Learning Objectives
 Explain the interconnectedness between stratification, economics, politics, subsistence, and kinship.
 Demonstrate and understanding of basic concepts in cultural anthropology.
 Distinguish between open and closed systems.
 Read and critically analyze writing on stratification and gender relations
 Distinguish between sex and gender.
 Discuss how gender varies across cultures

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

Social Stratification
 _____________________________
 Access to _________________
 What is a resource? Is it purely economical?

Social Stratification
 Points to Note:
 1.
 Not a reflection of individual differences
 2.
 3.

Open vs Closed Systems
 Stratification systems are either
 Closed: _______________________
 Open: __________________________
 Checkpoint:
 What does mobility mean in the context?

Closed Systems
 __________________________
 __________________
 Checkpoint:
 What are ascribed characteristics?

Caste Example: Japan’s Feudal
Caste System
 Feudalist era
 Very complex cast system
 Touchable
 Untouchable

Caste Example: Japan’s Feudal
Caste System

Nanda’s ‘Arranging a Marriage in
India’
 How did Nanda's definition and perceptive of arranged marriages changed as she conducted ethnographic fieldwork?
 What fieldwork did she conduct?
 How does the social stratification of India play a role in arranged marriages?

Open Systems
 ________________________________
 ___________________
 Checkpoint:
 What are achieved characteristics?
 Can you think of a culture with a class system?

Social Mobility
 Is there a relationship between ethnicity and social mobility?
 Is there a relationship between gender and social mobility?
 Remember: think beyond the U.S.

GENDER
AND
GENDER STRATIFICATION

What is Gender?
 Sex = biology
 _____________________________
 Gender
 1.
 2.

What Does Gender Consist Of?
 How males/females perceive and define themselves and each other
 1.
 2.
 KEY POINT:

Terms for Lecture
 Gender Roles
 1.
 [Distinguish between: Prestige systems & Power given in society]
 Gender stereotypes
 1.
 Gender stratification
 1.

Gender Stratification
 Table 9.1 (p211) – based on 1973 article
Generally ♂ Swing Generally ♀
 Generalities not Universals Gathering fuel
 What does this mean?
Building boats Body mutilation Fetching water
Preparing soil
Butchering
Planting crops Spinning
Making pottery Dairy products

Gender Stratification
 Table 9.1 (p211) – based on 1973 article
Generally ♂ Swing Generally ♀
Hunting Make fire Gathering fuel
Building boats Body mutilation Fetching water
Preparing soil
Butchering
Planting crops Spinning
Making pottery Dairy products

Gender Stratification
Deviations from Table 9.1

Gender Stratification
Deviations from Table 9.1

Gender Stratification
Deviations from Table 9.1
 ___________ among Mbuti ‘pygmies’
 ___________________
 ________________
 Today men also hunt but their goal is centered on obtaining bushmeat for market sales

Gender Stratification
Deviations from Table 9.1

Gender Roles & Stratification
 Interconnected with subsistence & economics
 Generally observed when:

♀ ______________________ than ♂
 Example: __________________
 Inuit
 What happens when _____________?

Gender Roles & Stratification
 Domestic and public spheres
 _______________________________
 Domestic-public dichotomy
 ________________________________
 Examples of these spheres?

Gender Stratification
Increase Gender Stratification
 Patrilineral – Patrilocal Complex
 Patrilinal descent:
 Patriarchy:
 Example: Densely populated areas of _________

Gender Stratification
Decrease Gender Stratification
 Matrilineal – Matrilocal
 Matrilineal descent:
 Matriarchy:
 Examples:
 1. _________________♀ sole inheritance of rice fields, decision making
 2. ______________________ – central role socially, economically, and ceremonial life plus village and regional influence

Gender Roles & Worksheet #3
 Worksheet #3: Meintjes ’ (2001) ‘Washing Machines
Make Lazy Women’
 (Multiple) Symbolic, Gender Roles & Identity

Beyond ♂ & ♀
 How males/females perceive and define themselves and each other
 Self identity
 Social identity
 KEY POINT: Gender, in several cultures, is not biologically fixed

Beyond ♂ & ♀
 1. __________________________
 Preference for the work of the opposite sex and/or for work set aside for their 3 rd or 4 th gender
 2. ______________________
 ________________

Beyond ♂ & ♀
 3. __________________________
 Calling
 4. ___________________
 Formation of sexual or emotional bonds

Beyond ♂ & ♀
 William’s article:
 In your own words, explain the spiritual connection for the acceptance of a Berdache in Native American societies.
 Use an example from William's article to support your explanation.