Occupations

This chapter provides evidence for the tasks and occupations of women in the New Testament period. Most women became mothers, and many were the managers of household resources. Women were involved in the economic productivity of their households, whether as managers of slaves and freedpeople or as laborers themselves—and, often, as both. They were often responsible for managing a child’s education and rearing alongside these other tasks. In addition, many women also worked in business or had various jobs, either as free or freedwomen or as slaves. They were less likely than men to hold high managerial posts or political offices. Nevertheless, they performed valuable labor. The chapter explores motherhood and household management, along with women’s jobs in business (production and retail) and entertainment. It also assesses similar evidence from the New Testament of women’s occupations.