Introduction
Gender roles and ideals in Hinduism and Buddhism are diverse. A number of texts regarding household gender roles exist in Hindu traditions, and little to none are appear to exist in Buddhist traditions. The gendering of abstract concepts in both Hinduism and Buddhism may also occur. The cases sited indicate that male dominance is significantly more common than female dominance in ancient and Classical Hindu texts while regional variations may continue to exist. Buddhists appear to internalize the gender norms of diverse regions. Mention of other gender roles are rear.
In the Household
Gender roles within the Hindu household are diverse. Hindus now live around the globe (Narayanan 262), and differ as to the correct Hindu moral and legal behaviour. According to the Classical epic, the Mahabharata, followers may escape the cycle of death and rebirth in three ways (yogas): correct action, (karma yoga), correct knowledge (jnana yoga) or correct devotion (bhakti yoga) (Ansari; Turner; Narayana 274). According to the Manu smrti, the correct action of the wife is to worship and obey their husband as if he were one of the gods, and that only then may she enter heaven (Ansari; Turner; Fisher and Bailey 71). The contents of the Manu smrti may not strictly reflect the social norms of all Hindu communities of the Classical Age (roughly 500BCE to 500CE) (Ansari; Turner; Narayanan 279), however it was and remains authoritative in some Hindu households and it is to an extent reflected in the popular and influential marital loyalty of Sita in the Ramayana. According to other Hindu moral teachings in the dharmasastra texts, men are also obligated to have intercourse with their wives during particular times of the month (304). It ...
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It is through this process that demonstrated the power relations within gender, cast and class. The ideologies and believes of the people in Mangaldihi came from the religion it self in which, through the nature of creation Brahman was considerate to be the high cast as they are the followers of Lord Brahma, who created the four varnas. This ideology of creation has not only dictated the norms of cast division, which separates the pure and impure, but also has played its roles on gender roles. Women were always seen to be lower than men, since they were considerate to be a part of the male bodies. This is shown in the notion of men encompassing the women body. Encompassment is also seen in the construction of family norms as children’s are considerate to be part of the their parents bodies. Therefore they must respect and take care of their parents when old, as they are considerate to be in a higher position. Looking at the everyday practices it could also be said that there is hegemony, as the ruling class manipulated and dictated the cultural, values, ideals, beliefs and perceptions. Within this power relation, women were subject to be part of a subaltern culture. Since they had no voice in a society and were often excluded from political structures. Although, as the women age there status changes to be almost equally to men, they were never totally considerate to be
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Indian society was patriarchal, centered on villages and extended families dominated by males (Connections, Pg. 4). The villages, in which most people lived, were admini...
Bibliography: Religious Persons and Traditions Buddhism- Plain and Simple
The origins of Shinto and Judaism are rich in history, yet it is the steadfast strength of their belief systems that are most fascinating. While the beliefs of most religions will evolve with time, the core beliefs of these two religions seem impervious to the cultural and generational changes in modern times. In fact, their belief systems seem to be the very foundations of which their cultures were originally built upon In exploring the completely diverse beliefs of Shinto and Judaism, an appreciation for the longevity of each is undeniable.
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Gender Roles are expectations regarding proper behavior, attitudes, and activities of males and females. Gender roles apparent in work and in how we react to others. Gender Roles determine how males and females should think, speak, dress, and interrelate within the perspective of society. Normally, a boy is thought how to fix and build things; while girls learn how to cook, and keep house. Children are applauded by their parents when they conform to gender expectations and adopt culturally accepted and conventional roles. All of this is reinforced by additional socializing representatives, such as the media. The Hiraj’s of Hindu religion are looked upon for their gender and sexual
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