Question

1. Compare or contrast gender stratification in two different cultural contexts (e.g., matriarchal vs. patriarchal society; foraging vs. industrial society; Western vs. non-Western, etc.)

Answer 1

One of the most important things about the matriarchal societies is that all the genders were equally respected and power is shared between everyone while making women as the central figure of society and family. Patriarchal societies on the other hand made women as inferior gender and dominated them. Men held all the powers while also using women as sexual pleasure centres and child bearing machines. This led to the women being discriminated in all walks of life and endure that struggle even today.

Western cultures follow individualistic and materialistic culture in which women enjoy a great deal of freedom and rights as equal to men. Although gender stereotyping and inequality is present in these societies, things have improved to a great extent. Non-western cultures that follow collective cultures on the other hand make women inferior to men in terms of decision making and power. This would mean that women in this society would be made to do things that the men think are good for them. Women would be discouraged to practice individual rights and fight for power.

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