-
Indo-Fijian women – Their major role is to be responsible for all the domestic functions, as well as bearing and raising children and working in the fields. In the cities, women may also work, breaking out of the standard Indian caste system. However, the domestic duties are still the women’s to uphold. (Similar to 1950s culture in the
.) Among Indians living in the city, it has become important that both husband and wife work, often in a family business such as a shop. At the end of the business day, the women go home to their other responsibilities, while the husband reads the paper or watches television.
-
Indigenous Fijian women – In the rural setting, women tend to most of the village work – bearing and raising children, cooking on an open fire on the ground, washing clothes – while the men go off to the fields or gardens in the nearby hills. Many women also have Christian duties that involve supporting the church by attending meetings and cooking for the minister. They also cook for the school children on a rotational basis. It is unacceptable to drink alcohol, dress immodestly (shoulders-to-calves should be covered), make noise, or run in the village. Everything tends to be done in slow motion compared to many other societies.
|
|
