Female Cultural and Gender roles in the East African Indian Diaspora

Diaspora is an interesting, unique ,and widespread phenomenon, always bringing into question ideas of culture, identity and belonging. The Indian Diaspora is one of the largest in the world, and has been extensively researched. However, in both daily conversation and in academic literature, there seems to be a surprising relative lack of knowledge on the Indian Diaspora of East Africa, this is bewildering given its intrigue and importance in the region. Equally under emphasised are the cultural roles and experiences of women, often seen as symbols and carriers of culture; through dress, family making, cooking, ideas of honour and more. Diasporas often have a tendency towards remaining conservative, while the homeland often evolves, as a way to hold on to tradition and identity. This has changed in recent decades, either in the direction of new more modern ideas or blended identities with an even further drive to traditionalism by the contemporary generation. These various...Show moreDiaspora is an interesting, unique ,and widespread phenomenon, always bringing into question ideas of culture, identity and belonging. The Indian Diaspora is one of the largest in the world, and has been extensively researched. However, in both daily conversation and in academic literature, there seems to be a surprising relative lack of knowledge on the Indian Diaspora of East Africa, this is bewildering given its intrigue and importance in the region. Equally under emphasised are the cultural roles and experiences of women, often seen as symbols and carriers of culture; through dress, family making, cooking, ideas of honour and more. Diasporas often have a tendency towards remaining conservative, while the homeland often evolves, as a way to hold on to tradition and identity. This has changed in recent decades, either in the direction of new more modern ideas or blended identities with an even further drive to traditionalism by the contemporary generation. These various trajectories will be included in this paper.Show less

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Female Cultural and Gender roles in the East African Indian Diaspora