Unveiling Gender Roles Among Ilocanos Through Traditional Ilocano Games

Abstract

Playing traditional games are a significant milestone in the lives of every child which served as their amusements. Albeit the presence of technology games nowadays, the twenty respondents who were purposively selected are still very much familiar with most of the traditional Ilocano games. Thus, this study accessed the gender roles behind some Ilocano Traditional Games. It made-use of the ethnographic approach method as research design. Based from the findings, it surfaced that there are traditional Ilocano games that were designed solely for males, as well as for females and for both sexes. These games helped them to better understand their role in the society especially in accordance to their genders. Respondents were able to understand on how a man and woman should do in a real family setting, awareness on gender equality, and socialization to other people. Through games, they were able to shape and strengthen their gender identities as they are at the present. Also, they could identify their weaknesses and strengths as a woman or man. To gain clarifications on gender concepts and eventually develop full awareness of gender role on Ilinano Traditional games, they must develop gender-sensitive behaviors, which is a must in a responsive environment.