Exam 9: Gender and Sexuality: Nature or Nurture

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Nisa, a woman from the Ju/'hoansi people of the Kalahari Desert, is the subject of a book titled "Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung Woman" by Marjorie Shostak. In this ethnographic work, Shostak documents the life stories and cultural practices of the Ju/'hoansi, as told by Nisa herself.

Regarding how children in her society learned about sex, Nisa described a very open and natural learning process. According to her accounts, children learned about sex through observation and participation in the daily life of the community. The Ju/'hoansi lived in small, close-knit groups with little privacy, which meant that children were often exposed to sexual behavior from a young age. They would see adults engaging in sexual activities, and this would serve as an informal education.

Nisa explained that children would also play sexual games with each other, imitating the adults, which was considered a normal part of their development. These games allowed them to explore their sexuality and learn about their bodies in a safe and accepted manner. The Ju/'hoansi did not stigmatize these activities; instead, they were seen as a natural progression towards adulthood.

Furthermore, as children grew older, they would receive more direct instruction and advice from older members of the community. Elders and parents would talk to them about sexual relationships, marriage, and the responsibilities that come with these aspects of adult life. This guidance was practical and rooted in the cultural norms and values of the Ju/'hoansi.

In summary, Nisa described a society where the education about sex was embedded in the fabric of daily life, characterized by openness, direct observation, and community involvement, without the taboos and secrecy often found in more industrialized societies.