Breadwinners No More Identities In Flux By Gamburd Summary

Gender identities, family expectations, and socio-economic circumstances relate to one another in the following readings of; “Breadwinners No More: Identities in Flux” by Gamburd and the 2nd reading; “Weakness, Worry Illness, and Poverty in the Slums of Dhaka” by Rashid In the reading by Gamburd where women tend to migrate out of the country for opportunities outside the rural community they’re family is at. This idea tends to deviate away from the normal gender identities we see when it comes to how women are viewed in South Asia. Where women are expected, or anticipated to be stay home wives, whom look after the family, through meticulous task such as cleaning, cooking and caring. But on the contrary in this circumstance we see how socio-economic
traditions plays a more important role, where the women take it upon themselves to go above and beyond to care for the family through their sacrifice, due to the lack of opportunity provided to the males of the community. Where jobs and work is very tedious and manual labor, rather a fixed salary, the women tend to get better opportunities leaving the country for a job. In the reading by Rashid, I was able to relate the 3 topics discussed in the question, where gender identities, family expectations and socio-economic circumstances interrelate.
Where in this reading, in the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh where the harsh political economy, and rapid social transformations truly hurt those in poverty and women whom receive little or no help in regards to voicing themselves. Where a women’s duty because of being birthed is to provide care for the family and home. The author through their efforts in interviews and participant observations we understand how adolescents typically girls are subjected to such horror and vulnerability. Where there is no law and order to protect these minors from being married off at such a young age. For example, on page, 180 “This is the highest fertility rate for this age group [aged 15-19] in the world”. This is a consequence of poverty and age, these girls are defenseless. To the conservative elder generation this custom of marrying off the daughters is perfectly fine, since its one less mouth to feed, and care for in the home, since she must move out and join her newly married family. While the family expects to find a suitable husband for their daughter, due to poverty and very limited opportunities, she may be forced to go with just about
anyone. These two readings have provided me with a new perspective on a seemingly odd or backwards view/type of culture, where women may be defenseless and vulnerable to being married at young ages and leaving their families to work out of the country. It shoes the roles and sacrifice’s these brave women are to overcome to provide for the betterment and advancement of their families. When looked at together, we can show gratitude to our parents and all women. Showing how their able to go above and beyond every day.