Abstract

PEREZ-NASSER, Elia. Náhuatl masculine and feminine subjectivity in the configuration of gender identity during childhood. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2012, vol.9, n.2, pp.167-189. ISSN 1870-5472.

This essay arises from a much broader research, focused on the theme of masculinities; its objective was to explore and reflect upon the configuration of masculine and feminine identities during the childhood of three generations of men, in six communities in the municipality of Cuetzalan, in Puebla's Sierra Norte, México; this was done by taking into account the categories of gender, ethnicity, class, and life cycle, among others. Theoretically sustained by gender perspective, and taking into account that masculine and feminine identities are a social, cultural and historical construction based on sexual differences. Gender, as a theoretical category, is supported by the qualitative methodology that stresses singularity of female or male subjects or of groups of people, allowing reflection upon their relationships; among other techniques, we worked with in-depth interviews, participant observation and a field journal. Among the results, it can be appreciated that both family and school are two socializing institutions of great influence in the conformation of gender identities. Those interviewed declared having recognized themselves as boys and girls during their time in primary school, in terms of sexual difference. There are inequalities among genders due to the social mandates that are established by the Náhuatl culture from childhood.

Keywords : identity; indigenous people; childhood; Puebla; México.