Chapter 4, Modesty, Gender, and Sexuality Summary and Analysis

The Bedouins value males above females in several important ways. First of all, they prefer sons over daughters. When a male child is born, there is much celebrating, shouting, and congratulations. When a female child is born, there is mourning. The death of a male infant is also more disturbing to the tribe than the death of a female infant.

Even so, girls are treated with affection as they grow up because of the natural ties that bind children to parents. The unabashed preference for boys over girls comes from sociological reasons. The tribal structure of the Bedouins is based on paternal lineage. Therefore, a family with many daughters is weak in family connections and strength. Boys also bring social security to a woman because she will be better provided for in her...