¶ … Gutierrez (1991) is talking about the traditions and customs that existed in colonial New Mexico. During this time, many of the Pueblo Indian, Spanish and Mexican ideas were integrated into this culture. At the heart of this approach, was to use the Spanish model as way to enforce different social standards and norms. (Gutierrez) This meant that men were seen as superior to women and had the power of the state behind them. As many of these rights and privileges, were provided based upon biblical interpretation. This encouraged men to engage in actions that were seen supportive of social values. While women, were forced to save themselves for marriage and be subservient to the men in their family. (Gutierrez)

Anyone who followed these practices were rewarded and respected within society. Whereas those individuals who chose to questions these customs were often ridiculed and subject to tremendous amounts of gossip. This essentially made the person a social outcast by not abiding by these standards. Everyone who is seen this in this light, motivated others to not follow these practices (in order to fit in with a particular social group). (Gutierrez)

In some situations, the legal and court system were used to support these ideas. This occurred by acknowledging that women are inferior to men and that males are the most dominant in society. When anyone refused...

The combination of these factors created a foundation for enforcing and shaping social values. (Gutierrez)
These points are illustrating how the various standards for male dominance in society were continually enforced. As a result, the main thesis of the chapter is focusing on how this is taking place and the way it is impacting the community's relationship with each other. This is when everyone is provided with an understanding of the norms and customs that are embraced by colonial civilization. (Gutierrez)

Evaluation

To support these views, Gutierrez talks about how this is affecting the relationship between men and women in society. This is accomplished by studying the way men and women are interacting with each other in relation to these values. A good example of this can be seen with how women were treated if they were not considered to be a virgin. What happened is traditional society demanded that pure females were never touched by another man. Anyone who is rumored to have been with someone else is considered to be communal. This essentially made them a social outcast, despite the rumors being untrue. In one instance a woman went so far as to go to the doctor to show how her daughter is still pure. (Gutierrez)

Evidence of this can be seen…