The Renaissance was simply "the green end to one of civilization's harshest winters" (Robert 10). In other words, catastrophic events swept across Europe, such as the Black Death, war and famine, leading to a high mortality rate. After an era of poverty, the Renaissance was a period of “rebirth” where individuals could express their intellectual thoughts through art, science, literature and education. It is true that people of this era expressed humanistic ideals of individual success, but does the word “individual” contribute to both men and women (Ramirez 439)? Accordingly, in what ways did the Renaissance worldview influence or impact social issues such as gender equality? The Renaissance strongly influenced gender equality, particularly in terms of marriage, ownership of wealth, and freedom of speech. With this in mind, we must ask ourselves: “Have women experienced a Renaissance” (Kelly 1) or do they enjoy the same privileges as men? When it comes to marriage, a woman's main goal is to conceive children and remain a "property" of her husband. (Continued 101 1). A woman's marriage is primarily based on her dowry and wealth. If a woman has a high dowry, she will most likely marry a high-status man; a woman who does not have a suitable dowry would in turn marry a man of lower status. Therefore, marriage in the Renaissance was generally based on prosperity rather than love between couples (Essay911). Dowry is like a “ticket” to a marriage because without a dowry, it is almost impossible for a woman to obtain a husband. When a couple confirms a dowry, the husband sends a receipt to the woman's parents in order to finalize their marriage. This symbolizes the bride as a purchase or a product that can be purchased in...... middle of paper...... Web. February 28, 2010.renaissance_courtship_and_marriage>."renaissance quotes." Your dictionary. Np, and Web. February 28, 2010."Renaissance Women." Ouinet. Np, and Web. February 28, 2010.renaissancewomen.html> “What is a Renaissance Man?” » Geek wise. Np, and Web. February 28, 2010."Women in the Renaissance." SparkNotes. Np, and Web. February 28, 2010..Zuber, Amber. “Gender Roles in the Renaissance.” Cedar. Np, and Web. Feb. 28 2010.azuber.htm>.