When Traditional Ethnic Culture Encounters Gender Equality: The Dilemma Of Multicultural Education

Abstract

In recent years, the government of Taiwan has been actively promoting gender equality, the positive results of which are already apparent among the younger generation. This research examines the views of indigenous girls attending secondary school with respect to the gender divide in their traditional culture, whether or not they support the concept of gender equality, and how their career plans are associated with their gender perceptions. Data were collected through participant observation and group interviews. The results indicate that female aboriginals of higher socio-economic standing are becoming less constrained by traditional gender limitations. Although their traditional culture may run counter to the ideology of gender equality, in reality many are learning how to draw on the wisdom of their traditional culture without adopting the concept of masculine domination.