The gendering of identity: Minority women in comparative perspective

Author(s):

Ganguly-scrase, R.; Julian, R.

Format:

Journal article

Citation:

Asian And Pacific Migration Journal, Volume 6, Issue 4-Mar (1997). pp. 415-438.

Language:

English

Abstract:

This paper explores the centrality of gender in the construction of minority identities. We adopt a comparative perspective to analyze its significance in the contexts of internal and international migration within the Asia-Pacific region, the former being within contiguous parts of West Bengal, India by the Rabi Das and the latter from the mountains of Laos to Tasmania, Australia by Hmong refugees. In both cases, gender relations are fundamental to the process of identity construction. Nevertheless, the histories of minority status and the strategies adopted by men and women as they construct, re-construct and resist identities vary in the two diverse contexts. We focus on exploring the role of women's resistance and pro-active involvement in the restructuring of identity. Through an analysis of the intersection of ethnicity, gender and class in the construction of minority identities we highlight the need to firstly, avoid essentialist ways of defining gender and ethnic identity, and secondly to examine structural constraints and agency among minority women. © 1997 Scalabrini Migration Center.

ISSN:

01171968 (ISSN)

DOI:

10.1177/011719689700600308

Identifier:

HmongStudies0965