Student Question

Why was having a son important for Rukmani in "Nectar in a Sieve"?

Quick answer:

Having a son was crucial for Rukmani due to the cultural expectations in mid-1900s rural India. Sons were seen as future providers who could learn their father's trade and ensure financial stability for the family. In contrast, daughters were viewed as financial liabilities, unable to earn their own money and requiring dowries for marriage. This societal pressure made the birth of a son a significant event for maintaining family honor and economic security.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In Indian culture, gender roles were strictly prescribed, especially in rural areas during the mid-1900s when the story took place.  A woman's role was to take care of the house, raise the children, cook, and oversee religious and cultural rites.  A man's role was to earn money to support the family.  Couples were expected to have children, and faced great stigma if they, for whatever reason, did not.  It was especially important for a woman to have sons because a son could be taught his father's trade and eventually assume responsibility for the family's financial well-being.  Daughters, on the other hand, were a double financial liability - traditionally, they could not earn money on their own, yet they would require a dowry from the family in order to eventually marry.

These standards still apply in many parts of India today.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial