"Gynaikologia". Il rapporto matrimoniale e la gestione dell’"oikos" nell’"Economico" di Senofonte

The main purpose of this article is to explore the key theoretical ideas in Xenophon’s "Oeconomicus" regarding Ischomachus’ discussion about his relationship with his wife. Ischomachus talks about how he educated his wife to carry out her responsibilities within the "oikos" in the best possible way. The term "oikos" refers to the house as a building, the wealth, and the human relationships, including the relationship between husband and wife, father and children, and master and slaves. While the husband’s role is absolutely prominent, the article aims to demonstrate the pivotal importance of the wife’s activities for the well-being of the "oikos". Both the wife and the husband significantly contribute to the efficient and profitable management of the "oikos". From this perspective, in what Michel Foucault described as 'asymmetric parity', both the husband and the wife are dedicated to the well-being of the "oikos", which supersedes their individual interests.