Men increasingly involved in cooking household meals

Indian kitchens are changing. But are women still doing most of the work? In recent years, the Indian kitchen has undergone a significant transformation..

Gone are the days when cooking was solely the domain of women. With the rise of television cooking shows, social media, and food blogging, men have begun to take a more active interest in cooking. But despite this change, women still shoulder the majority of the workload when it comes to household chores..

As the country grapples with issues of gender equality, one question remains: are men doing their fair share in the kitchen? Across Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities, there is a noticeable trend of men spending more time in the kitchen. Men are getting more involved now, says Rohan, a software engineer from Delhi..

They’re learning new recipes and techniques. But it’s still a far cry from being equal partners. Rohan’s wife, Priya, agrees..

I used to do everything – cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids. Even though Rohan helps now, I still do most of the work. In a survey conducted by the National Family Health Survey, it was found that only 12% of men in urban India take charge of cooking at least three times a week..

It’s a cultural issue, says sociologist Dr. Cooking is still seen as a woman’s domain. Until we change this mindset, men will struggle to take on an equal share of responsibilities..

The survey also revealed that men who work full-time are less likely to take on cooking duties, further emphasizing the need for a shift in cultural attitudes. For those living in rural areas, the situation is even more stark. In villages across India, women spend up to 8 hours a day on domestic chores, including cooking and cleaning..

It’s exhausting, says Rani, a village woman from UP. I cook, clean, and take care of my family. My husband doesn’t lift a finger..

He just expects me to do everything. With women making up 40% of the workforce in rural India, it’s clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. Despite the challenges, there are examples of men taking on cooking duties and sharing responsibilities with their partners..

It’s a win-win situation, says Ayan, a chef from Mumbai. I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes. My wife appreciates the help and we can spend more time together as a family..

Ayan’s wife, Shreya, agrees. Cooking together has brought us closer. We discuss recipes, plan meals, and enjoy the process together..

However, the question remains – who gets credit for the work done in the kitchen? In our household, we just do it as a team, says Aryan, a business owner from Bangalore. We don’t bother about who did what..

But when friends come over, I get the recognition for cooking. It’s a sentiment echoed by many men and women across the country. Until we recognize and value the work done by both men and women in the kitchen, we risk perpetuating the cycle of inequality..

As India celebrates its growing economy and rising influence on the world stage, it’s essential to acknowledge the changing dynamics of the household. We need to create a culture of shared responsibilities, says social activist Dr. It’s not just about men and women – it’s about creating a society where everyone contributes equally..

Until that happens, the kitchen will continue to be a reflection of our societal attitudes towards gender equality. In a country where food is at the heart of every celebration, mealtime is an opportunity to bond as a family. But for many women, it’s also an opportunity to do more work..

Even when I’m tired, I feel guilty if I don’t cook a good meal, says Leela, a working mother from Kerala. I want my family to be happy, but it’s exhausting. It’s a sentiment echoed by many women across the country..

As we continue to grapple with the changing tides of the Indian kitchen, one thing is clear – we need a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play. It’s not just about men and women – it’s about class, education, and geography, says sociologist Dr. We need to break down these silos to create a more inclusive society..

Until we achieve that, the inequality in the kitchen will persist. The recent rise of meal kit delivery services and cookbooks aimed at men have contributed to the shift in the kitchen’s dynamics. It’s a start, but it’s not enough, says food blogger Meenal Sancheti..

We need to create a culture where cooking is seen as a joint effort, not just a chore for women. As India continues to modernize and evolve, it’s crucial that we prioritize the equality of men and women in the kitchen. For families living in cities, the kitchen has become a hub of learning and experimentation..

I love cooking with my kids, says Nalini, a working mother from Pune. It’s a great way to bond and teach them about food culture. But for families living in rural areas, the kitchen remains a symbol of the patriarchy..

My husband doesn’t see cooking as a shared responsibility, says Durga, a village woman from UP. It’s a reminder of our societal norms. As we reflect on the Indian kitchen’s evolution, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go..

Creating a more equal society will take time, says Dr. But by acknowledging the changing dynamics and pushing for change, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. The Indian kitchen may be changing, but until we address the inequality and patriarch.