Woman and taboo in Malta (1) : segregation

Abstract

The transitional period, from the phase of childhood to the age of puberty is considered a highly dangerous process in most societies. This marks numerous changes in both the personality and behaviour of yesterday's children who are now capable of reproduction. This is seen in the physiological maturity and the first functioning of the sexual organs. In our society the adolescent boy passes from childhood to puberty without any serious emotional disturbances, although formal educational systems impress upon him a greater sense of responsibility about his changing attitudes towards girls and about the right use of the sexual organs. Girls however are more open to emotional stress and disturbance due to cultural causes rather than as an inevitable concomitant of physiological maturity. On reaching this age the male adult is given more responsibility and is even given a key to the house. The adolescent girl, however, is not allowed to go about as freely as during her childhood. She runs too many risks against her "honour" and "prestige".