Gender roles influence traditions in food preparation research

Research conducted by Dr. Claudia Troncoso at the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC) examines how food traditions reinforce gender roles. The study highlights that the association of grilling, or 'asado', with men is a sociocultural construction rather than a reflection of natural ability.

According to Dr. Troncoso, while daily cooking is often associated with women, the asado serves as a masculinized social space. This role is passed down through generations within families, creating a tradition where women entering this space are sometimes perceived as 'invading' a male domain. The research, supported by the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID), explores how these intergenerational food knowledge patterns influence younger generations.