system on the Aztecs.

The Spanish conquest led to the imposition of European gender norms, which were heavily patriarchal. Women were relegated to the domestic sphere, their roles limited to childbearing and housekeeping. The Spanish saw women as weak and inferior, and this view was imposed on the Aztecs. This was a stark contrast to the pre-conquest Aztec society, where women had significant economic roles and could hold positions of power. The Spanish also introduced the concept of 'honour', which was used to control women's sexuality and behaviour. Women who did not conform to these norms were often punished severely.

The Spanish also imposed their religious beliefs on the Aztecs, which further marginalised women. The Catholic Church, which the Spanish brought with them, had a patriarchal structure. Women were excluded from religious leadership and were taught to be obedient and submissive to men. This was a significant change from the Aztec religion, where women could be priestesses and had important roles in religious rituals.

The Spanish conquest also led to a change in the economic roles of women. Before the conquest, women were involved in various economic activities such as weaving, pottery, and food preparation. However, under Spanish rule, these activities were often taken over by men or by the Church. Women were pushed out of the economic sphere and into the domestic sphere, further reducing their status and power in society.

In conclusion, the Spanish conquest had a profound impact on gender roles in Aztec society. It led to the imposition of a patriarchal system, which marginalised women and reduced their roles to childbearing and housekeeping. This was a significant departure from the pre-conquest Aztec society, where women had important roles in the economic, religious, and social life of the community.