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

Gender and Family - canvass ExampleMead witnessed an equality of the sexes where men and women both shared household, childcare and family support responsibilities equally. The Arapesh tribe was a famous example of shared promoteal responsibility. The Arapesh children grew up similarly inclined toward sharing parental responsibility. In prevalent 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 handed-down willingness to both play the mathematical function of responsive and cooperative parents.(Lindsey 2004 p 21)Meads observed that parental roles and duties could not be distinguished by a gender divide. With reference to Meads 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 o f the children. Neither parent was affectionate or warm toward the children and did not hesitate to dispense severe punishment. Again, behavior could be delimit by gender. (Lindsey 2004 p 21)Mead witnessed a complete role reversal along gender lines while vivification 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 bound and art. (Lindsey 2004 p 21) It was the mans job to win the womans affections. It was the tribal experience that guide Mead to adhere to the theory that maternal instinct was myth rather than fact.Lindsey concedes that there is some merit to Meads observations she also accepts