In villages, social equality was rarely challenged, while in the cities distinctions between people was essential and expected to be displayed in many fashions and activities. It affected the lives of both men and women and according to several scholars, Sumerian women had more rights than women in many later civilizations. The Sumerians were also very concerned with oppression of the poor by the wealthy and the living conditions of orphans and widows. All received legal protections and social norms advocated goodwill towards them.
