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KanupriyaD_Anth_PhD_Dec194.32 MB
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Dissertation
FABRICATING IDENTITIES: SARTORIAL EXPRESSIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS MADE BY SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN IN CONTEMPORARY USA
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
12/2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000008396
Abstract
This dissertation examines how South Asian women in Portland, USA, negotiate cultural identity through clothing. I introduce the term ‘Strategic Sartorial Essentialism’ to describe how women selectively express their desi identity in response to occasion, audience and perceived risk. Findings from participant observation at various event, from in- depth Zoom interviews and in-person wardrobe analysis show how western clothes become the default everyday clothing, and South Asian is reserved for special occasions. The wardrobe analysis further identifies three patterns that embody this practice ‘Hidden’ South Asian garments, ‘Hung’ everyday western clothes and ‘Framed’ symbolic and decorative textiles.
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Details
- Title
- FABRICATING IDENTITIES
- Creators
- Kanupriya Dhawan
- Contributors
- Clare M. Wilkinson (Chair)Marsha Quinlan (Committee Member)Nishant Shahani (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Anthropology
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 262
- Identifiers
- 99901356973101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation