Discussion Post: Marriage and Family/Kinship and Descent Part 2
Respond to at least one student. Remember that reply points are part of the point total.
A. What is dowry? Provide examples. What is bridewealth? Provide examples.
B. Using the video The Kingdom of Women: The Matriarchal Mosuo Of China and the video The Masai Today: Changing Traditions, and the cultures in the Perspectives chapter, discuss how marital roles vary with specific examples from these three resources. Also, consider changes happening in these societies. (Note: Though "matriarchal" is used in the title for the film on the Mosuo, other anthropologists (such as Gilliland) would disagree that they are a matriarchal society. )Remember to cite Gilliland and both videos in your answer to this question.
C. 1. What kinds of post-marital residence patterns were discussed by Gilliland? Discuss cultural examples provided by Gilliland and in two films you viewed.
2. Note that cultural systems are intertwined. What descent system(s) will likely be used in societies with patrilocal residence patterns? What descent system(s) will likely be used in societies with matrilocal residence patterns? Provide cultural examples.