Gendering has affected the relations between indigenous men and women of many various tribes. Around the world colonization has changed the gender relations to reflect more of a civilized society. For instance, family organization and social relations have had the largest shift in beleifs. Women once held traditional roles that placed them in a collectivistic society and spritual role. However, these roles changed. Women became the property of men through their newly found domesticated roles. Women used to carry weight in many areas such as political decision making. Gendering has now caused indigenous women to lose some of their traditional rights and responsibilities.
I believe that genderization harmed the Native Americans and created a less balanced society. Women and men used to live in harmony and gendering caused destabilization.
I have to agree that colonization has deeply affected the traditional structure of indigenous communities, especially in regards to the roles of men and women. For some indigenous communities, the impact has been much greater than in others. However, I think I would describe this more as forced shift towards the "nuclear family" versus a "civilized society". Although I can also see where you are coming from with this description because you are referring to the colonizer's concept of what is "civilized" correct? I think making this distinction is important because often times our words can be misunderstood and taken out of context. Still, I really enjoyed reading your views on Linda T. Smith's description of Gendering as one of the 25 projects. Hopefully, as these projects are pursued a viable solution may be reached in those communities which have been most drastically affected by this change.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that throughout history all over the world cultures and civilizations difference's between men and woman have been deeply effected by colonization. In most native american groups gendering was non-existant. When settlers came to America and first had contact with Native Americans, the Native Americans asked the settlers where their women are and questioned why they had little say in decisions.
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