why were there so few women involved in mathematics in Greek

why were there so few women involved in mathematics in Greek times?

Solution

It appears that the reason for this was that in almost any age women faced many barriers, which men of far less ability did not have to face. For women, talents alone were not sufficient criteria for success in mathematics. The woman also needed to have drive and determination, not only to ignore role stereotypes but also to overcome the restrictions placed on their education. It was not until these barriers were crossed that women were able to develop and enjoy their talents (Perl 1978 and Osen 1990).

However, “even with supportive parents and teachers, the traditional roles of wife, mother and homemaker made study at advanced levels difficult” (Perl 1978, p.197). Husbands could also cause problems if they were opposed to their wife studying, and even when sufficient education was obtained by women to move to the front of their professions, gaining professional employment was very difficult.

One of the famous greek women mathematician was Hypatia.

Hypatia was born in 370AD, just after the Romans had invaded Greece. During this time the Greek scholars were fighting to preserve the Greek traditions of seeking and developing new ideas. Perl (1978) states that Hypatia was not only one of the last of the great teachers involved in this struggle, but also the last of the Greek Mathematicians.

Furthermore, Osen (1990) believes that Hypatia was actually the first woman to have written on mathematical subjects. So, although she was mainly a critic and commentator rather than a creator, her place in history seems relatively secure. Often she is the only woman mentioned in mathematical histories.