Redefining Domestic Responsibilities: Examining Man's Place in the Home Setting
In the early 20th century, South Asian masculinity was a complex tapestry of dependence and detachment within the domestic sphere, as revealed in Gyanendra Pandey's thought-provoking book, Men at Home. The study delves into the ambiguous roles men played within the home, using various sources such as autobiographies, memoirs, fiction, and ethnographies.
Pandey's work spans the period before and after the Partition and Independence of India, offering a comprehensive view of South Asian masculinity during this significant era. He argues that men were central yet largely absent in intimate family life, a paradoxical phenomenon that was integral to their pursuit of masculine identity. This detachment was often defined in opposition to the "feminine" sphere of home and family.
The book sheds light on the gendered division of labor, revealing the invisibility of men’s roles in home life compared with the feminized drudgery of unpaid reproductive labor. It critiques the societal expectation that men occupy a central position in the family, despite their operational absence in marital and conjugal relations.
One of the key findings of Men at Home is the tension between dependence on and detachment from domestic space—an ambivalence that is foundational to both patriarchal authority and masculine identity construction during the colonial and postcolonial eras in South Asia. The book highlights the 'things' that men did and did not 'touch', the architecture of domestic spaces, and the contrast between the elaborate outer space for men and the less accessible inner domain for women.
In contemporary times, the Take Back the Night movement in West Bengal, led by Satabdi Das, provides a relevant context for understanding gender dynamics in India. Satabdi Das, a teacher, short story writer, and feminist, is one of the founders of the Take Back the Night movement. This movement addresses issues related to women's safety and rights, offering a contemporary perspective on gender roles and power dynamics that complements the historical analysis presented in Men at Home.
While Men at Home offers a comprehensive analysis of South Asian masculinity, it tends to generalize at times and the content is strictly heterosexual. However, the book's profound insights into the historical construction of masculinity and the complex dynamics between men and women in South Asia make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in gender studies and South Asian history.
[1] Gyanendra Pandey, Men at Home: Critical Essays in Indian Masculinities, Oxford University Press, 2013.
One could expand their understanding of South Asian history by delving into the home-and-garden section, where Gyanendra Pandey's book, "Men at Home," is found, offering insights into the complexities of South Asian masculinity in the early 20th century. As one progresses through their reading journey, they might also find intriguing perspectives on lifestyle, entertainment, and books, further enriching their comprehension of societal dynamics during this era.
In the contemporary context, the lifestyle choices and activism of feminist figures like Satabdi Das, a key player in the Take Back the Night movement in West Bengal, serve as a relevant parallel to the historical analysis presented in "Men at Home," offering a contemporary perspective on gender roles and power dynamics in India. This exploration of various aspects, ranging from the past to the present, not only sheds light on South Asian history but also opens avenues for discussions on gender studies and societal changes with regards to masculinity and femininity.
