Izvorni znanstveni članak
Family in the Democratic Athens - Institution and Polis in Miniature
Zrinka Erent-Sunko
Sažetak
In respect of the development of the society and reputation of Athens, but also according to its organization, it may be said that the Athenian family stands by the side of the institutions through which demos began to speak. But as distinct from them, the Athenian family also has an additional role in society as one of the economic factors. The whole family, as well as all its members, are primarily a part of the collective and they should act in its interest. Thus good relationships within the family, honour and morality of their members, that is, acting in accordance with social expectations, but also the material goods produced in the household for the needs of its members or as a surplus for trade, were threads which made the Athenian polis (until Macedonian conquests) invincible. The family contributes to the development of society as a community in which each individual has his or her place determined by custom. Women, although deprived of their rights (also) in public life, manage the household and slaves and bring up children, and thus they are, although (also) politically excluded, a significant factor of the Athenian democratic splendour as members of the family. Of course, this splendour partly rests on the labour of slaves whose position can be nevertheless considered humane in comparison with, for instance, the Spartan one, and by which the Athenian society will get the social attribute. The paterfamilias, the so-called kyrios, seems to be a natural representative of the family and its members in the world which respects traditional values. As such he represents his wife, children and slaves, but everybody can also accuse him of bad relationships in the family. In spite of power over the members of the family, their treatment is a part of moral character upon which the election to government bodies and participation in public life depends. Connection among members of the family are strong and the family acts outwardly as one person. It is oneness more than polis because it enables it a smaller number of members and the emotional component which is implied by the relations in the family. Therefore, probably, it has outlived the other Athenian institutions.
Ključne riječi
institution; family; oikos; household; kyrios; custom
Hrčak ID:
13318
URI
Datum izdavanja:
20.6.2007.
Posjeta: 3.370 *