Aristotle used the Greek phrase "ousia" to refer to the similarities between men and women. Ousia represented the Greek understanding of being -- the idea that men and women both exist, equally, and attain a similar level of existence. He also noted that men and women are functionally and biologically different, but necessarily complementary. He said that, essentially, the functionality of men and women are different, but their purpose, when combined for procreation, is unified. This vision of gender is significant because it relegates the difference in gender to purely biological functions.
Aristotle addressed the patriarchal governing style, explaining that a pure patriarchy is excellent at developing harsh laws, but incapable of understanding individual needs. Aristotle suggested a compromise between the two -- a government passing firm laws, but considering the implication upon each citizen. He compared the ideal government to the ideally-run home, suggesting that an ideally-run home requires both qualities. For Aristotle, the patriarchy was representative of man's need to govern, while he likened the need to remain understanding to the woman's responsibility
Aristotle considered the comparison of women to slaves as a barbaric idea. He suggested that a man and woman unite with two purposes. The first was their desire to create something like themselves that will live on past them: a child. The second was their desire to preserve and better their own lives. He suggested that the slave and slave master are in conflict, with the slave master intentionally making the slave's life worse. He explained that in a union between a man and a woman, the slave master role prevents their ability to benefit each other. Aristotle held that the union between a man and a woman must exist with the mutual goal of improving each other's lives.
Aristotle evaluated the differences between male and female temperament, suggesting that men possess a higher degree of thymos (spiritedness) and women possess a higher degree of he ton teknon trophe (nurturance). He suggested that within the home, the male responsibility is acquisition, while the female role is vigilance over the home. In Aristotle's division of responsibilities, neither is considered more significant or more favored.