There are multiple societies in the world all of which have significant differences in human culture. These difference may have been more prominent in the past but remain quite significant in the current times. The Chinese, Indians and Cherokee are some of the numerous societies in the world. The Cherokee are one of the numerous Native American societies and since their first contact with American societies they have been referred to as having one of the most advanced cultures. The Chinese are yet another group that has a rich culture as it is one of the oldest tracing back thousands of years. The Indian also serves as one of the oldest cultures though it is noted as an amalgamation of numerous cultures. The following paper will focus on these three societies while seeking to identify the various differences that can be observed in terms of domestic life and kinship practices.
Background
As previously mentioned, the culture of the Indian community has been a rich one that dates back to several millennia. The culture of these people has spread out through the Indian subcontinent and as a result it is presently an amalgamation of numerous cultures. The major influence in the Indian culture is believed to be the Dharmic religions. This is particularly in the music, art, literature and architecture. The Chinese are also another old culture, however, the customs and traditions are believed to vary from one place to the other. They are believed to be at least 56 ethnic groups in China. However, in terms of numbers, the Han Chinese is by far the largest. Of all Native American societies, the Cherokee Indians are believed to be the most advanced both socially and culturally. The group thrived long before European contact and continued to develop after that as they embraced cultural elements from the latter.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Domestic Life and Kinship
There are three factors that have been identified as key to the family system among the Indians which include loyalty, integrity and unity. The family unit has enabled them to sacrifice their individual interest for the collective good. This is evident where grandparents and their offspring live in the same house. There are cases where patriarchy is the system of the family while in other cases; the families are mother-centric. The family however will share the total income and food that is available in the house. Marriage was also usually arranged by the parents.
The Chinese people believe that high respect is a core factor in the family. However, it is noted that the family structure can be large and complex. This is where the parents will reside with one or more married sons together with their families. This has since changed to just a single son and his family. Young persons did not choose their spouses as they were chosen by parents as love was believed to be detrimental to supremacy of filial piety (Sheng, 2006). The birth of a son was treated with joy as opposed to a daughter who was seen as a liability. Kinship terms have survived in identifying different family members and their relationship to the person speaking.
The Cherokee Indians are noted to have a matrilineal family structure. This is where the children are born into the clan of the mother and she had control over property and the children. However, elite men before the 19 th Century were seen to practice polygamous marriages (Olaf & Karsten, 2010). It was unusual for a man to marry a woman who is European as the child would be disadvantaged and not belong to the tribe. The Cherokee Indians through the kinship system would observe high level of interdependence influencing their economic and political activities.
Similarities and Differences
The above named communities are seen to have numerous similarities. This is particularly in reference to the value of the family. The members of each society are seen to value family more than their own personal interests. This brought about collectivism where members live together with some of their extended family and share their income equally. The Cherokee Indians are however the most different from the Chinese and Indians. This is where domestic family life was usually matrilineal with the property belonging to the women and the children belonging to their mothers’ clans. The Chinese and Indians are all father centered where the male child is valued over the female child.
Summary
It is evident that human behavior is largely influenced by the culture of one’s society. These cultural practices will usually determine the behavior these individuals will usually exhibit. For instance, since patriarchy is the main practice among the Chinese and Indians, the male children will usually be allowed to attend school while the Girl child is denied the same opportunity. Though the Cherokee had a matrilineal kinship system, the members would treat both children as equals. This is evident where the adult would be involved in political issues whether as a woman or a man. They would effectively ensure that community grows in unison.
References
Olaf, Z. & Karsten, K. (2010). Beyond Writing Culture: Current Intersections of Epistemologies and Representational Practices. New York: Berghahn Books.
Sheng, X. (2004) Chinese Families . Asia and the South Pacific. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upmbinaries/4949_Adams_Chapter_5_Chinese_Famlies.pdf
