Negotiating Tradition, Becoming American: Family, Gender, and Autonomy for Second Generation South Asians

Negotiating Tradition, Becoming American: Family, Gender, and Autonomy for Second Generation South Asians
Rifat Anjum Salam
December 2013

ISBN-13:  978-1-59332-620-3 / Hardcover
Dimensions:  5.5 x 8.5 / xii, 252 pages

Price   $72.00

Description

Salam examines how second generation South Asian Americans assimilate by analyzing their family experiences, their structural circumstances and their adult life choice through the lens of arranged marriage. Arranged marriage, as an analytical frame, uncovers the ways in which gender, autonomy and intergenerational dilemmas shape individual lives. Contrary to popular assumptions about South Asians, the subjects of this study are not bound by the traditions of arranged marriage, but rather their experiences reflect a great deal of variation, negotiation, compromise and a nuanced understanding of “tradition.” The findings support similar current research which recognizes how individuals navigate and negotiate family, gender conflicts, and individualism in American society.

About the Author

Rifat A. Salam received her Ph.D. in Sociology from New York University. She is an assistant professor of sociology at the Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York. Her research interests include South Asian Americans, Asian American Studies, gender, family and race and ethnicity. In addition, her pedagogical interests are in Writing Across the Curriculum and developing pedagogy for diverse student populations.