ABSTRACT:
This study examines the complicated dynamics of gender roles in diaspora communities, with a particular focus on how families and individuals manage the interplay between new cultural influences they face in their host nations and the conventional cultural norms from their home countries. The socio cultural norms of the host country constantly challenge and modify the conventional gender roles that are upheld in diaspora communities, which function as cultural havens. Among the Indian diaspora, A greater knowledge of Indian society and culture has resulted from the increased recognition of diaspora literature in Indian languages in recent years, which highlights the dynamic character of identity in the context of international migration. The study illuminates the methods people use to balance divergent cultural expectations and the consequences of these dynamics for social cohesion and gender equality in multicultural societies by examining case studies from a range of diaspora communities. This article examines various factors such as Intergenerational conflicts, cultural & gender identity, and Intersectionality within Diaspora Communities, etc that balance traditional and new cultural influences.
KEYWORDS: Gender Roles, Cultural Influences, Diaspora Community, Gender Identity and Gender Equality.
INTRODUCTION:
In the ever-evolving landscape of globalization, diaspora communities represent a unique intersection of tradition and modernity. These communities, formed as a result of migration, often find themselves navigating the complex dynamics of maintaining their cultural heritage while adapting to the new societal norms of their host countries. Central to this experience is the negotiation of gender roles, which are deeply rooted in the traditional cultures of their countries of origin. Western Europe has made significant progress toward establishing greater fairness between men and women over the past 50 years, and public perceptions of gender roles have shifted in favor of equality. At the same time, these nations have emerged as popular immigration hubs, drawing people from nations with considerably more discriminatory institutional structures that favor males over women and more traditional views of gender roles. The dynamics of gender roles within these contexts are particularly significant, as they reflect broader struggles over identity, belonging, and the transmission of cultural values across generations. Thus, The dynamics of gender roles within these contexts are particularly significant, as they reflect broader struggles over identity, belonging, and the transmission of cultural values across generations.
Gender is a basic social construct that shapes identities, roles, and relationships throughout communities, impacting all aspects of human life. Gender realities are varied and frequently hidden beneath the surface due to the complex interactions among cultural influences, power structures, and societal conventions. This article attempts to undertake a thorough examination of gender dynamics in light of the increasing awareness of the critical role that gender plays in determining both individual experiences and societal institutions in balancing traditional and new cultural influences in diaspora communities. The influences of the new cultural milieu are challenging established gender roles in many diaspora communities. Both men and women may encounter circumstances in which the norms and expectations imposed by their cultural background collide with those supported by the larger community.This tension can manifest in various aspects of life, including family dynamics, employment, education, and social interactions.
It has always been the native social structures of the colonists that gave rise to the Indian Diaspora. Indians created the Telugu, Bengali, and Punjabi diasporas based on the indigenous civilizations and languages of Europe. Nevertheless, they constantly feel a part of the Indian Diaspora when discussing it. The cornerstone of the Indian Diaspora is the creative legacy of the Indian people. It is advised against crossing the swell to travel overseas in several Indian myths and legends. Writers who identify as Indian-origin but also as belonging to other countries generate a corpus of work known as the Indian diaspora literature. Cultures are ingrained with writing. Therefore, One of the most common ways that migratory gestures are passed down from one generation to the next is through literature. Literary textbooks provide a view of history that connects students to the past while also extending their knowledge into the future. International individualities are produced by this.[1]
Thus, In diaspora communities, roles are frequently redefined as a result of the balancing act between traditional gender expectations and new cultural influences. To maintain their identity, some people may find that they must rigorously follow cultural conventions. For others, it can mean taking on more egalitarian duties that fit in with the host society’s ideals. Within these societies, there exist generational differences that further complicate this dynamic, with younger members frequently more open to adopting new cultural norms while older generations may be resistant to such changes. So, This article adds to the larger conversation about gender roles in an increasingly interconnected world while also illuminating the cultural challenges experienced by diaspora cultures. By examining these processes, we will better understand the potential and problems resulting from the nexus of tradition and modernity.
[1]Dency John, Dynamics of the Indian Diaspora: Exploring Identity, Literature, and Cultural Impact, ResearchGate,https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378996385_DYNAMICS_OF_THE_INDIAN_DIASPORA_EXPLORING_IDENTITY_LITERATURE_AND_CULTURAL_IMPACT(last visited Aug. 31, 2024).