Just like in every other culture, gender roles are prominent in the Philippines. In today’s world, the stereotypical woman can be described as a stay at home mother and the stereotypical man can be described as the moneymaker who provides for his family. The gender differences in the Filipino culture can be seen in dating, marriage, education, workforce, and families. Before we delve further, we have to take a moment to examine the change in genders roles that occur in the Philippines throughout history and today.
As stated in an article written by Edgar Perez, during the year 1521 there were evidence that women were able to divorce their husbands without any problems or costs. Women also had a central role in society. Back then; the women in history were able to become political authorities. A shift in gender roles began during the arrival of the Spanish (Perez, 2013). After the Spanish had arrived, they were stunned by how much freedom the women had. During the colonization process, the Spanish rule affected gender differences as the women began to adopt more of a traditional role (Perez 2013).
Continuing after Spanish Colonization, when Filipinos are born, they are immediately expected to play a specific role in their lives. Filipino men are brought up to take after their fathers and the elder men in their lives, as women are raised to become less dominating roles and take after their mothers/ elder women ("Gender Roles Within the Philippines"). However, in the modern Philippine society, changes and constitutions are and have been made in order to shed a positive light in women’s gender role such as: granting rights to women to be part of nation- building as well as being provided safe working conditions taking account of maternal functions.
In family and labor life, the traditional roles of Filipino women are to work in gardens, care for the house, care for the children because they are basically the pattern of conduct for the entire family (“Philippine Culture”). On the other hand, Filipino men are in charge of cultivating land, and are categorized into the more dominating roles in society (“Gender Roles Within the Philippines”). Overall it is seen that the men in the Philippines hold a higher rank than women in regards to gender roles. The men are expected to have more freedom and provide for their families, while the women usually stay at home and complete chores as well as take care of the elderly and children of the household. However, in certain circumstances within labor, men have the ability to work as nurses and teachers and women have the ability to become attorneys and doctors.
In regards to gender roles in marriage, the Filipino culture does not take part in arranged marriages. The average age for marriage in the Philippines is twenty-two. Couples who are married are expected to be established in jobs as well as take care of their families or the education of their siblings.
I believe that every country in the world strives for gender equality. While the norm for gender might not be as equal today, there are still changes and improvements that occur for a better medium in gender roles. The dignity of women in different societies should be held up to a higher standard and needs to grow in gender equality. Throughout the future, I believe that the Philippines will continue to build a society and culture that will realize the capabilities of both sexes.
Citations:
Gender Roles Within the Philippines. (2008, May 5). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from https://voicelab9.wordpress.com/non-western-cultural-norms/gender-roles-within-the-philippines/
(n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/philippinen/50069.pdf
Perez, E. (2013, December 17). PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S ROLE AND GENDER EQUALITY. Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://theologasia.ph/philippine-womens-role-and-gender-equality/
Philippine Culture: Gender Roles, Family and Marriage - Level B - Teacher Sophia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://tx.english-ch.com/teacher/sophia/level-b/philippine-culture-gender-roles-family-and-marriage/