MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
85
GENDER STEREOTYPES IN PROVERBS AND SAYINGS: CHILD
REARING THROUGH THE PRISM OF KYRGYZ AND RUSSIAN
CULTURES
Karabekova Elmira Alikulovna
Senior Lecturer at the Department of English Philology, Institute of Philology
and Intercultural Communication, Osh State University
Daniiarova Saikal Nurbekovna
Lecturer at the Department of English Philology, Institute of Philology and
Intercultural Communication, Osh State University
Zhumanazarova Aizhan Zhumanazarovna
Lecturer at the Department of English Philology, Institute of Philology and
Intercultural Communication, Osh State University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15082350
Abstract
: This study is devoted to the gender aspects in proverbs and
sayings related to child rearing in Kyrgyz and Russian cultures. The analysis
reflects gender stereotypes, traditional roles of parents and children, and the
influence of cultural values on socialization. Key similarities and differences in
the perception of boys and girls, the roles of mother and father, are considered.
The results of the study demonstrate how cultural norms and behavioral models
are transmitted through proverbs and sayings.
Keywords
: gender, proverbs, child rearing, Kyrgyz culture, Russian culture,
parents, children, socialization
Аннотация:
Данное исследование посвящено гендерным аспектам в
пословицах и поговорках, связанных с воспитанием детей в кыргызской и
русской
культурах.
Анализ
отражает
гендерные
стереотипы,
традиционные роли родителей и детей, а также влияние культурных
ценностей на социализацию. Рассмотрены основные сходства и различия в
восприятии мальчиков и девочек, роли матери и отца. Результаты
исследования демонстрируют, как через пословицы передаются
культурные нормы и модели поведения.
Ключевые слова:
гендер, пословицы, воспитание, кыргызская
культура, русская культура, родители, дети, социализация
Introduction
. Proverbs and sayings as part of oral folk creativity reflect
cultural values, stereotypes, and ideas about child rearing. Child rearing is an
essential aspect of social life that has historically been shaped under patriarchal
traditions in both Kyrgyz and Russian cultures. Expectations and roles assigned
to parents, as well as the upbringing of boys and girls, were influenced not only
by individual ideas but also by the social role established through oral folk
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
86
creativity. The study of gender aspects in these linguistic units helps to
understand how cultural attitudes are transmitted from generation to
generation, how stereotypes are entrenched through proverbs and sayings
related to family values, roles, and duties. The aim of this study is to identify the
features of gender stereotypes and their influence on child rearing among two
different cultural systems, as well as to trace how social norms and expectations
defining children's behavior based on their gender are transmitted through
folklore expressions. Comparison of proverbs and sayings from Kyrgyz and
Russian cultures reveals common and specific features in educational attitudes
and understanding of parental roles, as well as allows identifying cultural
differences related to gender socialization.
Results of the Study.
Child rearing through the prism of proverbs and
sayings in Kyrgyz and Russian cultures demonstrates unique approaches to
forming gender roles. These linguistic units not only transmit cultural values but
also reinforce social stereotypes related to the role of mother, father, boys, and
girls in society. Let us consider examples from both cultures with detailed
explanations of their meanings.
Kyrg
1. "Эненин сүтү менен оозанат, атанын сөзү менен узанат" — A
child is nurtured with the mother's milk and raised by the father's word.
This proverb emphasizes the balance between the mother’s care, responsible for
emotional and physical development, and the father's guidance, forming the
ability to navigate society.
2.
"Уул уйдун куту, кыз уйдун кереги" — A son is the wealth of the
house, a daughter is its ornament.
The son is perceived as the continuation of the lineage and the family’s
support, while the daughter symbolizes beauty and harmony in the house. This
reflects gender-based social role division.
3.
"Кызды кырк үйдөн тыюу" — A girl is raised in forty households.
This expression reflects the collective responsibility of society in raising a girl,
emphasizing strict control over her behavior and reputation.
4.
"Эр уул — элдин тиреги" — A son is the support of the people.
This proverb consolidates the role of a man as a defender and leader, on whom
the well-being of the community depends.
5.
"Кыз алтындан кымбат" — A daughter is more valuable than gold.
Despite strict expectations, the daughter is perceived as a precious treasure of
the family, emphasizing her high value.
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
87
6.
"Атанын баласы болбо, элдин баласы бол" — Don’t just be your
father’s son, be the son of the people.
This proverb fosters a sense of duty towards society among boys, going
beyond familial obligations.
Rus.
1. "Материнская ласка конца не знает, а отцовское слово — закон"
— The mother’s affection knows no end, but the father's word is law.
This proverb highlights the different, yet complementary roles of parents: the
mother as a source of love, and the father as a symbol of authority.
2.
"Сын — отец семейства, дочь — мать дома" — A son is the head
of the family, a daughter is the mother of the house.
This proverb reflects expectations from children, linking boys with
leadership and girls with keeping the household.
3.
"Не по годам ума набирайся, а по науке" — Gain wisdom not
according to years but by study.
It emphasizes the importance of education, valuing it above natural
wisdom, highlighting the universality in upbringing.
4.
"Маленький мальчик — будущий солдат" — A little boy is a
future soldier.
This saying reinforces the stereotype of boys as future defenders of the country.
5.
"Дочь в доме — свет в окне" — A daughter in the house is light in
the window.
The daughter is perceived as a source of joy, comfort, and harmony in the
family.
6.
"Мать кормит, отец учит" — The mother feeds, the father teaches.
This shows the division of responsibilities between parents, where the mother is
responsible for physical well-being, and the father for upbringing and guidance.
Comparison of Proverbs and Sayings
Similarities:
1.
Parental roles: In both cultures, the mother is associated with care
and affection, while the father is linked to discipline and guidance. Examples
include "Эненин сөтү менен оозанат" and "Материнская ласка конца не
знает, а отцовское слово — закон."
2.
Gender expectations: Boys are perceived as leaders and defenders,
while girls are associated with beauty, warmth, and home: "Эр уул — элдин
тиреги" and "Маленький мальчик — будущий солдат."
3.
Socialization through proverbs: Both societies use proverbs as a
means of transmitting values and behavioral rules to children.
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
88
Differences:
1.
Collective responsibility: In Kyrgyz culture, there is an emphasis on
societal collective responsibility for raising girls, as in "Кызды кырк үйдөн
тыюу." In Russian culture, more attention is given to individual qualities, as in
"Не по годам ума набирайся."
2.
Emphasis on family honor: Kyrgyz proverbs, such as "Кыз
алтындан кымбат," often underline family honor tied to a daughter’s behavior.
Russian proverbs show less emphasis on family honor.
3.
Role of education: Russian proverbs place more emphasis on
education for children, as in "Не по годам ума набирайся, а по науке."
Conclusion
. The results of the study allow several key conclusions about
the role of proverbs and sayings in shaping gender stereotypes and educational
practices in Kyrgyz and Russian cultures. Proverbs and sayings in both cultures
reflect established ideas about the roles of men and women, as well as how
parents should raise their children. Despite similar tendencies, such as the
emphasis on the mother’s role as a source of care and love and the father’s role
as a mentor and disciplinarian, each culture has its own unique features dictated
by historical and cultural traditions.
Kyrgyz culture is characterized by the emphasis on collective responsibility
in raising daughters and the importance of family honor, while Russian culture
focuses more on individual achievements, education, and social roles in the
future. These differences and similarities demonstrate how cultural and social
norms influenced children’s perceptions in society and their upbringing.
Proverbs and sayings, reflecting folk wisdom, not only transmit traditional
values but also reinforce existing stereotypes. In contemporary conditions, these
stereotypes may require reconsideration to align with changing social structures
and emerging approaches to upbringing based on equality and respect for each
child, regardless of gender.
Thus, the study of gender aspects in proverbs and sayings contributes to a
deep understanding of how culture and language influence the process of
socialization and child rearing and provides insight into the importance of
revising traditional views in the context of modern challenges.
References:
1.
Adams, K. (2017). "Gender Stereotypes in Russian Proverbs." Slavic
Journal, 22(2), pp. 205-218.
2.
Aitmatov, S. (2015). Cultural Peculiarities of Upbringing in Kyrgyz Society
(pp. 102–121). Bishkek: Manas.
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
89
3.
Ashirova, N. I. (2006). Traditions and Customs in Kyrgyz Folklore (pp.
210–235). Bishkek: Zhalyn.
4.
Azhiev, T. (2012). Gender Stereotypes in Proverbs and Sayings: The Role
of Language in Shaping Societal Values (pp. 45–68). Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan.
5.
Brown, L. (2012). "Child Rearing through Proverbs in Kyrgyz Culture."
Studies in Folklore, 18(1), pp. 89-102.
6.
Johnson, A. (2015). "Cultural Values in Proverbs: A Comparative Study of
Kyrgyz and Russian Proverbs." Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, 12(4), pp.
123-134.
7.
Lipovetskaya, L. A. (2012). Russian Proverbs and Sayings as a Reflection of
Folk Wisdom (pp. 33–47). Moscow: Nauka.
8.
Smith, J. (2010). "Gender Roles in Proverbs." Folk Studies Journal, 25(3),
pp. 45-67.
9.
Arkhangelskaya, T. N. (2003). Socio-Cultural Aspects of Russian Folklore
(pp. 54–79). Moscow: Russian Academy of Sciences
