In the busy and diverse city of Melbourne, the growing Indian community blends old traditions with new ways of life. Here, gender norms evolve amidst cultural heritage and the pressures of assimilation.
Associate Professor Lata Satyen, from Deakin University and a leader in gender studies, highlights the importance of understanding these norms. “It’s crucial to grasp how they shape interactions and can impact efforts to prevent violence against women and children,” she explains.
As the founding co-convenor of the Deakin Network Against Gendered Violence (DNAGV), Lata emphasises the significance of historical context in shaping gender roles within Victoria’s Indian community. “Changing these entrenched expectations is a complex process,” she notes.
Lata’s research, “Gender Norms in the Indian Migrant Community in Australia: Family, Community, and Work Roles,” reveals significant insights. Older men often uphold traditional beliefs that designate domestic chores and childcare as women’s responsibilities, perpetuating longstanding gender roles.
“In contrast,” Lata observes, “younger men are more aligned with societal expectations of gender equality.”
The dynamics shift when women migrate. Despite knowing they must contribute financially, many face persistent expectations to manage household responsibilities. “One interviewee described waking up at 4 a.m. to cook, take their children to school, and then go to work,” Lata shares, noting that this scenario is common.
“In households with extended family, such as in-laws, the expectation is often to prepare three fresh meals daily.”
Lata notes that while these women are fulfilling traditional expectations, there are significant long-term health consequences to consider. “They have reduced well-being because they have no time for themselves at all,” she says.
Interestingly, Lata’s study found that some men, after migrating, realised the need to learn how to cook and clean to support their partners. They were prepared to do this but paused these activities when family visited from India, not wanting to appear less masculine. Continuing to help led to disapproval from their families, making them uncomfortable. To maintain harmony, they agreed not to do these tasks during family visits.
Within the Indian community, even when men were willing to help, women often wanted to control how the house looked and its upkeep. As a result, women were not ready to ask for or accept help, either believing they were best suited for these roles or feeling it was their responsibility. “We recommend that women understand that their house doesn’t have to be perfect, but their health should be a priority. Indian women also need to be prepared to receive help,” explains Lata.
Lata’s research also found connections between changing gender roles and the occurrence of family violence. Women were getting jobs more quickly than men after migrating and progressed in their careers faster. Research shows that when this happens, some men try to regain control through violence. In traditional settings, like in India before migration, gender roles are maintained. But when these roles are reversed after migration, some men feel the need to regain control. This doesn’t apply to all men, but those who feel they must have control over everything are more likely to commit family violence.
After migration, even if the woman earns more, her salary might go into the man’s bank account. Men were also using that money to send to their families overseas, while women would get questioned if they wanted to send money to their own families. This financial control was coupled with physical abuse. It’s complex, with both women’s actions and men’s reactions tied to maintaining traditional expectations.
Achieving gender equality in practice remains a challenge despite the notion of gender equality existing. It is really about attitudes towards gender equality. People need to understand that attitudes need to shift and adapt to the situation. Without this flexibility, changing gender norms and roles is impossible, observes Lata.
The question of whether the Indian community will accept women as future leaders remains. While there is a lot of rhetoric around gender equality, actual practice is another matter. There are more than 40 Indian associations in Victoria, says Lata, adding, “One must look at who leads these organisations and how many are led by women. Gender equality must be practiced everywhere – in the home, the workplace, and in community leadership.”
To support migrant women in developing dual identities as both mothers and economic contributors, self-belief is crucial. Women need to know they are capable and need support from their immediate family and the broader society. When they have this support, they will thrive, believes Lata.
For the past two years, Lata and her PhD student Hannah have been running a prevention and intervention program to attempt to change the Indian community’s attitude towards gender equality. The program, CEETA (Cultural and Ethical Educational Transformation for Attitudes), aims to transform these attitudes. It is evidence-based, and findings will be showcased this October at a community event.
Rest assured, this is an ongoing discussion that is essential for progress in achieving gender equality.
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
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