In every culture, cultural constructs will be found. What are the cultural constructs found in the U.S., and how are they used to define gender in society? Compare gender constructs in Pastoralist societies. What differences do you find between the United States and a Pastoralist society?
http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/anth370/gloss.html
As far as examples -- why in our society do we accept girls playing with Barby and Ken dolls, but would be very surprised to seeing a boy playing with these dolls>
To understand the cultural constructs that define gender in the United States and a Pastoralist society, we first need to define what cultural constructs are. Cultural constructs refer to the shared beliefs, values, norms, and behaviors that shape and define a society's understanding of the world. These constructs influence various aspects of societal life, including gender roles and expectations.
In the United States, the cultural constructs surrounding gender have evolved over time and continue to do so. Traditional gender roles were based on a binary framework, where men were expected to be assertive, strong, and the primary breadwinners, while women were expected to be nurturing, submissive, and focused on domestic responsibilities. However, these constructs have become more fluid and nuanced in recent decades, allowing for greater diversity and pushing back against rigid gender norms. Society has become more accepting of different gender identities, expressing a greater range of gender performances and blurring traditional gender boundaries.
In contrast, Pastoralist societies, which are based on pastoralism (herding animals as their primary economic activity), often have distinctly different gender constructs. These societies vary in their specific cultural practices, but they frequently exhibit a more traditional and rigid gender division of labor and roles. Typically, men are responsible for herding animals and engaging in activities outside the household, while women are assigned tasks related to domestic work and child-rearing. Gender roles in Pastoralist societies are often tied to the economic and survival needs of the community, with practices and behaviors deeply ingrained in their cultural traditions.
Differences between the United States and Pastoralist societies regarding gender constructs can be seen in various aspects:
1. Economic Activity: In the United States, economic activity is diverse, allowing for a broader range of career options for both men and women. Pastoralist societies, however, primarily rely on herding as their economic livelihood, leading to more rigidly defined gender roles.
2. Power and Decision-Making: In the United States, gender equality is an ongoing pursuit, with women gaining more representation and decision-making authority in various sectors. In Pastoralist societies, decision-making and power dynamics are often patriarchal, with men holding more authority and agency.
3. Education and Opportunities: The United States typically offers greater access to education and opportunities for women, leading to increased gender equality. In Pastoralist societies, limited access to education, especially for girls, can perpetuate traditional gender roles and inequalities.
4. Cultural Values and Norms: Cultural values in the United States have shifted towards individualism, autonomy, and personal choice, allowing for more flexibility and fluidity in gender identity expression. Pastoralist societies often prioritize community cohesion and adherence to cultural traditions, which can restrict individual expression and reinforce traditional gender roles.
It is important to note that these comparisons are generalized and may not apply uniformly to all individuals and communities within these societies. Additionally, societies are dynamic, and within each society, there can be diverse viewpoints and practices related to gender.