The document discusses gender roles in 16th century England as portrayed in Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew. During this time, women's roles were largely confined to the home and their jobs outside the home were usually extensions of domestic duties. The play shows the balance of power between men and women, with Kate transforming from a "shrewish" woman into the ideal, obedient wife desired by her husband Petruchio through being "tamed."