South Asian Gender Roles

South Asian women largely undertake the role of cooking foods for their families; their responsibility lies in the home and kitchen- we can apply Parson’s theory of gender roles here and how women’s role in society lies in the domestic sphere (Parsons 1951). It is arguable South Asian communities delegate such responsibilities to women as it instils social order, moreover expectations of cooking responsibilities to re-enforce the role they are expected to undertake within their families and the wider society. The way which the food has been sourced, the production of the food and most importantly the taste of the food are all reflections the family who the women who has cooked the food is from (Stein, 2012). When the food is enjoyed by the
South Asian women undertake this role of making the food for their families, they appreciate the traditions of the food created and served- keeping these traditions alive is important to them thus they consider it to be a significant part of their identity (Vallianatos and Raine, 2008). It is important to note the traditions of food which are upheld in relation to food are those of South Asian women’s mother in law’s tradition and how this is repeated and serves great importance within the South Asian home’s as it creates a sense of belonging for children’s identity, moreover it allows consistency in lives (Srinivas, and 2006). Srinivas (2006) has understood how many Indians in western countries use food as a means of re-identifying themselves with their Indian culture, moreover use food to embody their culture- when they meet up with their family the mother will cook the food which they grew up eating- this gives the mother a sense of pride and self-satisfaction because they are creating food which their children enjoy. Furthermore, Rockower (2014) recognises how feeding the stomach wins individual’s hearts- the way the women have produced the food will reflect the producers relationship with the consumer- this reaffirms the burden women’s identity is given through their production of
Although their lives may not primarily consist of their South Asian culture, eating the cuisine will remind them of their heritage therefore the way it is produced is important; it must be able to create the nostalgic feeling (Berger, 1961). It is a part of the South Asian woman’s identity. It must be noted because of the immigration of South Asians to western countries, the use of pre-food has becoming increasingly used within South Asian households. Although the food is not a true reflection of true South Asian cuisine it allows a sense of re-connecting with their heritage hence displaying food within their identity. The use of microwavable rice, echoes South Asian’s of their heritage, however it must be noted pre-packaged food hold stigma since it can be understood to lack true authenticity- some of the heritage is lost through such foods, as there is no real love and affection connected to it the way a South Asian woman would create it (Sriniva, 2006). For a South Asian woman to use pre- made supermarket food, albeit South Asian type cuisine, this will create negative stigma towards her and she may be seen to be a failure by the community and her family. We must understand this is a burden to South Asian women to cook everything from scratch, to use short cuts, such as pre- cooked rice, is