1

BESA, Elisha Abeni BSMLS 2A

CALLO, Aliah Divine Gender and Society Feb 2, 2024

Matriarchal society:
Bribri tribe of Costa Rica

The Bribri, also known as the ‘hidden people’, is the largest indigenous group of Costa
Rica, and have a population of as high as 35,000. They reside in the Central Highlands of the
country in the Talamanca mountain ranges and Bocas del Toro, Panama, where their settlements
are very remote and only accessible by river. Their homes are wooden huts with roofs of woven
palm leaves, and their villages contain schools, community centers, and religious centers with
limited electricity and often available running water.
Agriculture, agroforestry, and ecotourism are their main source of income to sustain their
livelihoods, with their relations with corporations making it possible for Bribri villagers to sell
their produce in outside civilizations aside from their bartering system among their own villages.
They mainly grow bananas, cacaos and plantains, also producing oranges, corn, coffee, beans,
rice, and native crops.
Independence is one of Bribri people’s central values, which is why they live very
isolated from one another and the rest of the country, and also why their rich culture, Chibchan
language, and traditions have lasted thousands of years.
Gender roles
In this matriarchal society, some of the prominent gender roles practiced are seen in
family matters. Mothers of a Bribri tribe decide the roles of each member in their family. The
clan of every child is also determined by the clan of the mother. Daughters as young as four
years old have the role of taking care of their younger siblings if their parents are not present.
Considering that agriculture is the biggest asset of the Bribri society, only women are in charge
of trading and livestock. Only they inherit agricultural lands hence mothers pass these on only to
their daughters.
Their native customs include having mothers and grandmothers mostly making the
important decisions when a man asks their daughter for marriage. The man also has to live with
the bride’s parents, but the couple is also allowed to start anew in their own residence. The
custom that makes gender roles distinct in their society is present in religious rituals, where only
women are allowed to prepare cacao drinks which are very sacred to them, while men serve as
the shaman.
Despite the Bribri society being matrilineal, men are not devalued and still have
important roles in their communities. They do not believe in gender roles, hence both men and
women equally work together to provide for their families. Specifically, in marriage, the men
work in plantations or fields while the women take care of their home, children, and mainly be
responsible for livestock, owned lands and the bartering system.
Patriarchal society:
Elizabethan Era
 2

The Elizabethan era refers to the period of English history that coincided with the reign
of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603. Because of its artistic,
cultural, and political achievements, this era has been called the "golden age" of English history.
Elizabethan England had a highly stratified social system with marked divisions between
the various classes of people. An array of factors, such as social standing, wealth, and birth,
determined the hierarchy. There were significant divisions between the aristocrats, gentry,
merchants, and commoners in Elizabethan society.
The era was also marked by strict social codes and expectations, particularly regarding
gender roles. God was at the top, followed by the monarch. Everyone was supposed to abide by
and show respect for the hierarchy. This required you to obey the commands of the class above
you and offer little regard for those in lower positions.

Gender Roles
In Elizabethan times, gender roles were dominant in society. Gender equality was not
typically a feature of Elizabethan culture due to deeply ingrained cultural, religious, and legal
norms that positioned men in positions of dominance over women.
A. Traditional Gender Roles
Elizabethan culture was dominated by traditional gender norms that dictated
specific actions, obligations, and opportunities depending on gender. Men were expected
to be the primary income earners and decision-makers, and women were usually
relegated to household duties and kept out of positions of leadership and control.
B. Politics
The political and legal systems of Elizabethan England were inherently
patriarchal. Men were given an advantage by laws and rules regarding inheritance,
property ownership, and legal rights. Women were subservient to the authority of male
partners or family members and had minimal legal standing.
C. Religion
Based on readings of biblical passages, religious teachings in Elizabethan
England, especially those of the Church of England, highlighted women's submission to
men. These lessons upheld gender norms and offered a theological defense of the
established social structure.
D. Economic Dependence
Due to their lack of equal access to employment and educational possibilities,
women in Elizabethan England were economically dependent on men. Their capacity to
maintain oneself was frequently dependent on how well they got along with male family
members or partners.
Max: 2-3 pages
References
Jordan, S. (2021). The Bribri Indigenous Culture of Costa Rica. The Tico Times.
https://ticotimes.net/2021/09/05/the-bribri-indigenous-culture-of-costa-rica
 3

Outward Bound Costa Rica. (2015). Get to know the Bribri indigenous population of Costa
Rica. https://outwardboundcostarica.org/get-know-bribri-indigenous-population-costa-
rica/

Times of India. (2020). This mother's day, we take you to some incredible women-led societies
across the world. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/incredible-
women-led-societies-across-the-world/photostory/75629353.cms

Gender roles in the Elizabethan era. (2017). Adobe Spark. from

https://express.adobe.com/page/6nsUwxmWINiyE/

Elizabethan women. (2023). Elizabethi.org. from https://www.elizabethi.org/contents/women/