Gender, Race and Patriarchy

This text offers a study of South Asian women, providing empirical data on the issues apparent in South Asian women's lives, based upon an ethnographic study of a South Asian community in an inner city. The main aim of the book is to understand the intersection of gender and ethnicity with specific reference to this group of women. It examines their experience of arranged marriages, dowries, domestic labour, domestic finance and the influence of religion, education and employment upon their lives. In drawing upon such empirical data the book intends to offer a theoretical contribution to the area of feminist theory. It will draw upon the work of Sylvia Walby and offer an understanding of the concept of patriachy as experienced by Asian women as well as the influence of "race" and ethnic relations more generally The research indicates that "race" and culture make a significant difference to the forms of patriachy experienced by South Asian women. Rapid social change is taking place for some of these women in particular when theyreject arranged marriages, obtain a high level of education and enter the labour market.