Gender Stereotypes Feat. Yusuf and Sana!

According to our Chinese friends, the Chinese view men as having a higher status than women. The proof is, only men are allowed to go to the mosque/masjid (unfortunately). This is quite unheard of in Malaysia. We understand that the mosque is open to everyone, rich and poor, male and female, Muslim and non-Muslim... So, we asked them...

Us: Why (can't women enter mosques)?
Yusuf & Sana: We don't know!

Haha. It is even puzzling to them!

Additionally, man is the sole provider for the girlfriend/wife, the breadwinner, the pillar. The women do not have to worry financially at all. So, Yusuf jokes, he is "very rich because he does not have a girlfriend" to spend on. Haha!

Hofstede's 5 Dimensions Model: Masculinity in Focus

(source)

The Masculinity is relatively higher in China than in Malaysia, which explains the socially-influenced roles for men (breadwinner) and women (being motherly). We further compared the situation in Malaysia. Before marriage, it is up to the couple to spend lavishly on each other or not. Some equally divide the costs. Yusuf and Sana perceive this as 'equality' and they are somewhat intrigue by the idea.

Since women are not allowed in mosques in China, we were wondering where Muslim couples get married (nikkah). Yes, in Malaysia, some do it at home, but it is also customary to do so at the mosque. It turns out that in China, the imam will come to the bride and bridegroom's home to perform the ritual -- not much difference there with Malaysia.

As you have understood, men is in charge of the finance of the household. But the one who knows how to take care of things in the household tend to be the mother/wife, who is highly demanded by the children. Sana added that in most cases, the children will not ask help from the father in the mother's absence, unless when asking the whereabouts of the mother. Hahaha!

Personally, we think that belief is universal.