It took until the early 1950s - a decade after women gained the right to vote- before lawmakers made away with this discrimination. Finally, children born out of wedlock did not receive equal rights as children born out of traditional marriage. This again is an indication that the traditional family structure, pivotal of the well functioning of the society, needed to be preserved and, hence, if so required basic human rights for the female denied. European women only gradually acquired the rights on education, to work, and to vote after the Second World War. (R. De Keyser, Belgian Civil Law).
It has been argued that both economics and sexuality were at the basis of the inferior role cut out for women in the society. The male is the breadwinner for the family and has as prime responsibility to economically provide for the spouse and offspring. The female has biologically no other choice than being responsible for childbearing and thus becoming dependent upon the male for her and the children's survival. Three pillars reinforced this inferior position of the woman. First within the family were children are raised to function in well-defined roles. "Boys do not cry", is one of the basics preparing young machos for the competitive outside world. "Girls" talk" on the other hand, sounds sufficiently derogative not to pay attention to it. Secondly, the society itself which, through customs and religion, fashions the charming young male a "playboy" or "movie star" but the equally charming young girl a "slut" or "prostitute". In Southern European societies, having a mistress is perhaps not encouraged yet definitely not frowned upon as long as the male succeeds his first responsibility - economically providing for his family. In contrast, the "mama" has to do exactly that - being a mother within the paternal house. Thirdly and as ultimate safety lock, legislation is in place confirming the norms and values acquired by the society.
