Final answer:
Historically, women's rights were heavily influenced by their social class, with high-class women having some protective measures through wealth, while low-class women had fewer rights and their labor outside the home was often stigmatized. Legal systems generally restricted women's autonomy regardless of class, with some societies like ancient Egypt being notable exceptions where women enjoyed more legal equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experience and rights of women in historical societies varied significantly based on their social class. High-class women, while still limited in their rights compared to men, often had access to certain protections through dowries and family wealth. They could influence society and politics through their familial connections but rarely had legal autonomy. In contrast, low-class women might have had more freedom of movement through necessity, working jobs as domestic workers or in light industry, but their rights were minimal, and their work outside the home could be frowned upon by the upper classes.
Across different cultures, the rights available to women were broadly restricted. In Europe circa 1850, women of all classes could not vote, initiate divorce, control custody of children post-divorce, pursue higher education, open bank accounts, own property after marriage, sue, or serve as legal witnesses. Domestic violence was rampant and legal systems often codified the subordination of women. In Hammurabi's time, the law reflected social hierarchies, limiting women's rights even further, especially when it came to marriage and property.
In agricultural societies, as resources and subsequent classes became more divided, social standing greatly influenced women's rights and responsibilities. However, in some ancient societies like Egypt, women had nearly equal legal status to men. Overall, the rigid social tiers often seen in historical societies, paired with the concept of a private domestic sphere, confined many women to roles centered on housekeeping and child-rearing, creating a significant division in rights and social status between high and low-class women.