Family Forms Comparison: 3 Types.
ANSWER
1. How do these 3 different family forms differ in the number of children they have?
- Fraternal Polyandry (Fraternal): In polyandrous families like the one presented in the first film, the number of children may be limited because multiple brothers share one wife. This can lead to reduced fertility and smaller family sizes than other family forms.
- Patriarchy Cult (Damned to Heaven): The second film seems to depict a patriarchal cult where the number of children can vary widely depending on the specific practices and beliefs of the cult. In some cults, leaders may encourage large families; in others, reproductive rights and family size may be heavily controlled or manipulated.
- Matriarchy (The Women’s Kingdom): In matriarchal societies like the Mosuo, the number of children can vary, but it is typically not limited by the family structure itself. Matriarchal societies do not necessarily restrict the number of children a woman can have, and individual choices can influence family size.
2. How do these 3 different family forms differ in property ownership?
- Fraternal Polyandry (Fraternal): Property ownership can be complex in polyandrous families. Typically, property remains within the extended family, and brothers jointly own and manage assets. This arrangement helps prevent dividing land and resources among multiple heirs, as all brothers marry the same woman.
- Patriarchy Cult (Damned to Heaven): The second film about the patriarchal cult may not provide clear information on property ownership. In some cults and patriarchal societies, property and wealth may be controlled by male leaders and passed down through male lineage.
- Matriarchy (The Women’s Kingdom): In matriarchal societies like the Mosuo, property ownership may be matrilineal, passed down through the female line. Women often influence property matters significantly, which can differ from patriarchal societies where property ownership is often male-dominated.
3. How do these 3 different family forms differ on who cares for the children?
- Fraternal Polyandry (Fraternal): In polyandrous families, the responsibility for caring for children is shared among the brothers, who are the fathers. The mother and multiple fathers collectively provide care and support for the children.
- Patriarchy Cult (Damned to Heaven): The second film does not provide explicit information about child-rearing practices within the cult. However, in patriarchal societies, women are often expected to take on a significant role in childcare and domestic responsibilities.
- Matriarchy (The Women’s Kingdom): In matriarchal societies like the Mosuo, childcare may be a communal responsibility, with extended families and communities contributing to the upbringing of children. Women often play a central role in caregiving, but it is not solely their responsibility.
Additionally, you mentioned that the first film introduces fraternal polyandry, where a wife takes as her husband’s brothers. Fraternal polyandry often occurs due to resource scarcity, such as limited arable land, and keeps family resources consolidated and avoids fragmentation.
Please note that these observations are based on the general characteristics of these family forms as described in your provided information. Specific practices and dynamics can vary within each family, and cultural variations may exist.
QUESTION
Description
This week we will watch 3 short films that are also used in OBSERVATION #5. Each film is an example of a family form we may not be familiar with but learn about in this week’s lessons. These family forms are both examples of Polygamy, have multiple adult partners; Polygany, where the family includes multiple wives, and Polyandry, where the family includes multiple husbands. The last film is on Matriarchy, a social system where women are the ones in power. We must acknowledge that not all societies are patriarchal, when men make the rules. Looking at one matriarchal society will help us understand how the family helps structure society.
ASSIGNMENT
After watching the films, answer these questions and submit them in this assignment:
- How do these 3 different family forms differ on the number of children they have?
- How do these 3 different family forms differ on the ownership of property?
- How do these 3 different family forms differ on who cares for the children?
The first film introduces fraternal polyandy – where a wife takes as her husbands brothers. Notice why they do this.
FILM 1 Polyandry (Fraternal)
Fraternal PolyandryLinks to an external site.
The second film combines religion with family. It focuses on a cut called the Fundamental Latter Day Saints, a spin off from the Mormon religion. This is an example of patriarchy and a cult. Some of the images and conversations are quite difficult as the deal with incest, rape, and violence.
FILM 2 Patriarchy Cult
“Damned to Heaven”Links to an external site.
The third film is a documentary on the Mosuo society, which is a matriarchy. This society is ancient and is balancing their culture with modernity.
FILM 3 Matriarchy