The redefinition of female identity and the conquest of spaces in Brazilian society

Abstract

This qualitative social and bibliographic research aimed to discuss the redefinition of female identity throughout history, covering women’s submissive identity in a patriarchal society until achieving multiple identities in contemporary society, in which women accumulate roles and domestic tasks with the competitive professional life. The study started from the social position of women in Brazilian colonial society until current days, and for this reason, we discuss the main factors and events that have contributed to the social restructuring and the emancipation of women in contemporaneity. In this context, women achieved several conquests, such as the right to education, to vote, to salaried work and, especially, the right to equality between men and women. Although notable advances, women still face difficulties in asserting their new social roles, since the changes are still not consolidated in our society.