Status of women in tribal society

The status of women in tribal societies naturally depends on their roles.While some consider that the status of women was high others are of opinion that women were not equal to men in status.Malinowski opined that judgement of status in a society can be made only by considering all mutual duties between men and women and safeguards provided to a sex against the domination of the other sex.Lowie thought that four factors  had bearing  on status.These include treatment given,legal status,opportunity for social participation and the character and the extent of work.

In the tribe in Andaman men and women are equal participants in religio-economic life.The women in the tribe do all the kinds of work done by the men.They bear and rear children and do home keeping.Among the Kadar tribe there is a well defined  division of labour between men and women.They have greater freedom than women in Andaman islands.In matrilineal societies the status of women is high as in the Khasi tribe of Assam.The Khasi tribe is matrilocal and matrilineal.Son's earnings go to his mother till he is married and after that to his wife.Daughters inherit mother's property.Ancestral spirits are mainly female.Ceremonial and religious life in the tribe is in control of women.

In the Garo tribe proposal for marriage should come from women.Descent and inheritance is through mother.Widows are not permitted to marry for a long period  till infant children attain maturity.This measure is adopted to ensure that property is retained within the family.The status of women in all type of societies especially in patriarchal society is dependent on various types of taboos.For example in the Toda tribe women  are prevented from participating in religious and ceremonial ceremonies centered around sacred buffaloes.Among the Gond tribe women have freedom to choose husbands and seek divorce.In the patrilocal Tharu tribe men are dominated by women who are said to be experts in witchcraft and sorcery.