Gender and Food in Transnational East Asias: Toward a New Dialogue across Boundaries

Gender and Food in Transnational East Asias explores how food production and consumption affect social positions, relationships, and identities, highlighting the transnational movement of food and people between East Asia and the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Gender and Food in Transnational East Asias delves into the profound impact of food production and consumption on the evolving social dynamics of individuals and their intricate relationships with their families, the state, and their workplaces. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in shaping their gender, sexual, ethnic, and national identities. The growing interconnectedness of East Asia with the rest of the world through the transnational movement of food and people has brought to light a multitude of forces that shape the cultural and political constructions of gender politics among and beyond Asian diasporas. This book argues that a critical exploration of food practices and representations from a gender perspective can deepen our understanding of the society and culture of transnational East Asia.

The production and consumption of food not only influence individuals' social positions but also shape their relationships with their families, the state, and their work. In Transnational East Asias, the authors explore how food practices and representations contribute to the construction of gender, sexual, ethnic, and national identities. They argue that a critical engagement with these practices and representations can enhance our understanding of the complex social dynamics and cultural transformations in transnational East Asia.

One of the key themes in the book is the role of food in maintaining and challenging traditional gender roles. The authors examine how food is used to reinforce patriarchal structures and norms, as well as how it can be used to challenge and subvert these roles. For example, in some cultures, women are expected to perform domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning, while men are responsible for providing for the family. However, food can also be a means for women to assert their independence and agency, as they take on the role of food producers and entrepreneurs.

Another important aspect of the book is the impact of food on social hierarch. The authors argue that food is not just a source of nutrition but also a medium through which social relationships are formed and maintained. They explore how food is used to celebrate and commemorate important events, such as weddings, births, and deaths, as well as how it can be used to foster social cohesion and belonging. For example, in many East Asian cultures, communal meals are a common practice, which not only provides nourishment but also serves as a means for people to connect and build relationships.

Furthermore, the book also examines the role of food in shaping cultural identities. The authors argue that food is not just a product of cultural practices but also a means of expressing and preserving cultural heritage. They explore how food is used to celebrate and promote cultural traditions, as well as how it can be used to challenge and redefine these traditions. For example, in some East Asian cultures, certain foods are considered to be auspicious or symbolic, while in others, they are associated with negative connotations.

In conclusion, Gender and Food in Transnational East Asias is a valuable contribution to the field of gender studies and cultural studies. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of food in shaping social positions, relationships, and identities in transnational East Asia. By exploring the complex interplay between food, gender, and culture, the book offers insights into the ways in which food can be used as a tool for social change and empowerment.

Weight: 685g
Dimension: 227 x 161 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793623546