For this assignment, you will write a short paper (4-5 pages) and reflect on the assigned
documentary and various course readings and concepts.
Tasks
• Watch the documentary Tisese.
• Review the assigned readings Coontz 2008, Mclntyre 2014 Ch. 8, Parreñas 2001.
• Family is one of the most fundamental social institutions in human societies, yet different
societies develop ways to organize their family lives. Write an essay that
addresses the following prompts:
o The matrilineal Mosuo people in Southwest China developed the tisese system as
their primary sexual-reproductive institution, which is different from most
patriarchal societies. How does tisese work?
o What roles and obligations do women and men of different ages and generations
have? How are these roles and obligations different from those in the patriarchal
marriage system (Coontz 2008) and transnational Filipino families (Parreñas
2001)? What are the potential benefits of tisese system?
o How has tourism (capitalism/ market economy) challenged the Mosuo people’s
ways of life, including their ways of thinking (beliefs, values, and assumptions)
and ways of behaving (norms, interactions, and communications)?
o After reviewing the documentary and readings, what was most surprising to you?
What are the dominant values and norms in your family? Can you reflect on the
concept of “ethnocentrism” and “cultural relativism”?
Your paper should 1) draw on specific details and examples from the documentary and readings,
as well as your observations and experiences; 2) analyze those details about
sociological concepts and theories; and 3) show evidence of deep reflections and empathy.
