essay
Gender hierarchy in Burma: cultural, social, and psychological dimensions
sex and gender hierarchies • Cambridge, [England] • Published In 1993 • Pages: 316-333
By: Spiro, Melford E..
Abstract
This is a discussion of how gender inequality is constructed in Burmese culture. According to the author, there are two principle ideologies at work. One is the the Ideology of the Superior Male and the other is the Ideology of the Dangerous Female. Male superiority is based on such ideas as the penis is nobler than the 'ignoble' vagina; only males have a spiritual essence called Hpoun, or glory; and men have a longer intestinal track, which Burmese ethnopsychology equates with greater intelligence. The 'dangerous female' ideology rests largely on men's fear of female sexuality and desire. Regardless of this hierarchy, the author shows how women maintain a controlling influence over men in the household.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2012
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- Southeast Asia
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Anthropologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard;2011
- Field Date
- 1961-1962, 1972-1975
- Coverage Date
- 1961-1975
- Coverage Place
- Mandalay District, Burma
- Notes
- Melford E. Spiro
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 332-333)
- LCCN
- 91044144
- LCSH
- Burma--Social life and customs