Editing Eskara (section)

== The place of an Eskaran man ==


When an Eskaran man comes of age he dons long pants and moves from the children's room to the men's barracks. Even if he is invited to share the bed of a woman, this is seen as a temporary arrangement and he will maintain his 
space in the men's barracks.  
 
In Eskara, a man is considered to be incomplete and flawed. They are impulsive, they are clumsy, they lack the wit, sensitivity, depth and responsibility of a woman. They are not usually seen as independent and functioning individuals. A man is always recognized as the life-partner (or son) of the higher status 'primary' woman, he is seen to be under her responsibility and control. 
 
Should a man complete a significant task or event, this achievement belongs to the 'primary' woman.  Similarly a man who causes aggravation in society is a disgrace to the 'primary' woman and her family. This structure survives the 
grave, should a man outlive his partner, the responsibility passes first to her of-age daughters and granddaughters, then to her sisters (and her daughters). In all settlements, 'unclaimed' men are the collective responsibility of the local council of women.  
 
The imperfection of a man in relation to a woman is particularly evident in sexuality. Women's sexuality which is typically arranged by rite and ceremony - of which there are many variations, even including a handful of rituals for
'spontaneity'. In contrast, men's sexuality is driven by his urges and this is considered to be dirtier and more destructive. An extreme example of men's uncontrolled sexuality is the rare and horrific crime of rape, which is punished most severely.