Gender Roles in Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism philosophy prides itself on having equal love and respect for all

people. This is why the presence of gender roles and inequality is surprisingly ingrained

into the culture of the Rasta people. The Rastafarian movement from the days of

slavery to those of freedom and spirituality is often described as an intense liberation

movement. In the middle of their liberation many barriers were knocked down and

Jamaican people emerged as free. Though they were free people and had obtained

their equality, the old and repressive views on women did not change a bit.

The gender inequalities still seen today within the Rastafarian culture can be

traced back all the way to the African traditions that the Mau Mau people brought over

with them during the slave trade. Even after the Mau Mau overthrew the British slave

owners in Africa, the women, who helped significantly in the rebellion, were not seen as

equals.1 As free people both men and women could farm and grow their own crops,

only the men could sell theirs for a profit.1 Men were the heads of the household and

had almost complete control of their wives. Because of the separation of men and

women through power and money, these women were forced to lead very demanding

independent and self-sufficient lives. In order to keep women feeling inferior they were

forbidden to take part in many important spiritual activities.3 Many of these traditions are

still seen today in Rastafarian culture. They are seen as a vital link back to their

ancestors and their native Africa.

These gender inequalities can also be traced back to the Bible, which

Rastafarians interpret as the Book of and by ancient Africans. The males therefore

expect to exercise the power and the authority in the family by virtue of being the male.
Females are seen to be temptresses being representatives of Eve who tempted Adam

into disobeying their God and brought them out of Gods favor. This story is used to

reinforce the treacherous qualities of women and is an excuse for the womens unequal

place in society.2 The Bible portrays a clear power differential as women are supposed

to submit to their husbands and in return husbands should love their wives.

Traditional Rastafarian women see themselves as extensions of men, with no

real purpose in life besides reproducing and supporting their men. They are raised to

accept their primary role as housekeeper and child bearer.4 Women are required to

dress modestly, wear no makeup, and to keep their heads covered. These dress codes

are implemented to stress the importance of female monogamy, but men are allowed to

be somewhat polygamous.4 The punishments for failure to abide by monogamy are

much harsher for women then they are men; women are unconditionally sentenced to

death, while men are given a trivial punishment.4 The religion is also exclusive of

women, there are many rituals that they are not allowed to participate in, one important

being smoking from the marijuana pipe in the circle of male Rastas.4 Instead of being

recognized as legitimate followers of Rastafari they act as mistresses of song or

secretaries.2 In a religion that is supposed to be about equality for all, the way that

women are treated does not reflect their beliefs.

The inequalities that women face have not gone unnoticed in the Rasta

community however, and one major way that they are changing it is through Reggae.

Female Reggae artists like Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt are

incorporating the female struggle for equality into the fundamental Rasta music

message of equality and one love for all.3 They formed the group I-Three who
performed with Bob Marley and the Wailers, and all three women also had successful

solo careers.3 Another female artist who has become quite popular is Sister Carol who

is a successful dancehall reggae DJ. Besides proving herself as a worthy competitor of

the male DJs, her positive lyrics have become a source of inspiration for Jamaican

womens pride.3 Female artists have had a great impact on the recognition of

discrimination against women as a central concern to Jamaican and Rastafarian

societies. Becoming a female reggae artist is an incredible challenge however. Not only

do they have to compete with all the other Reggae artists, but they deal with sexism and

ridicule from producers.3 The few women who do make it capitalize on their fame by

singing songs about love, hope, and unity that continue to inspire Rasta women.

In terms of race and human rights, Jamaicans have risen above their previous

position. However, they did this without their women. The women associated with

Rastafarianism took on a subordinate role in the Rasta culture and society right away.

Rastafarianisms traditional and oppressive gender roles have limited Jamaican women

from achieving an equal identity in Jamaican society. Rasta women are becoming more

independent as time progresses. Their use of music helps to spread their message and

gain support for their cause. For women to be singing the same songs and express the

same message as Rasta men is solid evidence that women are rising up to the equality

of the new Rastafari. These womens efforts have helped even more Jamaican women

to establish themselves as equal, self-sufficient individuals in all areas of Rastafari

society.
1Edmonds, Ennis B. Rastafari. N.p.: Oxford UP, 2013. Oxford Index. Oxford University Press, Sept. 2013.

Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

2
Greville, Georgie. "The Evolution of New Rastafari." The Dread Library. University of Vermont, 20 Apr.

1998. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.

3
Gunia, Nicholas A. "Popular Jamaican Music as Anti-subordination Praxis." (n.d.): n. pag. University of

California, Davis. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

<http://lawreview.law.ucdavis.edu/issues/33/4/Performing/DavisVol33No4_Gunia.pdf>.

4Rowe, Maureen. The Women in Rastafari. Caribbean Quarterly 26.4 (1980): 1321. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.