book chapter

Being Cuna and female: ethnicity mediating change in sex roles

sex roles and social change in native lower central american societies • Urbana • Published In 1982 • Pages: 103-123

By: Swain, Margaret Byrne.

Abstract

This article is a study of socio-cultural change among the San Blas Kuna of Ailigandi, Panama. The focus of the work is on how modern innovations -- the establishment of a Baptist hospital and mission school, a public water system, better educational opportunities, and increased contact with non-Kuna ideas -- have brought about substantial changes in sex roles within the society. In addition to the above factors influencing change, Swain also discusses the impact of ethnicity on Kuna female roles, analyzes Ailigandi student aspirations, and presents several life histories which emphasize the importance of community consensus in defining the range of roles considered acceptable for Ailigandi women (pp. 104-105).

HRAF PubDate

1999

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Central America

Document Type

book chapter

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle; 1998

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

Ailigandi, San Blas Coast and Islands, Panama

Notes

Margaret Byrne Swain

Includes bibliographical references (p. 123)

LCCN

80027814

LCSH

Cuna Indians