The history of the Middle Ages is generally known through the documented conquests of wealthy aristocratic men. The rigidly stratified social structure allowed little or no opportunity for advancement, especially for the poorest. Therefore, the voice of the poverty-stricken masses remains unheard or is simply drowned out by the ruling class. However, beyond the disgruntled whispers of the poor, another voice without even a breath to push it longs to be heard. This is a voice that would ultimately help integrate medieval society and establish a more civilized culture in Britain. No louder than a whisper, this is the voice of women. It is a silent cry whose importance has been underestimated and underestimated both economically and socially. Women were valued in the Middle Ages, but only as economic commodities (Mundy 212). They had two main functions within medieval society: child carriers and manual workers. Because women represented a large source of cheap labor, they quickly became the mainstay of the medieval economy. In many cases they worked alongside men in the fields. However, women were paid less than children's wages for their work (Cipolla 234). The Church would not allow women to work in jobs that required literacy (Mundy 209). In fact, apart from forced labor, the only occupation open to women was midwifery. “In hospital work women were almost as important as men” (Mundy 210). The textile industry was dominated by women, especially the wool and silk industries (Cipolla 200). Although women enjoyed virtual dominance in these trades, they were still paid next to nothing. In addition to the intense work, women had domestic duties to perform, especially if the woman was married (Cipolla 266)....... middle of paper...... 1970. p. 77-79,81,86,91,96,97,99,100-103,117.St. Bernardino. Extracts from Sermons 18-22: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Lk X,27). Rpt in Life in the Middle Ages Ed. Coulton, GG Cambridge:University Press, 1954, vol. 3. page 222,224.St. Jerome. "Letter to Eustochio". Rpt in Life in the Middle Ages. Ed. Coulton, G.G. Cambridge: UniversityPress, 1954, vol. 4. p.15-17.von Regensburg, Berthold. Sermons 242,253,397,408. Vienna: Franz Pfriffa, 1862, vol. 1 and 2. Rpt in Life in the Middle Ages. Ed. Coulton, G.G. Cambridge: UniversityPress, 1954, vol. 3. page 64.Wood, Charles T. The Age of Chivalry. London: Weidenfield and Nicholson, 1970. p.56,lO7,121.