Exploring Malay generational working women homemade dinner cooking practices.

Abstract

This paper delves into the culinary habits across Malays generational working women in Malaysia, focusing on their preparation of homemade dinners. To gather insights, a purposive sampling strategy was employed to select participants for semi-structured interviews in this qualitative study. The recorded interview data underwent thorough analysis aligned with the research objectives. The findings highlight the impact of modernization, a fast-paced lifestyle, work demands, and career aspirations on how working women from different generations manage the task of preparing homemade dinners for their families. Notably, Generation X working women underscored the influence of growing up during a period when traditional gender roles were more prominent, emphasizing societal expectations regarding women's roles in domestic responsibilities. In contrast, Generation Y working women exhibit a less committed approach to homemade dinner cooking, opting for convenience foods, delivery services, and dining out. These study outcomes contribute valuable insights to the expanding body of literature on homemade cooking practices among working women, shedding light on a crucial aspect of contemporary Asian family structures.