Premalatha Karupiah

Modification of the body: a comparative analysis of views of youths in Penang, Malaysia and Seoul, South Korea

Body modification can be done through various procedures or ornamentation. This study discusses and compares views on body modification techniques among youths from Penang and Seoul. Data were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews with 30 youths in Penang and 30 face-to-face interviews in Seoul. The findings of this study shows that most participants wish to change their bodies. Most participants in Penang and Seoul are keen on reducing their body weight. Participants in Seoul are keen on the idea of using cosmetic surgery to change their bodies (specifically their eyelids) while no participants in Penang identified cosmetic surgery as an option to change their bodies. This study shows that the choice of body modification procedures is influenced by cultural and societal values even though it may not be strictly prescribed by the society. Knowledge and understanding of ones society may influence choice of body modification techniques. The concept of agency is important in understanding choice of body modification techniques.

Hegemonic femininity in Tamil movies: exploring the voices of youths in Chennai, India

The media often showcase culturally normative forms of masculinity and femininity. This paper explores the portrayal of femininity in Tamil movies and examines the youths’ views on these portrayals. The data for this paper came from a content analysis of 40 movies (1961–2012) and 30 face-to-face interviews with undergraduates in Chennai, India. Women’s roles in Tamil movies can be regarded as secondary in nature, and meant for the male gaze. These roles emphasize traditional feminine ideals. Tamil movies are cautious about challenging the deeply rooted traditional feminine ideals of Tamil society. The strong maintenance of traditional femininity is one of the reasons why it is seen as a form of hegemonic femininity: that is, a form of femininity that holds ascendancy when compared to other forms of femininity. Youths sometimes question the stereotypical portrayal of women, but are not always able to resist them.

Indian diaspora and urban poverty: a Malaysian perspective

Poverty among Malaysian Indians in the urban sector has its roots, inter alia, in the exodus of Indian labour who were mobilised within the context of the ‘world system’ to Malaya. This led to the creation of immigrant Indian labour not only in the plantation sector but also in the lower rungs of infrastructural development in the urban sector. However, with the launching of the National Economic Policy, the State has attempted to increase Malay participation in the urban area of the economy. Thus, the participation of Indian workers in these sectors of the urban economy decreased drastically. As a result, urban Indian floating population was located in the informal sector and in the urban poverty slum groups. Hence, the objective of the study is to highlight some salient points with regard to the effect of Indian immigration from India on political as well as economic policies that led to Indian poor in the plantation sector in the beginning and subsequently urban Indian poor in Malaysia. This paper has based its methodology solely on document research. The findings of this study would enable ascertaining to what extent the nature of the Indian diaspora per se attributes to poverty among the Malaysian urban Indian minority.

International migration and gendered dreams of youths in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

This paper discusses how the culture of migration influences the aspirations of undergraduate students in Tamil Nadu. Migration aspirations among Tamil youths may be influenced by strong historical and contemporary migration culture. Data for this study were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with 30 undergraduate students in Chennai. Findings were divided into three main themes: career-focused versus marriage-focused plans after graduation; escaping gendered and hierarchical relationships; and having a US-born child. The findings show that male students tended to focus on career and family obligations while female students focused on marriage migration. This study shows that a culture of migration, family obligation and the influence of traditional gender roles influence youths’ migration dreams.

A qualitative study on walking in the Penang Botanical Gardens, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Walking is both a physical and a social activity. This paper explores the meaning attached to walking by walkers in the Penang Botanical Gardens, Malaysia and the importance of the environment to them. Data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 walkers. Data were coded into two main themes: ‘walking has many meanings’ and ‘the environment is important for walkers’. This study gives support to the hierarchy of walking needs and shows that various needs may contribute to one’s decision to walk and such needs are important in designing spaces to encourage people to walk.

Intimate Partner Violence and Poverty: Malaysian Indian Women in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract Poverty and stress associated with it have been identified as key contributors to intimate partner violence. This chapter explores intimate partner violence experienced by Malaysian Indian women living in poverty in Penang. Data for this study come from in-depth interviews of 12 women who were categorized as hard-core poor, ordinary poor and vulnerable poor. Most participants experienced some form of violence from their husband; some experienced physical, emotional and verbal abuse, while some experienced only verbal abuse. Low income was the main reason for material deprivation in these households which became worse with substance abuse and extra marital affairs by male partners. Both violence and poverty is part of a vicious cycle, and some male children are following in their father’s ‘footsteps’. Violence is closely tied to patriarchal values and gender relations in family relationships showing how notions of hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity play out in everyday life.