বাংলা সাহিত্যে খাদ্য রাজনীতি, শ্রেণি ও লিঙ্গ-বৈষম্য/ Food politics, Class and gender Discrimination in Bengali Literature

Abstract

This paper studies how food, social class, and gender discrimination are shown in Bengali literature. Food is not just something we eat to live. It is also a symbol of power, culture, and social position. Through the study of selected Bengali stories and novels, this paper shows how food habits and kitchen life reflect social inequality and patriarchal rules. In Bengali literature, food clearly shows the difference between rich and poor people. Rich families enjoy good and plentiful food, while poor people suffer from hunger and lack of resources. Writers use the topic of food and hunger to show the hard reality of class division and poverty in society.

            Along with class differences, this paper also talks about gender discrimination related to food. In traditional families, the kitchen is the main workplace for women. Women cook for the whole family, but they often get less food or eat last because of old traditions. Also, strict rules about food for widows show how society uses food to control women’s lives and freedom. At the same time, female characters in Bengali literature sometimes use cooking and food as a way to show their strength, protect their identity, and fight against family pressure. By looking at food, class, and gender together, this study shows that food is deeply connected to social justice. Everyday eating habits in literature help us understand the deep inequality present in our society.