Gender norms have always played a large role in India because they are closely tied with traditions. In regions where family and community are important, it is hard for women to break these norms even if they have an ample amount of support. While tradition, culture, and food can foster a community and individuals identity, many communities hide behind traditions to justify the mistreatment of women. Food has always been central to Indian culture and identity, but at the forefront are women who bear the responsibility to nurture their communities. Indian Women are stuck within food traditions, but also being the creators of food creates a complex relationship that I would like to deconstruct. For my senior project, I focus on how patriarchal ideologies rooted in tradition intersect with Indian food and women. I am interested in how all these elements shape communities and how these traditions can be changed for the better.
