Opción B · Inglés PAU Madrid Ordinaria (2ª lengua) 2019

The Kingdom of Women

America has technologically averse subcultures within its borders, and China is no different. In the shadow of the Himalayan live the Mosuo people. Their complex social structure is said to be one of the last semi-matriarchal societies in the world. It is perhaps the only culture in the world that does not include marriage.

The nature of marriage as an old model where the woman is effectively her husband's property has given way to a modern view of marriage where she is an equal partner. Nevertheless, the Mosuo subscribe to neither. Instead, they practice “walking marriage”, in which there are no lifelong commitments and relationships are based solely on mutual affection, not family alliances, finances, inheritance, or even parental responsibilities.

The Mosuo have aspects of a matriarchal culture: women own and inherit property, sow crops in this agrarian society, run the households – cooking, cleaning and child-rearing – and make business decisions. However, unlike a matriarchy, the political power tends to be in the hands of males. Men provide strength, ploughing, building, repairing homes and helping with big familial decisions.

However, things are changing since (mostly) Chinese tourists began arriving in the early 1990s. It is a society in transition and the traditional way of life has started to feel outdated to young Mosuo people. They are carving out a different path from their parents, embracing “western” marriage and family life. Some people think Mosuo culture will disappear in 30 years, but many others look for a balance between modern and traditional life.

Adapted from: “The Kingdom of Women,” The Guardian 1 April 2017.

QUESTIONS

1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

(Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

There seems to be many societies in which the traditional concept of marriage does not exist.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

There is no consensus among people regarding the future of Mosuo society.

TRUE

FALSE

2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text.

(Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

What does the practice of “walking marriage” involve? Mention four characteristics.

b)

What do men do to support their families in the Mosuo society? Mention four aspects.