Self Perception of Tamil Christian Women: Narrative Analysis of Gender Practice

This is an analysis of the oral narratives of gender practice of Tamil Christian women in Chennai. Gender practice is the perception of these women about themselves and the perception of others about these women. The narratives fall into four categories. The first is relationships in the family, spousal and children. The second deals with opportunities for education and employment. The religious discourse of church involvement is the third. The social discourse is of girl child, childlessness, dowry, single status, single parent, widowhood, domestic violence and attitude to commercial sex workers. The analysis draws out the strategies used to construct stories of their self perception and self identity. The identity of a Tamil Christian woman at the turn of the millennium is portrayed. The challenge of the book comes through the discovery of a portrayal of Tamil Christian women as not fitting any academic discourse. Their experiences cannot be placed in neat stereotypical patterns. These women emerge as powerful agents of their own lives strategizing and negotiating. The empowered Tamil Christian women confront us speaking powerfully.