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Gender and Culture Change among the Indians of the Southeast: 1700-1835

W. Somerset Maugham

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Published in Cherokee Women: Gender And Culture Change 1700 1835 (Indians Of The Southeast)

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The period between 1700 and 1835 witnessed significant changes in the gender roles and cultural practices of the Indians of the Southeast. These changes were largely driven by the influence of European colonization, warfare, and the of new technologies. As a result, traditional gender roles and cultural practices were transformed, leading to new social and economic arrangements among the Southeast Indians.

Cherokee Women: Gender and Culture Change, 1700-1835 (Indians of the Southeast)

by Theda Perdue

4.7 out of 5

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The Influence of European Colonization

The arrival of European colonists in the Southeast had a profound impact on the gender roles and cultural practices of the Native Americans. European colonists brought with them their own gender ideologies and social norms, which they imposed on the Native Americans through a process of assimilation and acculturation. As a result, traditional gender roles and cultural practices were challenged and transformed.

For example, among the Cherokee, women traditionally held positions of power and influence within the tribe. They were responsible for agriculture, raising children, and managing the household. However, with the arrival of European colonists, the role of women began to change. European colonists introduced the concept of private property, which led to a decrease in the power and influence of women within the tribe. As men became the owners of land and other property, they gained more power and control within the family and the community.

The arrival of European colonists also led to the of new technologies, which had a significant impact on the gender roles and cultural practices of the Southeast Indians. For example, the of the horse led to a shift in the division of labor between men and women. Traditionally, men were responsible for hunting and warfare, while women were responsible for agriculture and gathering. However, with the of the horse, men were able to hunt more effectively, which led to a decline in the role of women in agriculture.

The Influence of Warfare

Warfare was another major factor that contributed to the changes in gender roles and cultural practices among the Southeast Indians. The period between 1700 and 1835 was a time of great conflict between the Southeast Indians and the European colonists. As a result of this warfare, traditional gender roles and cultural practices were disrupted.

For example, among the Creek, women traditionally played an active role in warfare. They were responsible for providing food and supplies to the warriors, and they often fought alongside the men in battle. However, with the arrival of European colonists, the role of women in warfare began to change. European colonists introduced new weapons and tactics, which made it more difficult for women to participate in battle. As a result, women's role in warfare became more limited.

Warfare also led to a decline in the population of the Southeast Indians. This decline in population had a significant impact on gender roles and cultural practices. As the population declined, the number of men and women available to marry decreased. This led to a change in the marriage patterns among the Southeast Indians. Traditionally, men and women married young and had large families. However, with the decline in population, men and women began to marry later and have smaller families.

The Influence of New Technologies

The of new technologies also had a significant impact on the gender roles and cultural practices of the Southeast Indians. For example, the of the cotton gin led to a boom in the cotton industry in the Southeast. This boom in the cotton industry led to a change in the division of labor between men and women. Traditionally, women were responsible for spinning and weaving cotton. However, with the of the cotton gin, men were able to produce cotton more efficiently, which led to a decline in the role of women in the cotton industry.

The of new technologies also led to a change in the economic roles of men and women. Traditionally, men were responsible for hunting and warfare, while women were responsible for agriculture and gathering. However, with the of new technologies, men were able to produce food more efficiently, which led to a decline in the role of women in agriculture and gathering.

The period between 1700 and 1835 was a time of great change for the Indians of the Southeast. These changes were largely driven by the influence of European colonization, warfare, and the of new technologies. As a result, traditional gender roles and cultural practices were transformed, leading to new social and economic arrangements among the Southeast Indians.

Cherokee Women: Gender and Culture Change, 1700-1835 (Indians of the Southeast)

by Theda Perdue

4.7 out of 5