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Women forget that men are the Masters The Making of Males and Females in Contemporary Kisii. Initiation as Rite of Passage Female Rites Male Rites Differences between male/female initiation . Initiation as Rite of Passage. Gender acquired through socialization
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Women forget that men are the MastersThe Making of Males and Females in Contemporary Kisii • Initiation as Rite of Passage • Female Rites • Male Rites • Differences between male/female initiation
Initiation as Rite of Passage • Gender acquired through socialization • Initiation rites help form social/sexual identity “carving” gender through female/male body • Females and males not full member of society without these rituals
Female Initiation Girls waiting in a line for their turn to be circumcised Female circumciser with a razor blade. Maize flower put on wound to stop the bleeding
Female Initiation Women celebrate their daughters circumcision d Girl resting in the house after the circumcision
Clitoridectomy: Reasoning • Eliminate sexual excitability • Makes women more controllable, prevents “loose” behavior. • Removal of clitoris, a masculine feature, makes women more feminine. • Economic basis—allows fathers to negotiate marriage • Father would not receive a bride price
Health issues: • Banning leads to more “at home” procedures & medical complications. • Men look to prostitutes for recreational sex. • Parents status increases • (they become senior village members)
Circumcision • Introduces boys to adult responsibilities & sex • Boys learn must be providers & control wives/families • Must stand up to pain and ridicule– • Stoicism shows “real” manhood. • Stimulates formation of bonds (boys of the same age grade • A “terrifying but exciting” experience
Results • Boys may now have sex with older circumcised girls • Boys often threaten girls (with rape) as they court them. • No longer must treat initiated girls with respect • Parents status increases (they become senior village members)
FEMALE Girl accompanied by mother & restrained Ceremony focuses on sexual stimulation Girls taught obedience Few responsibilities acquired during ceremony Ceremony provides emotional/sexual outlet for mother’s/women’s aggression. MALE Boy secluded & must stands alone Ceremony focuses on sexual avoidance Boys taught self-reliance Many responsibilities imparted Ceremony does not provide an emotional outlet for fathers/men Difference in Female/Male Initiations