The Women's Kingdom - PBS FRONTLINE Broadcast

[Lodestar]

Last edited Fri Apr 1, 2016, 03:31 AM - Edit history (1)

Also known as The Kingdom of Daughters

Keepers of one of the last matriarchal societies in the world, Mosuo women in a remote area of southwest China live beyond the strictures of mainstream Chinese culture -- enjoying great freedoms and carrying heavy responsibilities.

Beautifully shot and featuring intimate interviews, this short documentary offers a rare glimpse into a society virtually unheard of 10 years ago and now often misrepresented in the media.

Mosuo women control their own finances and do not marry or live with partners; they practice what they call "walking marriage." A man may be invited into a woman's hut to spend a "sweet night," but must leave by daybreak. While tourism has brought wealth and 21st century conveniences to this remote area, it has also introduced difficult challenges to the Mosuo culture -- from pollution in the lake, to the establishment of brothels, to mainstream ideas about women, beauty and family.

This finely wrought film is a sensitive portrayal of extraordinary women struggling to hold on to their extraordinary society.

By Xiaoli Zhou and Brent E. Huffman.

[bjo59]

1. Thank you so much for sharing this short film. I loved it.

[Lodestar]

3. you're so welcome...and welcome to DU!

Fascinating to see other worlds and lifestyles. I'm interested to learn more about
matriarchal societies, as our society has seemed so out of balance...far too patriarchal.

[NBachers]

2. "Singing in the streets"

[appalachiablue]

4. What a beautiful documentary and portrait of a harmonious, self sufficient

community managed by women in the 21st century. This educational film gave me a lot to think about. Thank you for posting!

[Lodestar]

5. You're welcome and I agree. Both films are so thought provoking..

and also keep it real regarding the challenges they face to hold onto their culture.
So interesting about the role uncles have within these families too. Sounds like the
father of the kids doesn't live with the mother but instead cares for the kids that
his sister has mothered, while his brothers play a more active role in caring for
HIS kids. (if I understood that correctly). Wonder why?

[appalachiablue]

6. It was clear to me that while the growth of tourism provides monetary resources

it's also an influence that will definitely have a major impact on the strength and continuance of the community. No doubt the wise leaders recognize the threat and will deal with it skillfully and carefully as much as they can.

The film also made me think of the way many US Amish communities tried to prohibit and limit external influences like automobiles which would take young people to outside areas, also radios, television and other technologies that would expose them to modern culture. Seeing the young Mosuo girls' enjoyment of contemporary music was interesting.

I was also thinking about the role of men and was glad they interviewed male members of the society and discussed their participation. My sense is that men live in relatives' households and do not directly play a part in raising their own children who reside with and are brought up by the mothers and their relatives with the fathering role filled by maternal uncles. In any case, from what I saw the system seems to be effective and balanced, and the contentment level satisfactory in terms of both genders.

[appalachiablue]

7. Guardian 2010 article on changes from tourism and sex industry.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/dec/19/china-mosuo-tribe-matriarchy

[Lodestar]

8. Thanks! The father and all adult men are known as "uncles" –

there is no stigma attached to not knowing who a child's father is. So interesting.
Would love to learn more about the reasons for that tradition.

Awful about the sex trade shipped in from outside the community.