Sonal Sharma in
her article ‘Rasoi ka Kaam/Bathroom ka Kaam’ depicts the concept of ‘purity’
and ‘pollution’ of caste and class affecting work relations, here, domestic
workers. Though it is argued that employers care more about hygiene which relates to
class instead of caste biases, this argument is refuted by the claim that the
very idea of hygiene or ‘dirt’ is a creation of caste. The act of removal of
this dirt symbolizes removal of what does not belong in its place.
This separation of dirt from clean is similar to
social spheres, like, public/ private. Employers treat the workers the same way
they consider the work – dirt removal. The word ‘ganda’ is used for impurity and
untouchables alike. Female sex workers are referred as ‘gandi ladkiyan’ as the
job was considered as sexually immoral.
Workers are differentiated further based on their
caste and religion. Jamadars and Muslims are not preferred by the employers. Work
is also segregated based on these divisions. Workers of kitchen avoid work of
bathroom all together and vice versa. Lower castes or Muslims are not allowed
to enter the kitchen for water. Sharma also links this social placement with
economic gains and status worsening the situation.
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