Wearing the Saree in the Diaspora: An Auto-ethnographic Account of a Malaysian Indian Woman

Abstract

The saree is one of the most recognizable cultural markers worldwide. This article uses autoethnography to reflect on my experiences of wearing a saree as a minority woman in the Malaysian context and analyses them using the concept of intersectionality. It first explores the cultural and personal significance of the saree because it remains significant for religious/cultural festivals, life events, and formal functions even though it is not commonly used as an everyday attire. The choice of wearing the saree in important life events goes beyond showcasing one’s cultural identity and becomes an act of defining key life events. The article discusses my experience of wearing a saree in the workplace. While the saree is broadly accepted as a formal wear and a form of cultural expression, it sometimes introduces ambiguity to my identity as a Malaysian. Furthermore, the saree’s modesty is scrutinized and perceived as exotic due to its positioning in dominant cultural narratives because modesty is shaped by socio-cultural norms and familiarity. Therefore, the saree is paradoxically seen as both traditional and respectable, yet foreign and transgressive depending on the context. However, my position as an academic gives me advantages that may not be available to other women in terms clothing choices. By focusing on the wearer’s experience in an Asian context, this article enriches academic discourse on how minority women navigate conflicting expectations and exercise their agency in their choice of dressing.