CULTURAL SCHISM AND DISCONTENTMENT IN AMY TAN'S THE JOY LUCKY CLUB

Culture comprises the customs, ideas, and values of a particular civilization or social group
in a specific period. Most cultural practices in a patriarchal society are solely to serve the
interests of men and secure their superior position in society. Women suffer abuse and
alienation and are expected to fulfill their domestic roles as wives and mothers. The dilemma
of women is manifested differently in different societies and countries, but exploitation and
subordination are seen as common factors. Patriarchy as an ideology and the racism of the
mainstream culture are incorporated into the ethnic identity of the immigrant communities in
American society. The women of these communities are often seen to use them as weapons
to defend their culture and identity. In the novel, The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan tells the stories
of the struggles and conflicts of mothers and daughters in accepting diverse cultural values.
Amy Tan describes the perplexing observation of female oppression in contemporary society
by exploring the characters’ tensions in their life struggles.