In a global context, a notable trend emerges - women typically cook more meals per week compared to men. However, in Italy, a nation renowned for its exquisite cuisine, an intriguing shift is taking place. Italy stands alone as the only country where men surpass women in the culinary realm.
Discover the Changing Male Identity in Italian Cooking
Cooking as a Cultural Pillar
Cooking holds a significant place in the culture and family life of this European nation. It is not uncommon for dinner to be prepared at home rather than being grabbed from a drive-thru or a box. Residents take pride in freshly-made meals, passing down culinary traditions from one generation to another. As electrical engineer Ilario Tito shares, "I started cooking when I was a kid. I learned from my grandmother, from my grandfather, to cook, also to shop (for) good food. And I like to eat." This shows the deep-rooted connection between cooking and Italian life.The Significance of Time Spent Cooking
Sociologist Emiliana De Blasio from Rome's LUISS University emphasizes the importance of time spent cooking for Italians. It is akin to "religion" for them, providing a means for families and loved ones to come together. With more women entering the workforce and the desire for good, home-cooked meals remaining strong, the male identity in the nation is undergoing a transformation. As De Blasio explains, "So is tradition, is culture, is love, is also the potential to create a group and a family. And so probably also men want all this power to create a group and family and to persist the heritage from the past to now."Cooking Classes: A Gathering Place
Eataly, a high-end food emporium in Rome, offers cooking classes that cover a wide range of topics. When "CBS Saturday Morning" attended a class, it was noticed that most of the other students were men. One student, Roberto, shared his story. His wife enrolled him in the class as a present, saying, "It's just to say 'Why don't you cook also during the night?' Because we have a lot of fights." This highlights how cooking classes are not only a place to learn new skills but also a way to bridge the gap between genders in the kitchen. Another student, Riccardo, does the majority of the cooking at home with his fiancée, Chiara. Since she works late, he takes on the cooking duty and enjoys the time spent preparing a meal and seeing the look of satisfaction on her face when she comes home to a prepared table. He said, "I enjoy that moment. I'm very happy to do (for her)."The Persistence of Gender Roles
While there is a shift in male cooking participation, gender roles have not changed everywhere. De Blasio humorously noted that when it comes to doing the dishes, women usually take on the task. She said, "Usually the men don't clean the kitchen. But this is an issue on which we can work. We can fix it." This shows that while men are becoming more involved in cooking, there is still work to be done in balancing gender roles in the household.