Volume IV Special Issue VII September 2024

Name of Author : Carmel Dereena

Title of the paper : Family Secrets: A Lens into the Indian – American Diaspora

Abstract: This paper, titled Family Secrets A Lens into the Indian-American Diaspora, analyzes Smita Bhattacharyas novel Family Secrets through the lens of intricate dynamics within Indian American families. The study focuses on how cultural identity and ethnicity shape the immigrant experience, particularly within the diaspora community. Utilizing gender theory, the paper examines the impact of traditional gender roles on the assimilation process and the preservation of cultural heritage. It investigates how these roles are negotiated and redefined in a new cultural context, affecting individual and collective identities. The paper also delves into the tension between maintaining cultural traditions and embracing the values of the host society. By highlighting personal narratives and family secrets, the research offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities faced by Indian- American immigrants, emphasizing the interplay between culture, gender, and identity.

Keywords : Cultural Identity, Ethnicity, Immigrant Experience, Gender Roles, Assimilation.

DOI :

Page Number : 71-74