Introduction
Native American societies often exhibited a level of gender equality that was distinct from European norms during the early modern period. This greater level of gender equality can be understood by examining various socio-cultural and economic factors within Native American communities.
Development of Native American Societies
First and foremost, numerous Native American societies embraced matrilineal or matrilocal systems, wherein lineage and inheritance were traced through the maternal line. Additionally, upon marriage, it was customary for a man to unite with his wife’s family. This phenomenon is vividly depicted in the Pueblo tale “Two Sisters and Acoma Origins,” which serves as a creation narrative, showcasing the pivotal role women play in the establishment and sustenance of life (DuBois and Dumenil 2018).
This story, an integral part of the Pueblo oral tradition, stands in stark contrast to the Biblical creation story depicted in Genesis. In this biblical account, Eve is created from Adam’s rib solely to serve as his companion and, following the fall from grace, is informed that her desires shall be directed towards her husband, who shall hold dominion over her.
Furthermore, Native American societies had economic customs that embraced a unique approach to labor distribution, underscoring the significance of women’s contributions. Women were entrusted with the vital tasks of tending to agriculture, ensuring the well-being of their families, and fostering communal welfare. These roles were indispensable to the group’s sustenance and advancement. Kathleen Brown’s scrutiny in “The Anglo-Algonquian Gender Frontier” sheds light on the encounters between English settlers and Native American women who played indispensable roles in their communities’ economies and social fabric.
Brown also discusses how Englishmen, having few English women with them in the New World, confronted gender roles among the Virginia Algonquians that were sharply different from their own (Brown 1995). Native American women’s work in agriculture and their potential influence in political matters stood in stark contrast to the English patriarchal system, where women were increasingly relegated to the domestic sphere and barred from property ownership. Moreover, as DuBois and Dumenil note, “women did not need to stay in an unhappy marriage for economic security” (12).
Conclusion
In summary, Native American women often experienced greater equality within their societies because of cultural values that recognized their central role in the community. These economic practices emphasized the importance of their labor, matrilineal kinship structures, and political influence.
References
Brown, Kathleen. 1995. The Anglo-Algonquian Gender Frontier. The Negotiators of Change: Historical Perspectives on Native American Women. New York: Routledge.
DuBois, Caroll Ellen and Lynn Dumenil. 2018. ThroughWomen’s Eyes: An American History with Documents. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford Books.