two genders and three classes: superior people, commoners…
““two genders and three classes: superior people, commoners and slaves. Members of each gender and class have different values. The life of a female commoner is worth thirty silver shekels and that of a slave-woman twenty silver shekels, whereas the eye of a male commoner is worth sixty silver shekels.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Historical societies have assigned monetary value to human life based on gender and class, reflecting systemic inequality.
In simple terms: Value of life varied by status.
Key Takeaway
Economic worth tied to social hierarchy.
Themes
inequality
gender
class
economics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
expository
historical
When to use this quote
- lecture on ancient economies
- analysis of caste systems
Key Concepts
social stratification
historical valuation
Practical Applications
- sociology research
- policy critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do monetary valuations shape social relations?
- What modern parallels exist to such hierarchies?