Different Forms of Marriage and Family Shaped by the Societies Around them - Essay Example

1. Different forms of marriage and family are shaped by the societies around them. Using material from North India (McCurdy), Rauch and Ragone, compare the ways these marriages and the families they form reflect their societies.  Marriage and families are two most vital components that are heavily critical in all cultures. In many cultures, marriages is not about love rather kinship and creating strong family ties that can be utilized for mutual benefits. Moreover, the North Indian cultures enforce the rule of dowry. Dowry is the a particular amount given to the bride side as an insurance that if a marriage fails, the female has some monetary funds in order to financially support herself. Although these type of marriages are prevalent in North Indian societies, the Western way of dictating marriage is different. For instance, many couples are indulged in love marriages in which the parents often times do not approve of their spouses. Unlike Eastern marriages in which the parents choose the spouse for their children, marriages in the Western Culture are formed because of love, lust, and spice. Hence, marriages that are created in Indian societies reflect kinship bonds that are formed over time and for a safety net. This concept is unknown in Western societies in which marriages are based on love. It is evident that the approval of lineage mates is necessary because it reflects society. In essence, marriages define community because the offspring are the example for the future generation. This can be brilliantly illustrated as McCurdy (1995) writes about marriage as he states, “It has the right to redistribute the land of deceased childless, male members, and it provides its members with political support. It sees to memorial feasts for deceased members. Its members may cooperatively plow and sow fields together and combine their animals for herding.” Clearly, marriage is more than just two individuals creating a family; it reflects on one’s community because the reputation of a community depends on marriages. If a community is known to have a high-rate of divorce, villagers are likely to question the ethical values that are prevalent in that particular society. Family is the main element that is the biggest concern for all clans. In a system where the caste system matter so much, it is essential that the clan understands the sacredness of the marriage that surrounds the community. 2. Describe and compare the forms of, and the cultural assumptions about, motherhood and womanhood in the work of Scheper-Hughes, Ragone, and Colon. How do ideas about nature and biology impact these cultural assumptions? Scheper-Hughes, Ragone and Colon discuss the element of gender role is an intriguing subject that takes into account of several aspects. One can argue that gender roles emerge from culture due to various reasons. Cultures adhere to gender roles because they assign responsibilities to each gender based on family needs. The cult of domesticity is a generic phrase for women to stay at home, clean the house, cook the food, and raise the children. In this model, the men are the bread winners. Since women rely on men for financial support, it is almost unorthodox for women to work outside the house. Scheper-Hughes, Ragone and Colon insist that the idea of cult of domesticity is imposed due to the fact of a common misconception that women are weak mentally, physically and socially. Prior to the break of 21st century, the current family system consisted of elderly who resided with their families. However, the modern century family dynamics are vast and complex. Race and culture are two pivotal points that are embedded in this issue. The idea of gender disparity in school, government and overall progression of women is clearly hindered in these cultures. However, these disparities are prevalent in women’s community also. For instance, many African American women are considered to be prostitutes because of their severe upbringing in the “ghettos” which is a huge stereotype that plagues the community. The “Latina women” are also considered to be harsh, aggressive, illiterate and are degraded because of having a big family at a young age. Moreover, Black and Hispanic women were considered to be inferior who were induced to become surrogate mothers and maids for these children. It is considered to be highly illogical for these women to look for other opportunities because of sexism and racism stigmas that are attached with lineage. These stereotypes are prevalent in each culture because of the prejudices that exist in the American society. However, it is evident that these stereotypes are an illusion as gender roles have been modified as society has progressed. Furthermore, as gender roles have evolved, so has the dynamics of a family kinship. A mother who is working and does not have the time to nurture her kids is faced with “unstable-a potential tyrant, an incipient demagogue.” The children dominate the family decision making due to the fact that value for the elderly has greatly diminished. In this particular scenario, it is evident that children who grow without parents or comfort without mothers are inclined to be involved in violent schemes in order to gain comfort from others. Thus, it becomes a responsibility of the mother to account for the nurturing even if she has other obligations. It is clear that children should be "disciplined, possessed good behavior, and pleasant manners" are "part of the unfolding of the child’s nature.” Undoubtedly, authors are attempting to insert a hierarchy family model of values here. The child is father of the According to Scheper-Hughes, Ragone and Colon in their aspect of nurturing are responsible for showing the ropes of behavior to their children. In this particular case, the aspect of food is the embodiment of practicing self-discipline. The idea of the cult of domesticity has left a profound impact on the domesticating culture they have created at home. Throughout American history, the women have written letters which are testament to provide them details about their lives and provide child bearing lessons. Undoubtedly, the reading does shed some key highlights on how political domesticity has impacted the true notion of the evolving role of women. Although women were induced at home, they created a strong environment in which nurturing and nature become vital. I think one of the aspects that people fail to acknowledge is the fact that mothers have strong emotions. The mutual connection between mothers and children is awe-inspiring. One can only imagine the hardships that each mother undergoes during pregnancy and birth. From this context, it is clear that an advance in salutary counsel for care of the young. The idea of cult of domesticity has dramatically been diminished as women have acquired roles in professional fields and have adapted to be single parents. Surrogate motherhood is something that is difficult to embrace because of the complexities that are involved with the fragile relationships that are created. Scheper-Hughes, Ragone and Colon attempts to elaborate on the challenges that are associated with child bearing. Frustrated by many attempts to provide the baby the comfort that the mother gives, the authors conclude that a need for nurture and nature in which babies should be more consensus-oriented. In this model, the parent as a group leader, and the child acts as a participant in a family decision-making process. 3. Using the work of Freeman and Iglesias-Prieto, discuss the ways in which paid work for women changes (or doesn’t change) older gender roles.  Gender roles in the west have dynamically changed since the past century due to the cult of domesticity. Iglesias-Priesto insist that modern- day women are more independent and have the liberty to work in corporate American. Many males who have hard time finding employment are “stay home” dads who raise children and take care of the house. In America and other European nations, gender roles are vague. Since so much emphasis is based on individualism, gender roles can be derived from biological values but culture plays a more critical role. Culture in essence defines the dynamic components of family and social values. The idea of gender discourse was so prevalent throughout America that it sparked a cry for reformation. The ideology of the Republican Motherhood, was one of the original groups, that challenged the lack of development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset. Since the Republican motherhood revolved around the concept of liberty, independence, and democracy; the primary focus revolved around making women independent from the rule of men. Contrary to the old myth that women were lazy, females were required to two embrace two roles. One role was their traditional cult of domesticity. However, the new role was to adapt to a 10 hour work shift that was physically and emotionally a burden for females. It obliterated their agenda of social time and enabled females to be more focused in life and be independent from their spouses. Moreover, it allowed women to gain social rights in a patriarchal society. The advent of civil rights and the traditional method stepping away from “cult of domesticity” were key aspects towards dissolving the model of an ideal American family. When women decided to enter the workforce, things changed dramatically. Social life became a common theme for American families. Individuals that wanted to socialize and enjoy the single life dissolved the myth of an American family. The “golden age thinking” that an American family existed are undoubtedly a legend that was never fulfilled in the quest to achieve the American dream. In the modern American culture, gender roles have dynamically been modified as society as progressed. Unlike the old rule of cult of domesticity in which women are responsible for staying at home and clean the house, women in America have embraced the new role as bread winners. Since women relied on men for financial support, it is almost unorthodox for women to work outside the house during the 1900’s. However in the recent era, the idea of cult of domesticity is completely shattered. Women are independent and do not rely on their spouses for financial income. As women gained their independence, we as society have dissolved the critical family values that are pivotal in the American culture. Women are independent and have the liberty to work in corporate American. Another key role that is derived from this reading is the fact of the family dynamics that society has embraced. One can beg to question- how was family dynamics evolved since the enactment of affirmative action and other legislatures? Clearly gender roles have dissolved the intriguing question of family dynamics. The ideology of the Republican Motherhood was one of the strongest movements that abolished these notions. The progressive moment was critical for the development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset. Since the Republican motherhood revolved around the concept of liberty, independence, and democracy; the primary focus revolved around making women independent from the rule of men. One cannot diminish that this was during the time of revolutionary war where the women were induced to follow the “cult of domesticity.” The ideology would impact public school academics because it would force the school board to invest in secular education for females Without a doubt, the importance of Title IX has literally shifted the dynamics of women athletics. Title IX has enabled women to compete in sports with the adequate funding that is required for those programs. Prior to Title IX, majority of the school funding was invested only in men’s athletics. Many males who have hard time finding employment are “stay home” dads who raise children and take care of the house. In America and other European nations, gender roles are vague. Culture in essence defines the dynamic components of family and social values. Since the progressive era, concept of liberty, independence, and democracy for women has been critical as much of the primary focus has revolved around making women independent from the rule of men. 4. In this course you have been asked to read and think about homosexuality as well as heterosexuality. How has that changed your thinking about gender? Be specific. Homosexuality and heterosexuality are two most pivotal issues that have dominated society for a long. I think one of the critical things that I acquired is that one must think objectively about this matter. Although I am religiously and culturally bias, it is critical to understand that these prominent issues must be regarded with extreme caution. Gender roles are intriguing as stated above because traditionally men were considered to be bread winners while the women were in essence the nurturers. However, many considered that being homosexual as a taboo and associate it with feministic qualities. For instance, a homosexual person is often considered as more feminine because of this quality. However, that is a complete myth as sexual orientation and gender roles are not clearly defined in the modern society. For instance, the advent of a modern society indicates that there are many males who have hard time finding employment are “stay home” dads who raise children and take care of the house. In America and other European nations, gender roles are vague. Culture in essence defines the dynamic components of family and social values. There is no clear definition of gender roles due to the fact that women are accustomed to doing men’s jobs. Similarly, many male workers are nurses, an idea which would be considered as extremely unorthodox back in the prior decade. Since the progressive era, concept of liberty, independence, and democracy for women has been critical as much of the primary focus has revolved around making women independent from the rule of men. Overall, it has really changed my notions about gender roles. I think it is vital to understand that women are strong and can be independent. I think gender is something that is culturally imposed rather than biologically acquired. Although the obvious biological difference is prevalent in men and women, this justification is too widely abused into inducing each sex to embrace their social role. In a pre-dominantly patriarchal society, sex differences are emphasized from childhood. Boys are taught that violence leads to the “alpha male” mentality. Similarly, young girls are told to play with dolls and be submissive without the will of questioning. The concept of a mother and father that are easily distinguishable as each individual acknowledges the fact that they are supposed to act within a certain set of norms. Although these norms are different in all cultures, a major determining factor that cultivates this understanding is derived through the role of nurture and nature. The masculine and feminine gender roles that are reinforced each other initially not only leads to gender disparity in society but towards transgression in which each gender must act a certain way. Clearly, that is detrimental as it diminishes motivation based on gender rather than based on merit. Thus, gender roles are something that every society tends to enact and define them “natural” even though that is far from reality. Throughout history, many examples of the ambiguities that are prevalent in gender roles are depicted. For instance, Joan of Arc became historical women who led the French army against the English. However, she was quickly accused of violating laws of nature in a dominant male society. Similarly in modern day, many individuals feel that Hillary Clinton should not be a president because her “feminism” will take over during her presidency. These distorted perceptions of gender stereotypes must be dissolved in order to realize the essence of the true aspects that are associated with gender roles. Works Cited Lee, J. W., & Ashcraft, A. M. (2005).Gender roles. New York: Nova Biomedical Books. Read More