Peruvian Society III: Andean Couple: a GENERALIZED Perspective of a Gringo

In Andean communities, the roles of men and women within a couple are partially rooted in practical necessity. The relationship between the two is often seen as complementary, with each fulfilling distinct but equally important functions.

Traditionally, the man’s role revolves around the physical labor needed to sustain the family. He is typically responsible for tasks such as farming, herding livestock, and other heavy work that requires physical strength. He also plays an important role in teaching his children about work, manners, and the world outside. The woman has historically played a central role in the home and community. She is the caretaker, responsible for nurturing children, cooking, weaving textiles, and maintaining the household. However, her labor also extends into farming, often in the form of planting and harvesting crops alongside her male counterpart. Children of both sexes also play critical roles in animal herding and in caring for their younger siblings.

While the roles of men and women in a couple are clear, they are not strictly separate. The two often work side by side, and their contributions are seen as equally valuable, with mutual respect being essential to the wellbeing of both their family and society.

When traveling to Maras or Pachar in the Sacred Valley, have you seen women bring food to the fields or construction sites where their husbands are working? They are not just offering a hot meal but also companionship during long, physically demanding days. Many tasks in the Andes, like herding animals in the highlands, are done alone, and with communities often remote and isolated, this mutual emotional support is essential for maintaining mental balance.

Not everything in these relationships is harmony and bliss. Like anywhere else, there can be abuse, laziness, and betrayal. In tightly-knit communities, such issues can hit harder because there is nowhere else to turn, and couples and families depend so much on each other for survival.

But when it works, it is a privilege to witness the two truly working together—whether in farming, small businesses, or other shared ventures. This raw, honest, and unromanticized partnership continues to shape society in the region.

Photo: Cultura Cusco Peru