research (example & reading in attachments)

Professor Cooper

April 13, 2020

Word Count: 970

World Culture and Gender Roles

Gender roles have defined the freedoms of women throughout the history of the world and are shaped by the culture, religion, and traditions of many civilizations. Throughout this course, gender roles have been explored throughout many societies, particularly in India, Egypt, and Japan as shown in Mrs. Dutta Writes A Letter, Another Evening at the Club, and The Pan, The Pot, The Fire I Have Before Me. Although all these works occur in different regions on the globe and during different time periods, they all have one thing in common: the theme of gender inequality.

Feminism is the term that is used to describe the belief that men and women should be treated the same and have equal rights (Caprino). Throughout history, women in various cultures have slowly narrowed the gap between the separation of men and women’s rights. Gender roles are defined by culture more than by physical attributes and intelligence. As shown in each of the short stories mentioned, the treatment of women in society have not always been fair.

Traditional gender roles in Indian culture is exemplified through Mrs. Dutta in, Mrs. Dutta Writes a Letter. She is a traditional woman from India who leaves her country to come to America after her husband dies. Throughout the story, the reader becomes aware of her struggle against coping with the less strict gender roles in America. Indian culture does not necessarily have respect for women as individuals, but as caretakers. They oversee the duties around the household, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. The men in India, on the other hand, are more respected based on their accomplishments and achievements (Bradely). Religion is also another factor that contributes to the unequal treatment of the sexes in India. In Hinduism, it is believed that women should play a secondary role, meaning she has a limited amount of freedom and is always subject to a male (Rodrigues). For example, as a child, the girl is subject to her father, then as she ages, she is subject to her husband, or in Mrs. Dutta’s case her son since her husband died. This can also be related to the cast system that is present in India and how their entire culture is based off different levels in society. Overall, traditional Indian culture is shown to be misogynistic and heavily reliant on the women to take care of the household.

Egyptian culture is exemplified in the short story, Another Evening at the Club. This story describes a woman in an arranged marriage who is subject to her husband because he is wealthy, highly respected, and takes care of her family. Ultimately, she is trapped in order to have a “good” life and support herself and her family. Egyptian culture is affected by religion, cultural values, social class, and location, meaning urban or rural. However, “it is the cultural tradition that most strongly affects their lives” (Suleiman). Although women in Egyptian culture are not treated equally with men, they have had more freedom in comparison to Indian culture. One aspect, as shown in the short story, is that marriage was not a fancy ordeal and many girls were married at a young age. Girls automatically become known as a wife as soon as they left the protection of their father and entered a new home with a man (Houissa). Women were subjected to males in this way, although, they still could keep their independence and control their own assets. This is demonstrated in the story as well. The wife was given a ring, for which she loses, but is in charge of keeping it on her finger. The man is somewhat respectful towards his wife, because he wants to keep his persona, but did not treat the maid well. This has to do with the rungs of society and how lower-class members are not treated with as much respect. Egyptian culture is known to be more equal in the treatment of sexes, however, with their known history of royalty in ancient times, they treat people differently depending on their position in society (Houissa).

Japanese gender roles and culture were shown throughout the poem, The Pan, The Pot, The Fire I Have Before Me. The poem describes the traditional chores that the women does for the household. Although, there is a twist showing how the author believes that the roles women have been subject to for many generations will enhance their abilities and approach in the real world in comparison to men. Japanese culture is centered around loyalty. The men are supposed to be loyal to their religion and work, while the women are supposed to be loyal to their household and family (Kincaid). The Japanese culture is a hard-working society and the women are expected to excel in their household duties. Many live close to their families in case they do not have enough time to balance their children, work, and chores, and need an extra hand. Men and women in Japan have had equal legal rights since after WWII, although, women are still subject to men mostly because of economic reasons. Men are more likely to obtain higher paying jobs and financially support the family, while the women have low paying jobs, or none at all, in order to take care of the household and family chores (Kincaid).

All in all, gender roles throughout the world are influenced by culture, tradition, and religion. Many societies throughout history have become less reliant on women, but the battle for equal privileges and nonspecific gender roles is ongoing. Many literary works throughout this course have incorporated the lens of gender inequality and show how women have been treated in different cultures throughout the globe.

References:

Bradley, Sarah. “Gender and Culture in India.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University, www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/more/resources/gender-and-culture-in-india/.

Caprino, Kathy. “What Is Feminism, And Why Do So Many Women and Men Hate It?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 9 Mar. 2017, www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2017/03/08/what-is-feminism-and-why-do-so-many-women-and-men-hate-it/#483efc227e8e.

Houissa, Ali. “The Status of Women in Egyptian Society.” The Status of Women in Egyptian Society | Middle East & Islamic Studies Collection, Cornell University, middleeast.library.cornell.edu/content/status-women-egyptian-society.

Kincaid, Chris, et al. “A Look at Gender Expectations in Japanese Society.” Japan Powered, 23 Oct. 2019, www.japanpowered.com/japan-culture/a-look-at-gender-expectations-in-japanese-society.

Rodrigues, H. “Women's Roles in Hinduism.” Mahavidya, 23 June 2008, www.mahavidya.ca/2008/06/23/womens-roles-in-hinduism/.

Suleiman, Azza. “Egyptian Women Victims of Cultural Traditions.” Egyptian Women Victims of Cultural Traditions | Inter Press Service, IPS, www.ipsnews.net/2014/03/egyptian-women-victims-cultural-traditions/.