Gender Formation and Social Roles in Kazakh Society in Mongolia

Abstract

This paper reports on the social roles imposed on men and women, especially after marriage, and their transformation, taking into account the gender recognition process in Kazakh society in Mongolia. 　Kazakhs are recognized as men and women socially through marriage. Having nomadism as the basis of their culture and its social structure based on patrilineal origins, Kazakhs still adhere to the rule of exogamy. Due to the two transformations of the social system that took place in the 20th century, there are differences in marriage patterns and religious beliefs depending on the period. 　The main social roles expected of men and women are to carry on the family line and to establish their own family. Specifically, they are expected to (i) bear and nurture children, (ii) link household networks, and (iii) fulfil their gender roles in their livelihood. On the other hand, if circumstances prevent them from fulfilling these roles, they may divorce, remarry, adopt or migrate with the help of relatives.