Prigione Sacra. Alle origini della soggezione femminile

The essay analyses the reasons which may explain the inferior position and submission of women in relation to men. The analysis involves an overview of various ancient cultures which are researched and it is noted that the condition of the second sex appears by and large unchanged in contemporary society. The various theories around the creation of the family in their respective legal, social and religious contexts are critically reconsidered. New arguments are proposed, which emphasise the dimension of the sexual dominance of men over women in order to establish not only certainty concerning paternity, but also a form of ownership over the children. Such ownership does not differ from the private ownership over things, animals and slaves. In consequence, the ancient family which has been idealised 'a sacred island' was at the same time 'a sacred prison' which was destined to last thousands of years.