Challenging Gender Norms: Five Genders Among Bugis in Indonesia

by Sharyn Graham Davies

See how gender identities are constructed in a rapidly changing cultural milieu with CHALLENGING GENDER THE FIVE GENDERS OF INDONESIA! This case study in cultural anthropology explores the Bugis ethnic group, native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, which recognizes five gender categories rather than the two acknowledged in most societies. This ethnography presents individuals' stories, opinions, and deliberations and proposes a new theory of gender which incorporates appreciation of variously gendered subjectivities.

Genres: Ethnography, Anthropology, Nonfiction, Academic, Gender Studies

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2006

Reviews

[Abi (The Knights Who Say Book)]

I mean, the writing of it isn't anything very special but the topic is interesting. I guess I haven't read enough field studies to gauge whether this book is a good example of one, but I think it's worth reading.

[Jessy Ismoyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku yang cermat dalam menjelaskan keberagaman gender dalam budaya Bugis. Bu Sharyn baik sekali memandu pembaca lewat paparan riset lapangannya tentang kehidupan calalai, calabai, dan bissu. Membantu juga sebagai sandaran untuk penelitian lanjutan tentang topik terkait.

[Shyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating!

[Arliska Fatma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bugis recognizes female, male, and hermaphrodite biologically. Further, Bugis also identifies female, male, calabai, calalai, dan bissu. 🤔 Is binary orientalist?
#bertanyakakini #kitabantujawab

[Mike Walczak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this very interesting book on Sulawesi culture as part of my introduction to anthropology course. Didn't think at the time that I would go to Sulawesi some day.

[Kiara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my anthropology class. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, unless you're interested in additional genders other than male and female. It's not the best written book I've ever read either...it's pretty confusing to get through.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for an Anthro class- interesting cultural structure for sure.

[Shaylee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is in the top five worst books ever!