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The Plough

The introduction of the plough in agriculture had a significant impact on gender roles and religious practices in many societies, with effects that have persisted into modern times.

Impact on Gender Roles​

The adoption of plough agriculture led to a more rigid gender-based division of labour in many societies:

  • Men typically operated the plough and worked in the fields, as ploughing required significant upper body strength.
  • Women were more likely to focus on domestic tasks and activities that could be done close to home, as plough agriculture was less compatible with childcare.
  • This division of labour contributed to norms and beliefs that women's proper place was in the home rather than working outside.

Religious and Cultural Impacts​

The plough's influence extended into religious practices and cultural beliefs:

  • Some societies developed rituals and ceremonies around ploughing, reflecting its importance. For example, in England and Scotland, there were "plough rituals" where decorated ploughs were paraded and sacrifices made to ensure good harvests.
  • Early Christian churches attempted to absorb pagan plough rituals into their own practices. "Plough Monday" became an occasion for blessing the tilling of the soil, and ceremonial ploughs were sometimes kept in churches.
  • The gender division stemming from plough use influenced religious views on appropriate roles for men and women. Many religious traditions reinforced the idea of separate spheres for men and women.

Long-Term Societal Effects​

Research has found that historical plough use correlates with modern gender inequality:

  • Societies that traditionally used the plough tend to have lower rates of female participation in the workplace, politics, and entrepreneurship today.
  • These societies also show a greater prevalence of attitudes favouring gender inequality.
  • The effects persist even among descendants of plough-using societies who have moved to different environments, suggesting a strong cultural transmission of these norms.

Religious Approaches to Agriculture​

Different religious traditions have approached agriculture and gender roles in varying ways:

  • Some Christian missions promoted a "Gospel of the Plow," emphasizing modern agricultural techniques as part of their religious message.
  • Other religious movements have questioned intensive plough-based agriculture on theological grounds. For instance, some argue that no-till farming aligns better with divine intentions for the land.
  • In recent years, there has been a "greening" of Christianity, with renewed focus on environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.