Cultural Practice: Role of Women in Haitian Culture
Introduction
Traditionally, the women of Haiti have and continue to have had many responsibilities in the home as well as in the workforce. Haitian women are the primary homemakers and child care providers though the economy also demands that most women earn a wage as well(Phelps). For women in a two parent household in rural Haiti, working in the fields and the household is an essential. The woman weeds and harvests the crops, then prepare the produce for market sale. Many women in this position are full-time market traders in efforts to make money to help sustain the family. This job grants women some element of economic independence, however the traditional role in the home is still expected …show more content…
Numerous elite families in Haiti hold to these traditions along with speaking French in the home and in the work place(Pierre). Though these expectations may be viewed as oppressive to many, these tasks are extremely important. The care of a home is one of the most significant jobs any person can carry out for their family. Though the inequality is high, these traditional roles a woman is obliged to fulfill are valued and crucial for society to continue to function. These roles work well in Haitian society. A man works the field or is employed to earn the primary livelihood while the woman cares for the children and supports the work that her man does. Women are also able to be economically independent through being market traders or running small establishments. Women with elite status are frequently employed just like their husbands. They are not obligated to share their earnings unless they feel the family requires the extra money for support. This tradition is similar to America in several ways. Traditionally the wife is the homemaker and the husband is the primary "breadwinner" in the American model. Though these traditions are shifting in American to a more equal workforce opportunities for men and women, the traditional gender roles are still common. Gender roles in Haiti are also still evolving, though at a slower pace. Haitian women are breaking into the work force as nurse practitioners and government employees. Women are fighting their way into the labor force. The percentage of females in the workforce may be small but they are slowly
Introduction
Traditionally, the women of Haiti have and continue to have had many responsibilities in the home as well as in the workforce. Haitian women are the primary homemakers and child care providers though the economy also demands that most women earn a wage as well(Phelps). For women in a two parent household in rural Haiti, working in the fields and the household is an essential. The woman weeds and harvests the crops, then prepare the produce for market sale. Many women in this position are full-time market traders in efforts to make money to help sustain the family. This job grants women some element of economic independence, however the traditional role in the home is still expected …show more content…
Numerous elite families in Haiti hold to these traditions along with speaking French in the home and in the work place(Pierre). Though these expectations may be viewed as oppressive to many, these tasks are extremely important. The care of a home is one of the most significant jobs any person can carry out for their family. Though the inequality is high, these traditional roles a woman is obliged to fulfill are valued and crucial for society to continue to function. These roles work well in Haitian society. A man works the field or is employed to earn the primary livelihood while the woman cares for the children and supports the work that her man does. Women are also able to be economically independent through being market traders or running small establishments. Women with elite status are frequently employed just like their husbands. They are not obligated to share their earnings unless they feel the family requires the extra money for support. This tradition is similar to America in several ways. Traditionally the wife is the homemaker and the husband is the primary "breadwinner" in the American model. Though these traditions are shifting in American to a more equal workforce opportunities for men and women, the traditional gender roles are still common. Gender roles in Haiti are also still evolving, though at a slower pace. Haitian women are breaking into the work force as nurse practitioners and government employees. Women are fighting their way into the labor force. The percentage of females in the workforce may be small but they are slowly