On the ship, even though the male convicts are also being punished, they are in a position of authority over the female prisoners. What do you think this says about British society in the 1800s?

Compare the different treatments of male and female convicts aboard the Medea. Though the male convicts are also being punished, they are still in a position of authority over the female prisoners. What do you think this says about British society in the 1800s?

For poor women, it was terrible, but even for more well-to-do women, life was unequal and unfair.

2020 and many men do not accept women as equals. My great aunt was one of the original sufferagettes who was imprisioned picketing for women rights to vote. Statistics prove women are still fighting for equal rights today. They’ve come a long way but they aren’t there yet.

It says the same thing every costume drama says about gender distinction. Few women had enough money to have any clout, so they were pretty much chattel. Marriage or service were the common options.

Oh my gosh!! What does it say about the world today? Males have always had the upper position...his personal demons doesn't change that fact.

It reflects poorly on British society in the 1800's. Sadly, it was not just British society, it was the world as a whole that was repressing women from being able to be in a position to lead.

Treatment of women has changed only slightly since the 1800s. Women today still are paid less than men in comparable work positions, etc. What was particularly striking in the society of the 1800s is not just the poor treatment of all women, but the abuse heaped on single women and women with no means. Although male convicts may be near the bottom of the social strata, female convicts were definitely at the lowest levels of society, afforded no protections or rights.

The behavior was atrocious but I don't think it was any different than it was anywhere else at that time. Really upsetting to see those in authority on the ship to simply do nothing to protect these women.

I think it reflects society throughout the world at that time - not just British. Although I think women have made headway for equal rights, the only difference between then and now is that the "rules" were well-known and women knew what their limited options were. Today, I feel, our society is more subtle about it. But a single, pregnant female (especially black) gets held to a completely different standard. It's kind of appalling how this continues today!

The inequality did not end in the 1800's nor was it/ is it limited to British society. It's not just legal inequalities but the attitudes and the ongoing comments from politicians even in our own country (USA); if a woman is intelligent and emotionally strong, there are negative comments about her personality and even her appearance.

Such a familiar theme and true so often that women are treated as inferior beings. That's why I loved the fact that Ruby was able to train as a physician and that a hospital that allowed women to be practicing physicians in Australia was founded.

Yes, sadly things have changed a bit but not a lot for women. I agree Patricia, it was great to see Ruby train as a physician.

To me it says that they believed females were inferior to males and could hold no position of authority.

Women were definitely treated as inferiors at that time - certainly unfair and not an advantage to any society to ignore 50% of the population’s intelligence and what women could contribute to society.

The hierarchy still exists somewhat today! We still have those with the mindset that women are inferior to men... That type of society is very misinformed and doesn't reach it's full potential. Remember in the 60's women couldn't have credit cards in their names and other crazy things we take for granted.

Males were always in control.

Typical behavior of the times! Not sure if much has changed :(

It was certainly despicable to the reader but common practice for the times.

I agree with prior comments, in that the women were considered inferior to the men. Still are in many societies in so many ways.

Like Patricia Marie, I agree with the above. Women were considered inferior to and to be under the control of men.

It was typical then and for years afterward