Separation of citizens
The government of Gilead divided the people and put them in various categories. These categories had their prescribed roles. They did this in order to have better control of the people and avoid rebellion. These groupings included the main branches which were women and men. Then among men there were commanders who ruled the country, had access to the best resources that the state had there were guardians who acted as watchmen for the houses of the commanders.
Women were categorized as the lesser group. Among women were Marthas who were housemaids who served in the houses of commanders, there were wives who had the highest rank among women since they were the wives of the commanders, handmaids who bore children for the commanders and Aunts who taught little children.
Sexism
The country of Gilead was very sexist. Women were considered lesser than men. They were taught from a young age that they had smaller brains than men and because of that they could not aspire to the roles of commanders. They were also taught that their virginity was the most important thing that they had. They should protect it at all costs therefore they had to completely cover up in order to avoid tempting men from stealing their 'treasure'.
Women in Gilead held the submissive roles in society as the wives were required to stay at home and support their husbands. They were not allowed to read or go out by themselves. Marthas who were housemaids served the commanders while handmaids were forced to bear children.
