Artifact 2: The effect gender has on roles in traditional societies, and how traditions have changed

The traditional culture of Tonga, located in the Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, have functioned under patrilineal kinship and production modes including horticulture, fishing, and agriculture. Gender impacted the roles men and women could play in society. For the most part, women’s rights were undermined, especially after the culture began contact and trade with Europeans. Before interacting with the Europeans, men and women both had balance in the society, along with independence in sexuality, marriage, and divorce. All people were treated with respect and violence, rape was rare, and premarital sex was normal.

In this society, everything was based off of rank, and men as well as women could hold rank. Seniority, gender, and sisterhood were the three main principles that affected rank. A man would outrank a woman, but a sister and her family would outrank a brother and his family, even though the society was patrilineal. Women produced valuables that allowed them to have authority in social, economic, and political matters. The products manufactured by men were considered less valuable, and men also did the cooking, a job of low prestige.

The idea of sisterhood and rights for women were held high in the Tonga society. The rights of a sister, known as Fahu, allowed for women to have great authority within the family and culture. However, these rights were legally banned after contact with Europeans. Women soon became the farmers and the cooks when their manufactured products were no longer needed when products were imported from the outside. There was a shift of dependence for wives onto their husbands, men received all rights of land, women could no longer inherit chiefly titles, and premarital sex became punishable by law.

In comparison to the patrilineal society of Tonga, the Mosuo of China lived through a true matrilineal culture, meaning descent was traced through females rather than males. Women were valued more as more capable in all aspects. Traditionally, sex was kept separate from the household. In tiesese, also referred to as a “walking marriage” women would be visited by men to satisfy reproduction and desire needs. While children would typically know their birth father, their uncle on their mom’s side would act as their prominent father figure. Several generations of a family filled a house, as sons would stay with mothers.

The Mosuo of China, like the Tonga, has been changed by the influence of modern times. Tiesese’s popularity has decreased, as marriage and love has become more appealing. These traditional structure of this culture has survived for hundreds of years, but has relied on the lack of moving around. With people traveling for jobs and money and marrying outside of the culture, the Mosuo of China have to adapt to the present in order to keep as much of their culture alive as they can.

Reflective Tag: Men and women typically have different roles in society, with different expectations and purposes. It is interesting that as times become more recent, it seems, women have become more and more suppressed and undermined.

Artifact 1: Gender and Sex – Importance of Being Aware
Before the class discussion, I knew a little about the differences between sex and gender. I knew one was biologically assigned and one was influenced by culture and society, but I never felt like I could confidently match definitions and terms. After the class discussion, I had learned that one’s sex had to do with one’s biological and reproductive organs, chemical organs, hormones, and sex chromosomes. Gender relates to how one identifies themselves and how social constructs shape individuals; it’s more than just anatomy.

When discussing one’s gender, it is important to note that gender expression and gender identity or two different things. Gender identity refers to how individuals think of themselves in their own mind: their own perception of themselves. Gender expression relates to one’s external appearance. Gender expression is what everyone can see and what meets the eye; gender identity goes beyond that. It is important to recognize that sexual preference has nothing to do with gender identity. Gender identity revolves around who an individual is, not who the individual wants to be with.
Talking about gender with correct terminology is difficult. We often hear people describing those who are transgender as individuals who “want” or “choose” to be a sex different than the one that matches their biological reproductive organs. People also commonly misuse gender grammar and ignore proper gender pronouns. There is no such thing as a “gender disorder”; gender dysphoria, the politically correct term, should not be treated as a disease.

Education on subjects like these are so important in my opinion. The last thing I want to do is unintentionally offend someone, and I know I’m not alone on that. Being aware is key. The impact that “gender roles” have on society is ridiculous. I’ve always had a problem with labels. As a child, I enjoyed playing sports and hunting, hated dresses and dolls, but still considered myself a girl. People would ask me if I was a boy; I took it lightly and laughed with a “no.” It’s silly that these activities are associated with sexes and genders, living up to certain exceptions because of stereotypes. We shouldn’t feel like we need to associate with certain activities because of a label. People should do what interests them, and live without worrying about others judging them for being who they want to be.

Reflective Tag: A gender disorder does not exist. People should be able to be who they want to be without worry about the judgement of others. Awareness among communities everywhere is key.