article

The role of women in a changing Navajo society

American anthropologist59 • Published In 1957 • Pages: 101-111

By: Hamamsy, Laila Shukry.

Abstract
This article examines the changing roles of women in Navajo society. Data are from the Fruitland Irrigation Project in San Juan County in the northwest corner of New Mexico. Focus is on a summary of traditional roles, the new roles of women, and a discussion of how new economic positions are affecting social and family patterns. Key to understanding these processes are changing patterns of residence and land tenure imposed by White society. The author concludes that recent social and economic changes have adversely affected the economic position of women, their position within the family, and their 'sense of security and bargaining position in family interaction' (p. 109). Although wage work has compensated men for the loss of traditional livelihoods, women have no such alternative.
Subjects
Extended families
Gender status
Division of labor by gender
Acculturation and culture contact
Labor supply and employment
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Richard A. Wagner ; 1985
Field Date
1951-1952
Coverage Date
1951-1952
Coverage Place
Fruitland, New Mexico, United States
Notes
Laila Shukry Hamamsy
Includes bibliographical references (p. 111)
LCCN
175424
LCSH
Navajo Indians