THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF GENDER AMONG THE TAMIL HINDUS OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

This is a research on the gender constructions of Tamil Hindus based on their perceptions of women's domesticity and sexuality. Chapter One shows the theoretical perspective which I used to analyse the data and applies the framework to the issue of gender. Chapter Two provides a general definition of gender and outlines the methodology adopted. Chapter Three and Four embark on the actual fieldwork. Chapter Three describes the justifications given by my respondents for women's domesticity. Chapter Four deals with the restrictions placed on women's expressive behaviour through norms of propriety.