Gender and Family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gender and Family - Essay Example Mead witnessed an equality of the sexes where men and women both shared household, childcare and family support responsibilities equally. The Arapesh tribe was a notable example of shared parental responsibility. The Arapesh children grew up similarly inclined toward sharing parental responsibility. In general there was a desire to pander to the needs and shortcomings of the weak and the young. Arapesh parents, both male and female alike, exhibited the traditional willingness to both play the role of ‘responsive and cooperative parents.’(Lindsey 2004 p 21) Mead’s observed that parental roles and duties could not be distinguished by a gender divide. With reference to Mead’s experience, Lindsey writes that ‘what may societies would define as maternal behavior extended to both men and women.’ (Lindsey 2004 p 21) The Mundugumar tribe was entirely different in their approach to parenthood. They adapted a mere tolerance mode in respect of the children. Neither parent was affectionate or warm toward the children and did not hesitate to dispense severe punishment. Again, behavior could be defined by gender. (Lindsey 2004 p 21) Mead witnessed a complete role reversal along gender lines while living among the Tchumubuli tribe of New Guinea. ‘This tribe consisted of practical, efficient and unadorned women and passive, vain and decorated men.’ (Lindsey 2004 p 21) The women played the role of bread winner by ‘weaving, fishing and trading.’ (Lindsey 2004 p 21) Moreover, men ‘remained close to the village and practiced dancing and art.’ (Lindsey 2004 p 21) It was the man’s job to win the woman’s affections. It was the tribal experience that led Mead to adhere to the theory that maternal instinct was myth rather than fact. Lindsey concedes that there is some merit to Mead’s observations she also accepts