Today, I want to delve into a thought-provoking topic that has been on my mind – Cooking and Gender Roles. This subject can be quite sensitive, particularly for those with strong opinions. However, I’m here to share my perspective and strive for a balanced discussion.
Let’s start by understanding what gender roles are.
They are societal norms or expectations associated with specific genders. For instance, within families with children, boys are often assigned tasks like car washing, while girls are expected to work in the kitchen. There’s an extreme view that certain tasks must be done exclusively based on gender. However, it’s essential to recognize that these norms often stem from cultural and traditional influences. Men might be expected to handle all provider roles of the family, and women manage the home. Similarly, more physically demanding tasks like car maintenance and repairs are often reserved for males. Opinions on this matter are abundant, and while I have an opinion on that, it’s not the focus of our discussion today. What I want to address is: should cooking be considered a role for a specific gender, or can both genders equally participate?
The world is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing trend of involving children, regardless of their gender, in various household tasks, including cooking. I grew up in a family where I washed cars (despite my dislike for the task), cooked in the kitchen, cut grass when needed, and handled tasks that were often associated with boys. The same was true for my siblings. These experiences instilled in me independence and responsibility. Even if I’m not an expert at a particular task, I have a basic understanding of it and can manage. This is because you never know which skill could save you.
Cooking, similarly, is an essential life skill. I’m often surprised when I meet adults—both male and female—who can’t cook. Cooking is a lifesaver! There are times when you want to prepare a homemade meal, cater to someone’s dietary preferences, or address unexpected situations that call for cooking. Cooking knows no gender boundaries. I firmly believe that all children, regardless of gender, should be introduced to cooking and other household chores. You never know which skill might rescue them someday or even become a successful career for them. Personally, I find joy in cooking, particularly when I’m cooking for those I love and maybe I would never have discovered this passion if I hadn’t been exposed to cooking from a young age. Asides that, cooking also empowers you to control your diet; it’s the first step toward a healthier eating lifestyle.
Gender shouldn’t dictate roles, especially in cooking. Yes, there might be tasks that seem physically demanding and are often associated with one gender due to body structure differences. However, I believe it’s crucial to expose kids—and ourselves—to a variety of roles, regardless of gender. You never know which skill could become invaluable in the present or future.
What were the roles you were assigned as children? Are you encouraging your kids to learn cooking regardless of their gender? I’m eager to hear your thoughts on this matter.
Love,
Ayobambo