Representation of Gender Politics in Jhumpa Lahiri’s Novels

This article explores the representation of gender politics in Jhumpa Lahiri’s novels, focusing on the intersection of gender, cultural identity, and migration. In works like Interpreter of Maladies, The Namesake, and The Lowland, Lahiri delves into the complexities of gender roles as they are reshaped by the immigrant experience. The paper examines how Lahiri’s female characters navigate traditional gender expectations while contending with the demands of a new cultural environment. Characters such as Ashima and Moushumi grapple with the tension between familial duty and personal autonomy, while figures like Boori Ma and Bela illustrate how gender and class interact in contexts of displacement. The analysis emphasizes the fluidity of gender identities, which are continually renegotiated in response to the challenges of cultural dislocation. Critical commentary from scholars highlights the novelists’ nuanced approach to depicting how gender, political ideologies, and migration intersect in the lives of both male and female characters. Ultimately, Lahiri’s work presents gender as a dynamic and evolving process shaped by personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the immigrant journey.