Gender ideology, and the domestic and public domains among the iraqw

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter examines gender ideology and its expression in, and relationship to, the domestic and public spheres among the Iraqw of northern Tanzania. The anthropology of gender has paid much attention to the domestic/public sphere dichotomy since Rosaldo’s and Lamphere’s ground-breaking work, which first posited this division of space and action as a source of women’s inequality. The Iraqw public is essentially an extension of the Iraqw domestic, which is nested within it rather than standing in binary opposition to it. An individual’s status, whether male or female, within the domestic sphere directly structures his or her status and ability to claim authority and prestige in the public sphere. Another supernatural force in the lives of Iraqw, though of much less significance, is the ghosts or giusee. Similar to the earth spirits, the ghosts are easily angered and vengeful if not treated with the proper respect.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThose Who Play With Fire
Subtitle of host publicationGender, Fertility and Transformation in East and Southern Africa
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages225-253
Number of pages29
ISBN (Electronic)9781000324754
ISBN (Print)9780826463678
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities

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