Biology Forums - Study Force

Compare and contrast gender relations in horticultural and pastoral societies.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

In both there is male dominance. In horticultural societies there is a high degree of segregation among the sexes and an emphasis on male rituals. Female solidarity was usually based on domestic bonds. However, women were highly valued in societies where they controlled the means of production (such as among the Nukumanu). In pastoral societies, women's contribution to the food supply tends to be smaller and there is a less rigid division of public and private space. However, women do have a role in the joint ownership of animals through their kin groups and there are matrilineal pastoral societies (such as the Tuareg), where women have traditionally had more status.