Evidence suggests that Minoan society was relatively egalitarian, with women enjoying a high status and participating in various public and religious activities. Minoan art depicts both men and women engaging in different social and economic roles, challenging the notion of rigidly defined gender roles.
Additionally, there is no clear evidence of a centralized political or religious authority, indicating a more decentralized and participatory system of governance. These aspects set the Minoan civilization apart from other early civilizations, where social hierarchies and gender imbalances were more pronounced.