11 Annotated Bibliography

Badruddoja, Roksana. “Queer Spaces, Places, and Gender: The Tropologies of Rupa and Ronica.” NWSA Journal, vol. 20, no. 2, 2008, pp. 156–88. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40071280.

This article examines how gender, sexuality, and space intersect in the fictionalized lives of two women, Rupa and Ronica, whose experiences exemplify the complexities of queer identity within specific cultural contexts. Badruddoja analyzes how their interactions with their environments and relationships are shaped by societal expectations and personal desires. Through a queer theoretical lens, the study dissects the spatial dynamics of identity formation and how these women’s narratives challenge normative gender roles in both private and public spheres. The article uses a detailed analysis of literary tropes to investigate how spaces—both physical and metaphorical—are central to the negotiation of gender identity. This work contributes to queer studies by providing an intersectional perspective on the ways gender and sexuality are constructed within distinct sociocultural environments.

This source is useful for exploring queer identity and gender politics in literature, particularly in stories dealing with diasporic experiences, intersectionality, and the challenges faced by queer individuals. The themes discussed will be especially relevant for analyzing characters who navigate societal expectations of gender and sexuality, offering insights into their struggles with self-identity and belonging.

Bradley, Sarah. “A First-Person Account of Living and Working in an Orphanage.” Santa Clara University, www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/more-focus-areas/resources/gender-and-culture-in-india/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

In this first-person account, Sarah Bradley reflects on her experiences living and working in an orphanage in India, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and gender dynamics she encountered. Bradley’s narrative focuses on her interactions with the children, many of whom were left behind by their parents due to economic hardship, and her experiences navigating a system that is heavily influenced by gendered expectations and cultural norms. The account also highlights the impact of transnational movements on orphaned children, exploring themes such as abandonment, emotional trauma, and the intersection of gender and caregiving. Bradley’s personal insights add depth to the conversation surrounding the role of women in caregiving, particularly in environments where gender roles are deeply ingrained.

This source is valuable for understanding the gender dynamics within caregiving environments, such as orphanages or other child-rearing contexts. It offers a personal perspective on the realities of caregiving for children, making it useful for literary analysis of stories involving orphaned children, cultural dynamics, and gendered expectations in caregiving.

Chakrabarti, Jai. “Between the Covers: Jai Chakrabarti Interview.” Tin House, tinhouse.com/transcript/between-the-covers-jai-chakrabarti-interview/.

This interview offers insights into Jai Chakrabarti’s creative process, thematic exploration of identity, and his focus on the immigrant experience. Chakrabarti discusses how cultural hybridity and the tension between tradition and modernity shape his storytelling, which is essential for understanding his short stories. He elaborates on how his cultural background informs his narratives, particularly through the lens of relationships, cultural displacement, and social expectations.

This source provides direct context for analyzing themes of assimilation, identity, and emotional struggles in Chakrabarti’s work. It is particularly useful for examining the motivations and internal conflicts of characters navigating cross-cultural dynamics. The interview connects the author’s personal experiences to the broader themes in his writing, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by immigrant characters.

Chakrabarti, Jai. “The Import.” Ploughshares, vol. 49, no. 1, Spring 2023, pp. 19–32. EBSCOhost, doiorg.cwi.idm.oclc.org/10.1353/plo.2023.0024.

Chakrabarti’s short story The Import delves into the complexities of cultural assimilation and the immigrant experience. The narrative follows an Indian immigrant navigating the tension between maintaining cultural heritage and adapting to the pressures of life in the United States. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of balancing two distinct cultural worlds. Chakrabarti’s depiction of an immigrant’s internal struggle illustrates the psychological cost of assimilation, including the sense of displacement and the questioning of one’s roots. The story’s exploration of cultural hybridity is set against the backdrop of contemporary societal expectations, making it an insightful examination of the immigrant experience in a globalized world.

This source is essential for exploring the emotional and psychological impact of immigration, particularly the challenges of identity formation and cultural assimilation. It is highly relevant for literary analysis of stories featuring immigrant characters who grapple with cultural integration and the preservation of their heritage.

Frenyo, Edit. “Transnational Families.” Routledge Handbook of International Family Law, edited by Barbara Stark and Jacqueline Heaton, Routledge, 2019, pp. 295–315.

Edit Frenyo’s chapter delves into the growing phenomenon of transnational families, with a particular focus on labor migration and its impact on parenting within the European Union. Frenyo discusses the challenges faced by migrant parents, especially those who leave children behind in their home countries due to work obligations in wealthier European states. The chapter examines how the phenomenon of “transnational parenting” complicates traditional concepts of family life and the “right to family life” as regulated by state law. The author argues that the existing legal frameworks, which tend to prioritize state-centric views of family life, are inadequate in addressing the realities of migrant families that operate across national borders. Frenyo also emphasizes the emotional, social, and psychological toll on children left behind and the difficulties transnational parents face in maintaining meaningful relationships with their children. While transnational parenting is recognized as a functional reality, it is still largely overlooked in legal and policy contexts, with implications for family law and children’s welfare.

This chapter offers critical insights for short stories that explore the experiences of immigrant or migrant parents, particularly those who must maintain familial bonds despite physical separation due to labor migration. It will be particularly useful for stories focusing on the emotional strain of parenting across borders and the legal challenges that arise for migrant families. The intersection of transnational family dynamics and immigration law discussed in Frenyo’s work can provide a broader context for understanding the socio-legal challenges that characters may face in such circumstances.

Greenfield, Patricia M., Ana Flores, Helen Davis, and Goldie Salimkhan. “What Happens When Parents and Nannies Come from Different Cultures? Comparing the Caregiving Belief Systems of Nannies and Their Employers.” Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, vol. 29, no. 4, 2008, pp. 326-336, doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2008.04.002.

This study examines the cultural differences between immigrant nannies and their employers in multicultural societies, specifically focusing on caregiving practices. The authors explore how nannies from collectivistic cultures, such as Latin American or Asian cultures, may approach childcare differently from their Western American employers, who tend to emphasize individualistic values. The study shows that demographic factors, such as education level, rural or urban upbringing, and socioeconomic status, significantly influence caregiving beliefs. It also highlights potential conflicts that can arise when nannies and employers have differing expectations and practices.

This study provides valuable context for stories featuring cultural clashes or misunderstandings between nannies and employers. If the short story involves characters from different cultural backgrounds working together in caregiving roles, this research can help explore the potential sources of conflict and the negotiation of caregiving beliefs. The source will be especially useful in stories that delve into issues of assimilation, cultural identity, and cross-cultural dynamics within families.

Hazan, Cindy, and Phillip R. Shaver. “Deeper into Attachment Theory.” Psychological Inquiry, vol. 5, no. 1, 1994, pp. 68–79. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1449089.

Hazan and Shaver’s article extends the foundational work on attachment theory, exploring its implications beyond early childhood into adult relationships. The paper investigates the ways in which early attachment styles—formed through interactions with primary caregivers—shape the development of romantic relationships and interpersonal dynamics in adulthood. By examining various attachment styles, including secure, anxious, and avoidant, the authors propose that these early experiences with attachment continue to influence emotional regulation and the way adults approach intimacy and conflict in their relationships. Hazan and Shaver’s work is critical in understanding how attachment theory can be applied to adult relational dynamics and offers a psychological framework for interpreting behaviors in adult relationships.

This article is particularly useful for analyzing characters’ emotional development and relational dynamics in literature, especially those dealing with themes of attachment, abandonment, or the psychological repercussions of early caregiving experiences. It can help frame literary analysis of stories focused on characters’ emotional struggles and interpersonal relationships shaped by their early attachment experiences.

Hochschild, Arlie. “Back Stage of the Global Free Market: Nannies and Surrogates.” In Transnationale Vergesellschaftungen, edited by H.G. Soeffner, Springer VS, Wiesbaden, 2012, doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-18971-0_106.

Arlie Hochschild’s chapter examines the emotional and social costs of global migration, particularly for female migrant workers. It contrasts the visible, profit-driven “front stage” of globalization with the often-overlooked “back stage,” where migrant workers endure significant hardships. Focusing on Filipina nannies, Sri Lankan caregivers, and Indian surrogate mothers, Hochschild delves into the emotional labor that is integral to caregiving professions. While migration offers financial benefits, the emotional toll—including separation from family and the strain of caregiving—is profound. Hochschild critiques the ideology of “free choice” within the global economy, which disregards the emotional costs borne by workers in the Global South, who are often expected to provide nurturing care across borders.

This source is crucial for analyzing the emotional labor of characters in migrant or caregiving roles. If a short story includes characters who are migrant workers, particularly in caregiving professions, this article provides valuable insights into their emotional struggles and the complex realities of migration. Hochschild’s discussion of emotional labor and the gendered dynamics of caregiving will be instrumental for interpreting character motivations and exploring the human costs of global labor systems.

Humphrey, Jill C. “Cracks in the Feminist Mirror? Research and Reflections on Lesbians and Gay Men Working Together.” Feminist Review, no. 66, 2000, pp. 95–130. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1395834. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Humphrey’s article critically examines the relationship between feminist theory and queer theory, particularly exploring the dynamics between lesbians and gay men working together in academic and activist spaces. She analyzes how feminist perspectives on gender and sexuality sometimes conflict with those of gay men, revealing underlying tensions within the broader LGBTQ+ community. Humphrey uses empirical research and theoretical reflection to address these divisions and their impact on social movements, particularly concerning gender, power, and intersectionality.

This article is valuable for discussions of intra-community dynamics within LGBTQ+ groups, especially in settings where feminist and queer perspectives intersect. It is relevant for literary analysis of LGBTQ+ characters who navigate conflicting ideologies within their communities, highlighting themes of identity, solidarity, and social movement.

Institute for Immigration Research. “India: Summary of Interview with Anaya.” George Mason University, iir.gmu.edu/immigrant-stories-dc-baltimore/india/summaries-of-interviews-with-indian-immigrants. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

This interview summary provides an in-depth look at the life and experiences of Anaya, an Indian immigrant navigating the complexities of adjusting to life in the United States. Anaya’s story highlight’s themes of family separation, identity loss, and the challenges of assimilation. The interview offers personal insight into the immigrant experience, focusing on the emotional cost of maintaining ties with family in India while forging a new life in a foreign country. The account provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of cultural retention and the pressures of American societal norms, as well as the emotional toll of transnational living.

This source is useful for exploring the psychological and emotional impacts of immigration, particularly in stories focusing on family dynamics, cultural adaptation, and internal conflicts arising from balancing two cultures. It will support literary analysis of characters who face similar challenges in reconciling their cultural identities with the demands of a new life abroad.

Joseph, E. L. Sherene. “Immigrant Indian Women, Vocation, and Faith.” SOLA Network, 9 Aug. 2023, sola.network/article/immigrant-indian-women-vocation-and-faith/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Sherene Joseph’s article explores the intersection of faith, vocation, and gender for immigrant Indian women living in the United States. Joseph examines how these women navigate the challenges of cultural retention, religious identity, and professional aspirations within a foreign context. She argues that faith plays a crucial role in shaping their identities and helping them maintain a connection to their cultural roots while also adapting to new surroundings. The article highlights how immigrant women’s careers are shaped by both familial expectations and the broader demands of their communities.

This source is valuable for exploring the role of faith and cultural identity in the lives of immigrant women. It provides insights into how characters balance professional ambitions with cultural and religious obligations, making it relevant for stories about immigrant experiences, faith, and identity.

Kawash, Samira. “New Directions in Motherhood Studies.” Signs, vol. 36, no. 4, 2011, pp. 969–1003. JSTOR, doi.org/10.1086/658637. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kawash’s article provides an overview of emerging trends in motherhood studies, examining how the concept of motherhood is being redefined in light of contemporary feminist thought. The paper addresses the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality within the institution of motherhood, critiquing traditional narratives that often exclude marginalized groups. Kawash highlights how new theoretical frameworks challenge conventional understandings of mothering, creating space for diverse representations of motherhood in both academic and cultural discourse.

This article is essential for anyone studying motherhood in a contemporary or intersectional context. It provides a critical foundation for exploring alternative representations of motherhood, especially in literature that interrogates traditional gender roles or features mothers from marginalized communities.

Kumar, Radha. “From Chipko to Sati: The Contemporary Indian Women’s Movement.” Feminist Review, no. 43, 1993, pp. 25–28. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1395212.

This article examines pivotal moments in the Indian feminist movement, such as the Chipko movement and debates surrounding sati, providing valuable insights into gender politics and activism in Indian society. Kumar highlights the ways in which Indian feminist struggles are rooted in broader cultural and colonial histories, diverging significantly from Western feminist frameworks. Her analysis underscores the strategies and challenges unique to Indian feminism, illustrating how these movements have shaped contemporary gender politics in the region.

This source is particularly relevant for exploring feminist perspectives in Indian and diasporic contexts, offering a detailed historical and cultural background of feminist activism in India. It is especially useful for analyzing literature that engages with cultural expectations, gendered resistance, and social change. Kumar’s work provides essential context for understanding the socio-political framework in which gender equality movements operate, making it a valuable resource for interpreting themes and characters in literary studies.

Liu, Wen. “Narrating Against Assimilation and the Empire: Diasporic Mourning and Queer Asian Melancholia.” Women’s Studies Quarterly, vol. 47, no. 1–2, 2019, pp. 176–92. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/26734052. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

In this article, Wen Liu explores the emotional and cultural dimensions of diasporic identity through the concepts of mourning and melancholia in the context of queer Asian experiences. Liu argues that queer Asian individuals often confront dual pressures: assimilation into Western societies and the emotional complexities of leaving their homelands. Through a critical examination of diasporic literature and cultural narratives, the article outlines how queer Asian melancholia challenges conventional ideas of national identity, community belonging, and the emotional toll of displacement. Liu contends that this form of mourning is not only about loss but also about rejecting full assimilation, reclaiming, and narrating stories that resist imperialist and colonial narratives.

This source is significant for understanding the intersection of queer theory, postcolonialism, and diasporic studies. It provides a framework for analyzing texts focusing on identity, belonging, and resistance in diasporic communities, particularly queer Asian experiences. Liu’s approach is useful for studying literary works that address themes of emotional displacement and the reclamation of cultural narratives.

“Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.” Corporate Finance Institute, 15 Oct. 2023, corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs/.

This article explains Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a psychological theory that explains human motivation through a five-level model. The hierarchy begins with physiological needs (food, shelter), followed by safety, social needs (love and belonging), esteem, and self-actualization at the top. The article outlines how each level must be met before individuals can focus on the higher levels, with self-actualization representing the fulfillment of one’s potential.

This source is useful for understanding human motivation in both personal and professional contexts, connecting psychological needs to business environments, leadership, and employee performance. It also supports discussions in sociology, psychology, and management, where understanding individual motivation is key. This source is valuable for studies exploring personal development, workplace dynamics, and cultural perspectives on well-being.

Pew Research Center. “How Indians View Gender Roles in Families and Society.” Pew Research, 4 Dec. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/03/02/how-indians-view-gender-roles-in-families-and-society/.

This article from Pew Research Center explores Indian perspectives on gender roles within families and society, presenting data from a survey conducted across India. The study reveals the complex and evolving nature of gender expectations, with notable variations across age groups, education levels, and urban vs. rural settings. While traditional gender roles persist, particularly the expectation that men should be the primary breadwinners and women focus on homemaking, there are indications of a shift toward more progressive attitudes, especially among younger generations and in urban areas.

This source is valuable for understanding contemporary Indian cultural norms and gender dynamics. It provides statistical insights into how social changes influence attitudes toward gender equality. This data is useful for discussions on the intersection of culture, gender, and family life in India and offers context for studies in gender studies, South Asian sociology, and cross-cultural comparisons of family structures.

Romero, Mary. “Nanny Diaries and Other Stories: Immigrant Women’s Labor in the Social Reproduction of American Families.” Revista de Estudios Sociales, no. 45, Jan. 2013, pp. 186–97. EBSCOhost, doiorg.cwi.idm.oclc.org/10.7440/res45.2013.15.

Mary Romero’s article examines the intersection of immigration, gender, race, and class in the lives of immigrant women performing domestic labor in American households. She critically explores how immigrant women’s emotional and physical labor is exploited, often in invisibilized ways. Romero contextualizes these women’s experiences within larger systems of racialized labor and capitalist exploitation, drawing on real-life narratives to illustrate the ways in which their labor sustains the social and economic fabric of American society.

This article is particularly useful for examining immigrant characters working in domestic or caregiving roles. Romero’s exploration of exploitation and racial dynamics in labor provides a framework for understanding how class, race, and gender intersect to shape these characters’ experiences. The piece will be beneficial for any analysis of immigrant women in caregiving professions, especially when exploring their emotional labor and societal invisibility.

Schen, Cathy R. “Maternal Separation and the Emotional Toll on Immigrant Families.” Journal of Migration Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2021, pp. 125–41.

Schen’s article explores the psychological effects of maternal separation, particularly in the context of immigrant families. She argues that the emotional toll of separation affects not just the individual but also the entire family unit, leading to long-term consequences for both children and parents. Schen links this emotional strain to broader social, economic, and cultural factors, shedding light on how maternal roles are redefined in migration contexts.

This source is essential for understanding the emotional dynamics within immigrant families, especially those separated by borders. It is valuable for literary analysis of migrant families, particularly stories about mothers dealing with the emotional cost of being away from their children or leaving them behind. Schen’s work on maternal attachment, emotional labor, and the effects of migration significantly contributes to narratives focused on family separation and the impact on parent-child relationships.