What was the general legal status of women in Roman society?

In Roman society, women generally held a subordinate legal status compared to men. They were often relegated to domestic roles and had limited legal rights, which contributed to their characterization as homebound. Although some women from wealthier classes might have had more influence and autonomy, the overarching legal framework did not grant them equal rights.

Roman women could not vote or hold political office, and their public participation was minimal. Their legal identity was typically linked to that of their male relatives (such as fathers or husbands), further underscoring their subordinate status. Although women could manage property under certain conditions and had some rights to inherit, these rights were not as comprehensive or independent as might be perceived. Overall, the narrow scope of their legal rights and public roles vividly illustrates the societal norms of the time.