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Chuan-Kang Shih argued that matrilineality and "walking marriage" (tisese) is a primary institution of family, sex and reproduction, and marriage is secondary. [14] As Shih argues, marriage, as different from tisese , was introduced into Mosuo society through contact with other ethnic groups during the Yuan and Qing empire-building process.
- What Is A Walking Marriage?
- Cons of A Walking Marriage
- Misconceptions About Walking Marriages
- Final Thoughts
Walking marriages are a common practice among the Mosuo people. In a walking marriage, the couple does not live together, even after the woman bears a child. The man will only visit the house of their ‘partner’ at night when everyone else is sleeping. Once morning comes, they must return to their home. Thus, the term “walking marriage” emerged — a ...
1. The biological father is not always involved in raising his child.
SAVE As mentioned above, when a woman bears a child, the responsibility of childcare falls on her side of the family. Her entire family communally raises the child until they are of age and can partake in walking marriages. A man is expected to care for maternal nieces and nephews, but he can choose his degree of involvement with his own child. If a man intends to participate in caring for his child, he must bring a gift to the woman’s family. Moreover, he must formally state his intentions....
2. Living in a large household can get problematic.
SAVE A typical Mosuo household can consist of up to four generations of one family. With that said, it is possible for over 10 people to live in the same house. While this is beneficial for childcare, safety, and other social benefits, it also has some disadvantages. For one, sustaining a large family can get costly. Mosuo households are usually self-sufficient; they have plots of land they can till, lakes they can fish in, and so on. Making sure that everyone is well-fed can get challenging....
3. The lack of a marriage contract can hinder some opportunities.
As much as marriage contracts can complicate things, they can also make certain processes smoother. Some institutions might require a marriage certificate before they provide specific services. This includes opening bank accounts, their children attending school, and so on. As a result, registering the union is starting to become a common practice within walking marriages.
People Who Participate in Walking Marriages Are Promiscuous
It is a common stereotype, especially in other parts of China, that the Mosuo people are promiscuous because of their family structure. They falsely believe that every Mosuo individual takes on multiple partners at once. This false belief leads to a slippery slope of other misconceptions: children do not know their biological fathers, people are prone to sexually transmitted diseases, and so on. To reiterate, a walking marriage does not impose monogamy on participants. Some people in walking...
Men Do Not Have Any Work
Because they are not always active in childcare for their biological children, men in walking marriages are often portrayed as lazy. However, that is categorically not true. Men contribute to the childcare of their siblings’ children. Men work in construction, farming, and fishing. They also find employment in the rapidly growing tourism industry.
As with any wedding tradition, views on marriage are significantly influenced by history, culture, politics, and societal norms. The practice of walking marriages among the Mosuo people showcases the diverse tapestry of marital arrangements that exist around the globe, each with its unique set of advantages and challenges. The discussion of walking...
Jun 13, 2018 · One of the most unique cultural traditions is zouhun or ‘walking marriages’. After a coming of age ceremony, Mosuo females can choose their lovers, having as many or as few as they wish within ...
Sep 5, 2024 · Walking marriage offers individuals opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. By engaging in emotional exploration through walking, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. Additionally, the connection with nature that walking marriage encourages allows individuals to find solace and inspiration ...
Aug 14, 2017 · Though female dominance in the workspace is a rarity elsewhere in the world, the Mosuo’s “walking marriage” system is arguably the most unique – and exoticized - part of their culture ...
- Alexandra Genova
Jan 1, 2021 · The Mosuo practice a system of romantic pairing known as “walking marriage” or sese (Cai 2001; Mattison 2011; Shih 2010).When females come of age at approximately 13 years old, they can start to take lovers from men within the tribe, having as many or as few as they desire over their lifetime.
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General Characteristics of the Mosuo. Although rare, matrilineal societies can be found in various places around the world, including Africa (e.g., the Akans), India (e.g., the Nair), and Australasia (e.g., the Vanatinai). Matrilineal society, also called matriliny, refers to a socially ordered community that adheres to a kinship sys-tem in ...
