Why Separate The Sexes In Some Cultures?

June 05-2007:

http://journals.aol.com/ecmimbari/MIMBARISVIEWPOINT/

Why Separate The Sexes In Some Cultures?

Overview:

I have often wondered who decided, or in which culture the decision was made to separate the sexes or gender among them. Especially when it comes to decision making that impacts the tribe, village, community, or state? It seems like gender separation has been with humans for as long as I can recall. And I will not rest until I am able to understand the rationale or futility of this decision!

For example, early societies had some aspect of gender separation. The indigenous peoples/nations of America had their womenfolk make decisions about who to select as the nation's chief. But when it came to discussing plans for warfare or defense of the nation. It was the males who summoned and held a pow-wow of the chiefs in this regard. The womenfolk was not allowed to go in battle either, but was allowed to defend the camp when or if it is attacked.
In some or most Asiatic and Oriental countries, the women have to walk a few paces or steps behind her husband in public.

Is never allowed to discuss politics in public with men. And is relegated to household duties, and child bearing, as tradition expects her to do! This aspect is slowly changing in some of those countries or regions currently. Under Islamic rule, the woman is not allowed to become a political representative, discuss or get involved in such discussions in public either.

She is also not allowed to mix and mingle with her husband's invited guests at home either. But to serve them socially, then disappear from that scene as soon as possible. Less she be seen as interfering in her husband's affairs. Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu women sit separately in Mosques, Masjids, and in any public place or gathering where men are. That is the societal expectation of them, and is decreed under Islam!

Western Christian Oriented Societies' Position:

In most western or Christian oriented cultures, women are not so partitioned. Women generally in these societies are seen as equals to their menfolk. At least under the law. Even though there are certain disparities generally in employment, promotional opportunities, property ownership rights, adoption, and education. But by and large, the rigid separation of the sexes in public places are almost non-existent in these cultures. Women can vote, seek public office, indulge in political discussions with men openly, and privately, and seek for the annulment of any marriage that becomes dis-functional.

CONCLUSION:

Sometimes I wonder if this traditional societal separation of women from men socially, have caused the inherent anger, lust, fear, and insecurities that so many Moslem, Jewish, and Asiatic men seem to exhibit. When it comes to allowing women to choose their own dress code, political orientation and involvement, husbands, social gatherings, and marriage decisions?

And just maybe, the reasons why some Moslem men take several wives as decreed by the prophet Mohammed. Is because of the lack of natural socialization of the sexes in childhood, discovery and exploration during puberty, sexual and anatomical education and discussions that are vital to establishing, communication, and respect for women!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.