South Asian Cultural Experiences of Familial Gender Socialization

ABSTRACT Objective The current study qualitatively explored current cultural messages regarding gender experienced by South Asian individuals. Background Extant models of familial gender socialization processes rely upon biological, social, and cognitive theories. There is a need to consider culturally‐specific factors informing gender socialization for South Asian families. During pre‐colonial eras, some South Asian countries accepted fluidity in gender roles and identities. However, existing research has not explored how the confluence of historical gender fluidity and contemporary social conservatism among many South Asian families may shape South Asian gender role socialization. Method Participants were recruited using online convenience sampling and included 57 South Asian individuals recruited internationally. The sample was predominantly Indian and Pakistani. Participants completed an online survey containing questions about their understandings of their gender and how South Asian cultural and familial messages impacted such understandings. Reflexive thematic analysis methodology was used to analyze the data. Results Findings highlighted participants' experiences with the gender binary being reinforced by their families and society, familial expectations for stereotypical gender roles via gendered cultural mandates, and the impact of historical context of South Asia on gender socialization. Conclusion Findings suggest that South Asian individuals interpret their gender identities in relation to the familial gendered cultural mandates and messages they receive. Implications or Recommendations Our findings highlight the importance of creating gender socialization models that are specific to South Asian families in future research to inform subsequent family interventions.