Sex Role Stereotyping in Asia

If you choose to come to Asia, you better get used to the different sex roles in everything you do from teaching to golfing to travelling. The males definitely have an easier time and if you happen to be old and white like I am all the better. 

You are treated like a king whether you like it or not. When you have a massage the female masseuse  will put on your shoes and serve you tea when it is finished. When you open your mouth to speak. students will thank you as will your colleagues if you are male. It is quite amazing really

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If you are female, you better be prepared. I was in a meeting the other day with a number of management types from the school. When it came to getting the coffee, or in this case tea, you can guess who went and got it for the two male colleagues.


 I am not a woman so I cannot tell you the other indignities you may have to suffer but I am quite sure they will be there because of your gender. 

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Each gender have a definite role to play in the family dynamic and let us just say that if you are a male you will be served literally hand and foot. I honestly found it hard to get used to but it tends to creep up on you slowly but surely. The other day in a restaurant with an Asian woman colleague we were having fish. In Asia they serve the whole fish and it is tricky to cut up and handle. I was waiting for her to cut it up and serve me and even though we are colleagues and equals she served me. 


It is an interesting dilemma for me. Should I attempt to change culture or just accept it and thank God I am a male? The answer is not easy if you are male and you are treated his way but what is our role as teachers?


If you read my book, It All Started in Mandalay I have a number of references to sex role stereotyping. Have a read and tell me if you think I overdid it. You can buy it by pressing the book logo on the right side of this page.