Inequality Between Genders In Post-Soviet Uzbekistan

Submitted By Diyora-Sadikova
Words: 1169
Pages: 5
Open Document
Summary Critique: Inequality between Genders in Post-Soviet Uzbekistan

In our society today, men and women are thought to be equals to one another though many would argue otherwise. Although, in America, women have ultimately illuminated the gap between the gender hierarchies, men are stilled viewed as the stronger gender. The inequality is particularly evident within many large corporations; men are presented with promotions before women and receive higher paying salaries as well (Catalyst and HBS, 2011). While the concern of gender inequality in America should not be placed on a backburner, it could almost be viewed as trivial, in comparison to the issues of gender present in the Eastern world. Two articles are presented to provide a better understanding of the difficulties women in the East endure concerning gender, focusing on Fergana Village in Uzbekistan.
In the article "The Communal and the Sacred: Women's Worlds of Ritual in Uzbekistan" Kandiyoti and Azimova explore the different aspects of women's lives in Fergana Village, Uzbekistan. The article focuses on two main ideas, life cycle events and religious rituals involving Uzbek women and the difficulties they are facing. In the article “As Islam Replaces Communism in Uzbekistan, Economy Stagnates, Men Remain “More Equal” Than Women” Lucy Jones reports on the economical and religious aspects of women's lives in post-Soviet Uzbekistan. In both articles, there is a common theme: the collapse of Soviet power had a negative impact on women’s lives.
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan formed a newly Islamic government, which adopted previously banned traditions. These traditions include arranged marriages and the offering of "kalym", which is payment for the bride from the grooms' family. Kandiyoti & Azimova mentioned the offering of “kalym” within their research, explaining that the idea created a new gap between the wealthy and the poor. Weddings are a huge part of Uzbek culture (Kandiyoti, D & Azimova, N.). Since many weddings are arranged, financial stability of the families is of major importance. Offering of “kalym” is done during the engagement process, if there are multiple suitors, and then the one with a higher bride payment will ultimately be chosen. Inevitably, this drew a large gap between the rich and the poor. Under the Soviet regime, the offering of bride payment was strictly forbidden (Northrop, D., 2008 ). Jones quotes Svetlana Garfareva stating: "Women are losing everything they gained in the Soviet period. In some regions, they are practically being sold”. Many women have committed suicide due to having their marriage arranged (Jones, 1999), especially because arranged marriages often involve oppressive in-laws and abusive husbands.
Jones supports her argument that there is a widening gap between men and women, by reporting on a young Uzbek woman named Nadira. Jones exemplifies Nadira, who had an arranged marriage, states that her mother-in-law does not allow her to stay out long, and her husband does not allow her to work. Nadira states that the situation with her in-laws is difficult, but there is nothing that can be done. Jones states that during her interview, Nadira was sitting quietly in the corner wearing a headscarf, which she wore at the request of her in-laws.
Kandiyoti & Azimova draw a conclusion similar, but unlike Jones, their article focuses more on the gender separation within religious practices versus family life. The authors concentrate on one particular ritual, “mevlud”, which is the honoring of Prophet Mohammed’s birth. The “mevlud” was mostly practiced by women and had been one of the most important all day events within the country (Kandiyoti, D., & Azimova, N.). Kandiyoti & Azimova describe the ritual in great detail, which almost always conducted in one of the women’s homes and involves many different instrumental symbols. Within Islam, the worship and use of symbols to perform any religious rituals is
Show More

Related Documents: Inequality Between Genders In Post-Soviet Uzbekistan

Course Syllabus

email me using your Owens email, or I will not be able to respond to you. Catalog Description: A directed writing course, which continues the process of learning to read and critically engage various texts. Students write papers that summarize, critique, and synthesize sources, leading to researched and…

Words 3939 - Pages 16

Literature Review Critical Thinking

Critically reviewing literature is an academic skill. If it is done well it is likely that the associated assignment will also be done well and therefore receive higher grades. This reviewing of literature is of paramount importance to those writing a Final Year Project (where a specific section is required on a review of relevant literature) but it is important to practice this skill throughout your studies to increase your ability in this area. Remember that your observations gain greater academic credibility…

Words 1036 - Pages 5

Essay about Marijuana Metawrite

seems logical and interesting for a social sciences article comparison essay. One article being compared is by Grant, Atkinson, Guoaux, and Wilsey; the other by Corey-Bloom, Wolfson, Gamst, Jin, Marcotte, Bentley, and Gouaux. Following is a summary-critique of a different article by Battistella, Fornari, Thomas, Mall, Chtioui, Appenzeller, Annoni, Favrat, Maeder, and Giroud. The formal article comparison is an attempt to show the reader a fair and unbiased approach to a currently illegal “drug”…

Words 1900 - Pages 8

The History Of Women In Africa Office And Office Hours

important. Supplemental readings may also be passed out in class. It is the responsibility of the student to drop the class if they so desire. So, not attending class may not constitute your withdrawal; you must officially withdraw or receive an F as a final grade. Course Objectives Upon completion of this course: 1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the reality that women were/are active agents in as well as viable contributors to African history and civilizations.…

Words 1750 - Pages 7

Tree ID Essay example

it in their own lives. Evaluation: Your grade in this class will be dependent on how much you engage with the material and how much effort you put forth. Marks will be given according to the following structure: Tests - 40% Midterm - 20% Final - 20% If you require testing accommodation, please note that it is up to you to arrange such. You must let the professor know that you have arranged your test as soon as possible (it MUST be at least a week before the exam is to take place), so that…

Words 1687 - Pages 7

Cost Syl Essay

Sen Office: UW1-132 Phone: 425-352-5432 Email: pksen@u.washington.edu Black Board Course Website http://bb.uwb.edu ROOM Sec A: UW1 021 Sec B: UW1 110 Sec C: UW1 221 TIME (MW) Sec A: 08:45-10:45 Sec B: 13:15-15:15 Sec C: 17:45-19:45 FINAL EXAM Mon, June 10, In your class hours OFFICE HRS M W 11:00 –12, 3:30-5:30 and by appointment Teaching Assistant The details will be notified in the class. I. Objectives: This course aims to introduce to you how to identify, analyze and report…

Words 1772 - Pages 8

Essay on MD4001 Composition MIDI Arrange 2014 15

1 TITLE: MD4001-­‐ Creative Studio Practice 1 COURSE: BSc Music Technology (Music Production) MODULE LEADER: Dr. Elaine Thomazi-­‐Freitas Summary of the module: This module establishes a parallel with music theory and aural skills. The first part of the module explores the theory aspects of music. It introduces…

Words 3398 - Pages 14

Essay about Report Journal Technical Analysis

CONTENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This review critically reviews the article ‘A Momentum Trading Effect In Real Estate Funds: An Analysis with TIAA-CREF’ by Greg kuhlemeyer and Robert kunkel which appeared in the Journal Of Technical Analysis. The review will first summarise the article. Secondly, it will briefly analyse the effectiveness of the article’s structure, investigating how the information is set out and whether the reader can access it efficiently. Thirdly, the review will critique the article, evaluating…

Words 2022 - Pages 9

Holocaust Memory Alan Mintz Summary

there barely is any connection between them all besides the fact it has to deal with the Holocaust. With this book, understanding and viewing the essays as one helps to understand the culture and shaping of the Holocaust memory in America. In my summary, I summarize each chapter individually because it bounces from one topic of the Holocaust to the next without any connection. The first essay, From Silence to Salience, is straightforward and talks about the history of the development of Holocaust…

Words 1265 - Pages 6

Boobies: Writing and Microsoft Publisher Essay

newspaper research Week 2 (4/15-4/19): Research, graphic design crash-course, mock-up and justification Week 3 (4/22-4/26): Individual portfolio of stories Week 4 (4/29-5/3): Draft 1 and critique ***Wednesday, 5/1 you will present your draft to an outside audience for feedback Week 5 (5/6-5/10): Draft 2 and critique Week 6 (5/13-5/17): Publishing Post 5/20, date TBD: Public presentation Specific Requirements and Due Dates 1. Mock-up and justification--Due 4/19 a. A mock-up is a working sample that…

Words 2498 - Pages 10