In the Mayan culture, gender is something that is beyond just male and female. It defines the way that a person lives their life. The people learn this through enculturation and are taught their roles as males and females at a very young age. Their social norms and cultural practices also helps with enculturation.
As in any culture, gender roles play an important role in Mayan society. As the culture and civilization developed, the population was divided into working classes. Men and women were assigned specific duties. Woman's social roles on society were different from mens but not inferior to them. They would assist their husbands in whatever tasks they needed help with. Both men and women were equally important in food production, but the women were in charge of the cooking. If a husband planted a harvest of food, it was the wife's job to harvest it.
In relation to politics, men and woman shared rights to a powerful political position. The reign of a queen was not common or popular, but there is evidence that queens did exist.A married couple has a dominant person and the other assists.
In reference to religion, deities are depicted as both male and female. The corn deity is both male and female. This is the way that equality is depicted in the Mayan culture. It shows that without a male and femal part together, there would be no unison between genders.
Gender roles can be expressed through personal style. All people were considered to be both male and female, the male side being the right and female being the left. One gender was not seen as superior to the other.
Reference:
Hurbon, Jessica
2013 Ancient Maya Gender. Electronic document,
http://mayan-gender-hurbon.wikispaces.com
