Ethnography Project Culmination - Mongolia and its Culture (Updated as completed)

Ethnography Project Culmination - Mongolia and its Culture

Week 2, Section 1: Environment

Section A: Geographical location.

The homeland of the Mongol people consists mostly of areas surrounding/including the Mongolian plateau. The area is divided primarily by the modern day independent country of Mongolia (also known by the following name(s): Outer Mongolia) while also including select other autonomous regions of China (also known by the following name(s): Inner Mongolia) and certain regions of Russia (most notably/primarily the Buryatia Republic of the Russian Federation). 

Section B: Climatic description.

The temperatures of these areas peak in July (average temperatures measuring ≈ 26℃ during the day, dropping further to ≈ 13℃ during the night) while temperatures decline to their lowest values in January (average temperatures measuring ≈ -14℃ during the day, dropping further to ≈ -26℃ during the night). 

The average rainfall of these regions tend to feature the majority of rainy days occurring in July (≈ 7.95 days on average [a rainy day is defined as any day in which 0.1 mm (0.1 liter) of precipitation per square meter falls]) with the lowest number of rainy days occurring in January (≈ .45 days on average). 

The climatic variation of these regions showcase a trend of increasing temperatures in the spring, then trends of growth until they peak mid summer, leading into a trend of negative growth in the “tail end” of summer. Temperatures further decrease in autumn, then feature a miniscule upward trend of growth in the winter. 

In short, the climatic variation of these regions showcase trends of gradually increasing temperatures march through may, rising until they reach a peak in the former half of July. After this, temperatures in this region tend to feature gradual negative growth until they reach their all time low in January once more, at which point temperatures slowly rise again and the seasonal cycle is repeated. 

Section C: Population setting.

The increasing modernization has affected the Mongolian population in a variety of ways- most notably the increasing amounts of urbanization (and to a lesser extent, ruralization) of their populace. As more time passes, many present day Mongolians are trading their traditional, nomadic way of life for a more urban or rural lifestyle (the shift towards urban over rural/rural over urban lifestyles varies on many factors, some including but not limited to: location, climate, population, etc.). 

However, this movement towards ruralization/urbanization does not mean Mongolian culture is “dying”, so to speak. While it is true that the modernization that has occurred due to the passage of time into the present day has impacted Mongolian lifestyle(s), a sizable portion of their population still maintains their connection to their cultural roots and practices behaviors passed on through multiple generations.

Additionally, not all of the Mongol population has adapted “modern” lifestyles, as there also still remains a (relatively speaking, small) percentage of the population that lives their lives like their ancestors did- continuing and passing on their way of life and all of the culture/heritage that remains living on through them to future generations who in turn, may pass it further on.

Section D: Flora and fauna

Mongolia is primarily divided into four vegetation zones: the steppes, forest-steppes, semi-desert, and desert. 

Three fourths of Mongolia is covered by steppes, providing ample resources for livestock herds to graze (this being one of the primary reasons why a nomadic lifestyle thrived in Mongolia). These steppes are covered in vast seas of feather and couch grasses, 

The forest-steppes of Mongolia primarily consist of a mix of Siberian larches and cedars, along with assorted varieties of spruce, pine, fir, birch, aspen, and poplar trees that provide shelter, different ecological niches for assorted fauna, and materials/fuel to be used by those who live within their habitat/region.

Both the semi-deserts and deserts of Mongolia are covered in a variety of sparse vegetation. This vegetation, along with the assorted variety of trees, helps to provide
sustenance for livestock while also providing kindling, fuel, and materials for those inhabiting this region.

Section E: Environmental stresses/stressors

Mongolians experience multiple hardships in regard to environmental stressors. For one, the constant movement required of their nomadic lifestyle is very tough on the human body, while ever increasingly harsh climate conditions are add to the complications that Mongolians must face in regards to environmental stresses.

This nomadic lifestyle is in part driven by the needs of both their livestock and the Mongol people- while livestock require new fields to graze in, both groups require a source of clean drinking water. It is within the second requirement that the Mongol people may struggle, as finding clean water sources near grazing fields can be difficult.

Additionally, heavy rainfall being "contained" within one season as opposed to being distributed throughout the year can prove to create difficulties or even harm those inhabiting this area as many areas become prone to flash floods that can cause damage to property, infrastructure, livestock, or even human lives.

The spread/desertification of the steppes the Mongols rely on is an additional environmental stress Mongolians must deal with. The increase in desert areas oftentimes means more distance to get out of these areas is required, thus further increasing the distress the human body experiences.

The changes present in their homeland are not limited to "physical" changes, either. Recently, the changing climate (most notably the increase in ambient temperature, along with more heat waves and increasingly harsher winters) has made it more difficult for them to travel (many may suffer from climate related illnesses, such as heat stroke, for example). These factors, paired with droughts increasing in severity, push those inhabiting these regions into increasingly difficult situations as they are required to travel further while also facing more difficulties in continuing their migration for extended periods of time.

Week 2, Section 2: Adaptations

Section A: Physical adaptations.

Section B: Cultural adaptations.

On a macro scale, the rapid shift towards urbanization/ruralization along with shifts in market structure (as opposed to bartering systems) within the modern day Mongolian population are a form of cultural adaptation.

Conversely, on a micro scale, the employment of Yurts (also known by the following name(s): Gers) in reference to traditional nomadic Mongolian lifestyle is a striking cultural adaptation employed by those who practice/follow traditional Mongolian methods. Yurts are circular portable huts/tents constructed from light but sturdy wooden frames which are then bound together and covered in felts, skins, or other fabrics. This lightweight and "modular" construction allowed for massively increased portability while still offering comfort to those living within them, a feature undoubtedly valued in a nomadic society in which belongings had to be packed away and moved to new locations relatively quickly.

Week 3, Section 1: Language

Section A: Name of language(s).

Mongolian is the primary language of Mongolia, being spoken by roughly 78.8% of Mongolia's total population. Roughly 8.3 million peoples mother tongue is Mongolian.

The remaining 21.2% is comprised of the following languages, sorted by number:
Kazakh (5.9%) Dorbet (2.7) Bajad (1.9%) Buryat (1.7%) Daringanga (1.4%) and assorted other languages (7.9%).

Section B: Language family.

Mongolian (native name: монгол хэл) has roots in the Mongolic language family. It is based primarily on the Khalkha dialect.

Section C: Unique Qualities of the language.

One of the most unique qualities of Mongolian letters is their differing forms/appearances based on where said letter appears in the position of the word. For example, one letter may look different based on whether it is at the beginning, middle, or end of a word, despite being the "same" letter.

Section D: Form(s) of Written Language within the culture.

Traditional Mongolian script has many roots based on Syriac origin. Currently, there are efforts to introduce Mongolian script as the official form of written language in Mongolia. The script is written in vertical columns, top down, left to right similar to some forms of Chinese script/writing.

Week 3, Section 2: Gender Roles within the culture.

Section A: How many genders within the culture?

Generally speaking (disregarding edge cases) Mongolians recognize two genders, Male and Female.

Section B: General gender roles within the culture.

Generally, Mongolian men were in charge of tending to the herds and going to battle. They also were in charge of political decisions related to status and/or war.

Mongolian women (generally) enjoyed a wider amount of freedom and respect compared to say, Chinese women. However, this is not to say that they were treated as equals to men, as they were still expected to be subservient to her male relatives/counterparts. Women were generally in charge of raising the tents, feeding their families, and creating goods from livestock products, while also raising the children part time with the assistance of the man of the household.

One uncommon feature showcased in Mongolian gender roles is the "invisible power" sometimes available to Mongolian women. This invisible power took the form of a woman discussing political ideas or decisions with her husband/brother/male relative, and then having the male relative "speak" for her thus allowing her to share her ideas/opinions in a situation she otherwise would not be able to.

Section C: Gender role conformity.

Generally, Mongolians were very flexible with gender roles. There are numerous cases in which a man or woman assisted with chores normally delegated to the opposite gender should they need help.

Chores aren't the only way that Mongolians were flexible with gender roles; there are numerous examples of women assisting in different battles despite that role historically being considered a "male only" responsibility.

One interesting thing to note is as time went on, Women began to rise in political power. This was due to multiple factors (one key/notable reason being many of the men were away in combat) that coalesced into the potential for (albeit limited) upward mobility in social structure/status/standing (it should be noted that these opportunities were still very limited as they weren't available to all women, and the women they were available to still faced other obstacles that limited their growth of power/social status).

Section D: Repercussions for "breaking" gender roles.

Generally, punishment for "breaking" gender roles were few and far between. Mongolian society generally just featured guidelines (in that men should do so and so, while women should do so and so) and both genders helped the other when assistance was required.

Instead of punishment for "breaking" gender roles being commonplace, Mongolian society was generally set up in a way that it was difficult to break said gender roles (the only "real" opportunity/example was if a woman were to "overstep" and try to collect too much political power, in which she could potentially be reminded of her place).

Section E: Passing down of gender roles within this culture.

Generally, gender roles within this culture were passed down through both parents, as both parents took part in raising their children.

The exception to this is in regards to more gender "specialized" roles such as hunting/cheesemaking, in which the respective parent would teach the child said skill.

Section F: Biology and gender roles within the culture.

Generally, gender roles within this culture in regards to biology were fairly typical and represented the roles that were commonplace at the time. Men were generally in charge of the more "physical" and/or dangerous jobs (i.e. tending to the livestock, hunting, and participating in combat) while women were generally in charge of taking care of the household (i.e. cooking, cleaning) and creating goods from the livestock such as cheeses.

Section G: The Blessed Curse and how it relates to Mongolian society

Read this in the textbook, then go back

Week 4, Section 1: Subsistence within the culture

Section A: Subsistence patterns in Mongolia

Traditionally, Mongolians have relied on pastoralism almost exclusively for sustenance, with gaps in nutrients/resources being filled through foraging. Mongolians were both skilled at raising livestock for meats and other goods, such as cheese, while also developing an aptitude for hunting from a young age.

As the modern era progresses, many Mongolians have switched to an agricultural form of sustenance in which farmers grow specialized/specific crops, which are then traded for currency or other goods (it should be noted that this shift is occurring in a portion of the total population of Mongolia, as there is still a number of those who practice pastoralism to this day).

Section B: Food items within the culture

Traditionally, Mongolian diets tend to be high in caloric content, with the bulk of their meals being comprised of assorted game from hunts, meats from livestock (mutton, beef, goat) and dairy products such as cheeses.

Vegetables aren't very commonplace in traditional Mongolian diets as they were generally hard to acquire (farming was difficult due to the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols) and surpluses of goods were generally traded for other goods deemed "more necessary".

The staples of traditional Mongolian diets tended to be available year round as their lifestyle revolved around the raising and tending of livestock, meaning they had access to meats and other animal products as they needed them rather than having to rely on a resource that was only available seasonally.

Section C: Division(s) of labor within the culture in regards to subsistence

Labor divisions tended to follow "typical"/regularly seen trends in other traditional societies. Males generally were responsible for the more physical tasks in regards to obtaining food (i.e. hunting) while the females were generally responsible for production of food (i.e. milking animals, making cheeses/dairy products, and cooking).

Section D: General population health

Traditional Mongolian diets tend to lack certain nutrients as the bulk of their diets is comprised of carbohydrates, proteins, and dairy products with a noticeable lack of vegetables as they are difficult to acquire.

The culture heavily relies on the health and production of their livestock as if their livestock were to either get sick and/or not produce milk, the population would suffer because these goods along with the meats these animals provide make up roughly 85-90% of their diet.

Week 4, Section 2: Economic Systems

Section A: Surpluses of goods

Surpluses produced by this society are few, as many of their products are made with a "as needed" mindset. This does not mean surpluses of certain goods do not exist, however. It is very common for Mongolians to produce an excess of dairy products (the most notable of which being cheeses) to use in exchanges/trades or in more modern view, sales.

Section B: Management of surpluses

As stated in the section previous to this one, surpluses are generally managed through exchange and/or barter of other required goods or just simply sold for currency.

Section C: Labor specializations within the culture

Generally, labor is traditionally divided by the "guidelines" set by the gender roles already present in this culture. Labor specialization is less common as jobs are generally completed as needed- for example, there is no official "livestock milker" as when the livestock needed to be milked someone available completes said task. It is because of this "as needed" structure that traditional labor specialization is less common; instead, it is more "appreciated"/helpful to be a jack of all trades so you can benefit your group/tribe as much as you can.

Section D: Wealth Redistribution

In regards to wealth redistribution, traditional Mongolians tend to share excess goods with those who need them, for the benefit of them as a collective group. If one person were to share their excess cheese, and if they needed something else in the future, the person who is indebted to them may be more likely to give them what they need as an act to repay their previous kindness.

While this still occurs, increasing levels of modernization along with the introduction of a central currency (as opposed to just bartering based on agreed terms) has led to a decrease in wealth redistribution as it is much easier to gain wealth through the sale of excess goods.

Section E: Currency

The Mongolian tugrik is the official currency of Mongolia, split into denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, and 10000. Coins are split into denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200.

Section F: Bartering (and the effects of barter) within the culture

Barter (when referencing exchange/trade) within Mongolian society generally promotes beneficial relationships where the needs of one member of the tribe is subsidized/covered by the needs of others. This fits the traditional model of Mongolian culture much "better" as the excess goods are used to assist those in need.

This is not necessarily (but can still be true) in reference to the sale of goods for currency, as currency generally influences how a market behaves and creates pros and cons in reference to how a member of the market may behave.

Week 5, Section 1: Marriage

Section A: Marriage Patterns

Traditional Mongolian marriages tended to be polyamorous in nature. In traditional Mongolian society, wives were proportional to your wealth/social status- the more wealthy/the more influential someone was, the more wives they had.

Traditional marriages within the culture were exogamous and political in nature, often aiming to strengthen the bonds of different clans together through the newlywed couple.

Section B: Marriage Determination

Marriages were generally arranged through the use of a matchmaker. These matchmakers could "determine" different aspects of the marriage through fortune telling using tea leaves (they often predicted things such as: how successful a marriage would be, how many children the couple would have, and how wealthy the new family would become).

Section C: Economic exchange(s) in regards to marriage

Wives oftentimes were given a portion of the husband's wealth as a marriage gift to show the husband's intent on caring for them. This wealth however, was generally passed on to the eldest child should the father pass away.

This gift of wealth shows that Mongols do, in some regards, respect their spouses and shows their intent to care for them. While this may be true, It should also be noted that males, like in many other cultures, were almost always valued higher than woman were.

Section D: Exogamy and Incest Taboo

Traditional Mongol marriages were exogamous in nature. Additionally, Mongols were never allowed to marry within tribes as they viewed it as incest and thus morally wrong.

These marriage restrictions also generally served to benefit the power structure of Mongolian tribes, as they promoted marriage outside of the tribe thus uniting more tribes into a more powerful "united" tribe.

Section E: Residence Patterns within the culture

As traditional Mongolian societies were nomadic in nature, they generally did not favor living with a particular parent and instead lived in accordance to where natural resources (i.e. water, fields, etc.) were available.

Section F: Views on homosexuality

In reference to traditional Mongolian culture, there are multiple "rules" and laws that would have disallowed homosexuality/looked negatively upon homosexuality.

Modern times have not changed much either as those who are part of LGBTQ+ groups still suffer from mistreatment and ostracization. This trend is (albeit slowly) changing and evolving as time goes on, however, and views towards homosexuality may face complete change or even reversal within the coming years.

Week 5, Section 2: Kinship

Section A: Descent patterns

Mongolian culture almost exclusively followed a patrilineal path of ancestry for two core reasons: Ancestry was recorded through male lineage rather than through female descent, and men were generally valued more than the women historically (again, in regards to Mongolian society).

Section B: Authority structure within the culture

Traditional Mongolian society is very much a patriarchy, as the males were the most respected and had the most authority in reference to social power.

One interesting and atypical feature of Mongolian societies is the role of women in social positions of power. Some women were able to gain varying levels of political power throughout Mongolian history due to a number of factors (one core factor being a lack of males in general and more specifically in leadership positions as many of them went off to fight in wars).

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