"The dogma of woman's complete historical subjection to men must be rated as one of the most fantastic myths ever created by the human mind"

Mary Ritter Beard challenges a widely accepted narrative regarding the status of women throughout history with her assertion that the belief in women’s perennial, absolute subordination is not a fact, but a myth of extraordinary proportions. She suggests that the view, often perpetuated in historical writing and common understanding, which casts women as passive, powerless, and entirely dominated by men across all eras, is deeply flawed. Rather than reflecting tangible reality, such perspective is a construct, shaped more by ideology and cultural prejudice than by an unbiased study of historical evidence.

Beard’s argument calls for a reevaluation of the role that women have actually played in various societies. She implies that the contributions, agency, and influence of women have often been overlooked or underestimated, filtered out by historians’ preconceptions and societal biases. The “dogma” she refers to is not merely a simple misreading of history, but a powerful and pervasive idea that molds social expectations and identities, often to the detriment of women's autonomy and recognition.

Furthermore, by labeling the notion as a “fantastic myth,” Beard signals the imaginative and unfounded nature of this belief. Myths serve to explain or rationalize the social order, even when evidence to the contrary exists; they persist because they are useful for maintaining existing power structures. According to Beard, recognizing this particular myth frees us to examine the historical record with fresh eyes, potentially uncovering instances of partnership, leadership, and influence by women that might otherwise remain invisible.

In essence, Beard’s statement is a radical invitation to question received wisdom, to be critical of our sources and narratives, and to appreciate that history is more complex and nuanced than dominant stories suggest. By challenging the myth of universal subjection, she opens the door to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the past.