Final answer:
Athenian women were largely confined to domestic roles and had minimal public presence or rights, while Spartan women enjoyed considerable autonomy, including athletic training and property management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Role of Women in Athenian Society
In Athenian society, women were primarily relegated to the domestic sphere, responsible for the care and upkeep of the family home.
This reflected the deeply patriarchal structure of the society, where men monopolized the domains of education, politics, and power.
Some women, known as hetaeras, did receive education to provide erudite companionship to men, though they were still seen as inferiors to men.
Spartan Women and Their Response to Athenian Women
Spartan women were known for their comparatively liberal lifestyle where they had the freedom to engage in physical training, public speaking, and owning property.
A Spartan woman would likely be shocked by the contrast of their own liberties to the restricted existence of their Athenian counterparts, considering the sharp difference in the level of autonomy and rights afforded to women in these two city-states.
Comparative Analysis of Athenian and Spartan Women
Comparing the two, Athenian women were confined to the domestic realm and were considered legal minors under the control of male guardians, whereas Spartan women managed domestic economics, engaged in physical training, and had a degree of personal freedom unseen elsewhere in Greece.
Spartan women participating in chorai, managing properties, and even contributing to the defense reflect a stark difference from the Athenian norms and expectations of women's roles.