The Nourishing Arts

Michel de Certeau and Luce Giard argue the role of women and the kitchen. They state first that women have always been in charge of preparing meals and question if this is or isn’t a privileged role. They point out that depending on your culture, your gender roles vary and that old as well as new ways are used to cook depending on the circumstance. Cooking is very enjoyable to most women and it is a major aspect to almost all cultures.

The author did not want the typical role of a woman growing up, she wanted something more. She wanted to do something in the academic food and thought the thought of women’s roles in preparing a meal was stupid and not fit for her. However, she soon found that she really enjoyed preparing for a meal and cooking it. She still didn’t ask her mother or grandmother for help though, because she felt that was to stereotypical and she didn’t want to fit that model. Soon though she realized that she had the women’s instinct without even knowing it. As she created new dishes (and enjoyed it) she asked herself why she was enjoying this as much as her texts. She originally thought that her books and other interests were so much more important, but is now thinking otherwise.

She brings up a brilliant point on that it is almost a woman’s birthright to be the meal preparer. Someone has to do it, and it will most likely be a woman with never ending work. The roles of a woman vary from culture to culture, generation to generation, and class to class. A woman then, must find a way that works for her. She states that cooking is the main objective. It provides for the “family saga” and well as childhood memories. She believes that cooking is a science, you must be precise and accurate, but it is still rewarding. You get to spend time with people you love and who appreciate your food. A woman’s work though, is one that isn’t paid and one that is only appreciated for a limited time.

The author also talks about why we eat, to stay alive of course. It is a delicate balance, we must have enough nutrients, proteins, minerals, and vitamins or else we will become malnourished. Yet people still choose bad diets for themselves, whether it’s because it’s easy or to look better. Either way, it ruins their health. She points out that they are different food for different cultures, so it really just depends what culture you’re in.