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The title? I am trying to teach Stinky to type. I thought the promise of typing the title to this entry would be incentive to try harder. Of course, part of the problem is that she has "paws" instead of "hands" and paws aren't terribly precise at hitting specific keys.

Anyway, the title was suppose to be Gender Studies.

Back when I was a student, I took a class devoted to exploring leisure activity of humans and how the male and female gendered humans differed in their choice of leisure activities. One of the "truths" we learned is that for the most part, women prefer to combine leisure activities with work or family activities. Sewing bees are an example. A group of human females gather to socialize, but they also produce a quilt or sewing project - thus not "wasting" time.

In more modern times, human females gather for homemaking activities that double as leisure activities. Tupperware parties, crystal parties, lingerie parties, scrapbooking, etc. all fit the social/leisure activity formula.

I have decided to participate in a few of these female human leisure/work gatherings for the purpose of balancing my research of human behavior. I've attended several different sporting events and other "masculine" leisure activities. It is high time I see the other side of the coin.

Tonight, I attended a "tupperware party." First, you receive an invitation in the mail. Inside the invitation is an "incentive" to attend. (faux money). Also, you receive instructions - and if you follow the instructions, there is the promise of more faux money. The instructions basically encourage good behavior - calling the host to RSVP (indicate if you will attend) and appearing on time. The old folks trained me to adhere to social conventions such as notifying hosts of plans to attend and appearing at the appointed time - so "earning" the extra faux money was not a problem.

Next, the party is hosted by a person who is not the person who actually is the merchant of the "tupperware." The host is responsible for welcoming people to the event and securing refreshments. In return for being host, there are extra gifts and faux money awarded.

The merchant makes a sales pitch and makes a quick demonstration. It apparently is understood by all who attend that you are obligated to make a purchase by simply attending. The host received free merchandise based upon how much is purchased by the guests. After the demonstration and during the process of placing purchase orders, there is eating and socializing.

I think that the leisure part comes in with the socializing. I think the "work" or "homemaking" part comes from the fact that all the items for sale are for the home, and thus the benefit of family members not in attendance. Also, the demonstration is directed at giving the attendees a new "treat" they can prepare for the benefit of others.

There is also the promise of more free stuff and faux money if attendees agree to play host to a future "party."

Oh, the faux money was used at the end of the evening for an "auction" of a few items of the merchandise. The attendees bid on the items and exchanged the faux money for it. It is an example of the rich getting richer, I think.

This particular party was hosted by a person who lives in the country. I enjoyed the drive away from the city. The drive home was a real treat because I had forgotten many of the scents of country living. I could smell rain, and grass, and smoke. It was like being with the old folks.

This particular party was well attended by mostly women. There was lots of cross conversations in rather high pitched voices. By the end of the party, I was quite tired. I never realize how quiet my life is until I find myself in gatherings like this one. I managed to "purchase" two items with the faux money. The host gave me a third piece for being helpful.

Tomorrow night, I am attending a "scrapbook" party. Apparently, unlike tupperware, scrapbooking has evolved into an exclusively human female activity. I hope to learn some secret handshake or signals or information that will make my research meaningful.