PERCEPTION OF GENDER ROLES IN TURKISH MYTHS
TÜRK DESTANLARINDA TOPLUMSAL CİNSİYET ALGISI

Author : Muhammet ATASEVER
Number of pages : 494-518

Abstract

Division of labor and status difference are prevalent among family members. The determination of the status is usually in the form of reflecting the value judgments of the society to family. These value judgments provide various tasks to each individual. Family members are expected to perform their duties. In sociology, division of tasks and duties is realized by gender roles in individual level. The most important role of the girl in the myths examined is to imitate her mother as a woman, and to marry a suitable brave man when she matures. She has some responsibilities like to bring new generations to life, to raise them and to lead them to the right path. Women are not individuals who only have domestic skills and are wise. They sometimes take up the role of saviors. However, the central figure in myths are generally male children. The absence of male child is pain for the father while his presence safeguards continuation of family line which is a great matter of pride. The theme of childlessness is almost entirely conceptualized on having male children. Various rituals are performed so as to have children. Not giving birth to male children prevents the flow of action in myths and its is a harbinger of the end for society. In society the men are expected to take names after a bravery, eliminate the enemies, put society in order, compete with rivals or enemies for the wife-to-be, to protect their family, wives, children and honor, and ultimately to transfer authority to their heirs as fathers. This article examines Oghuz Khan, Dede Qorqut and Koroglu myths based on the Turkish culture which expand to a vast geography in terms of their recognition and variants.

Keywords

Oghuz Khan, Dede Qorqut, Koroglu, societal gender, roles.

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