Al-Ishra And Yanomamo

1. INTRODUCTION:

1.1 Gender in relation to the Kafr al-Ishra and the Yanomamo.

In general, gender refers to a set of characteristics distinguishing between male and female, particularly in the cases of men and women. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity.

On 13th April 2011, a short compare and contrast presentation was made in relation to gender sub-topic among the Kafr al-Ishra and the Yanomamo society. Kafr al-Ishra society concentrated on the migration pattern of its people in search for a better and well-paid job; as well as a better future; and how the migration gives impact towards gender role among the Kafr al-Ishra society. The Yanomamo society's, on the other hand, focused on its gender roles which are strict; where males primarily dominate the Yanomamo culture; whereas the females though inferior plays a very important role in sustaining their daily lifestyle.

2.Content:-

2.1 Relative status of men and women in society and household.

Ever since migration has been widely practiced, in the Kafr al-Ishra society; it indirectly contributed to some cultural pattern changes. For example men are encouraged to migrate before they are married not just to improve their poor and struggling lives but also to upgrade his status. Moreover, marrying an educated woman/mit'allima is very pricey and being able to married one indicates a high status household. Most marriages are arranged by the elders in the household and men sees migration as an option to break the rule by collecting their own money to marry the women they want.

Bride status in the husbands' household is nevertheless low; and is only able to improve her status when she becomes a mother. Most daughter-in-laws are under the complete authority of their mother-in-law and they have to work day and night; and always have to do the menial tasks.

In the Yanomamo society, women are treated not more than a property and are function to bear children and serve the men in her family. Same like al-Ishra most Marriages too are arranged but it serves as a purpose of survival and economy rather than love. Contrariwise to al-Ishra society, as a payment for his bride family and in exchange for their daughter's labor and the sons she will give him, in the first few years; the Yanomamo husbands live with, and give bride-service, that is, loyalty to his wife's. In addition, a woman is considered a successful mother and is generally respected once she is able to wean her second child.

2.2 Gender and division of labour.

Kafr al-Ishra in the 1960s prohibited women to go outside the house and only have to take care of the children. Now that their husband has migrated, the changing role of women temporarily responsible for the family, house and agriculture is widely accepted by the society. The wife, however, has to look for more jobs to support the family and it is very difficult since jobs are only available during the agricultural peak seasons;