#womenchefs

[no-im-not-the-cleaning-lady]

Stirring the Pot of Culinary Inclusivity

Picture this, it’s Thanksgiving and you smell a turkey in the oven, mac and cheese cooling off, and your favorite cookie dough being rolled into balls on a tray. Who do you picture making these dishes? Most people might imagine their mom, aunts, or grandmother in the kitchen. But when you see the cooking show they’re watching, it's Gordon Ramsey or Guy Fieri. Even in the broad field of culinary arts, gender disparities continue to persist. This can be seen as more men occupying the prestigious position of head chefs in high-end restaurants than women. The roots of this phenomenon can be traced back to historical gender roles; women were traditionally pushed to fulfill domestic responsibilities, including daily cooking for the family. Throughout this post I want to talk about the average mom’s kitchen and the demanding environment of a five-star restaurant. Hopefully by the end, we’ll have a better understanding of the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the culinary world.

The traditional division of labor assigned women the role of homemakers, responsible for managing household chores, childcare, and, inevitably, daily meal preparation. This societal expectation has perpetuated the stereotype that women excel in the domestic kitchen but face challenges when transitioning to the professional culinary arena. The nurturing and warm familial connotations associated with women's cooking have led to the assumption that their skills are better suited for home environments rather than the high-pressure, fast-paced setting of a professional kitchen. While we know that the domestic kitchen is often characterized with a more relaxed atmosphere and a professional kitchen demands precision and speed, what many fail to recognize is that many women have probably had to take care of multiple domestic chores at the same time. For instance, in a high paced 5 star kitchen, each chef has a task, and a time limit to complete that task, but in a home, a mother might have a 5 month old on her hip, toddlers running through the kitchen, and dishes that she’s trying to get done while preparing dinner for more than four people. Although these situations are not the same, we can recognize that although women might not be getting paid to prepare meals every night, they do have to overcome a certain level of stress and emotional turmoil in order to get certain tasks done. In terms of women who might want to enter the world of culinary arts, they might struggle for a number of reasons, including finding other women to learn from in this field. 

The culinary industry has historically been male-dominated, with men holding key positions and shaping the narrative around professional cooking. The lack of representation of women in leadership roles within the culinary world creates a cycle where aspiring female chefs may struggle to envision themselves breaking through the glass ceiling. In a field where mentorship and role models play a crucial role, the absence of prominent female figures in top culinary positions creates a challenging environment for women seeking to climb the professional ladder. Additionally, the gender disparity in the chef career is the demanding nature of the job. Long and irregular working hours, physically strenuous tasks, and the relentless pursuit of perfection are all inherent aspects of the culinary profession. Society's ingrained expectations regarding women's primary roles as caregivers and nurturers may push them away from pursuing a career that demands such dedication and sacrifice. Understanding how societal expectations influence behaviors and opportunities for both men and women in the culinary sphere, lets expand on how gender is performed within the professional kitchen. 

Gender roles in the culinary field are shaped by societal expectations, media portrayals, and cultural norms, influencing how men and women perform their roles in the kitchen. Pop culture uses chefs like Anthony Bourdain to emphasize gender roles, depicting men as authoritative and powerful. In the Food Network cooking show Chopped, where chefs compete to win a grand prize of $10,000, women are often disqualified earlier than men. Although individuals may not be outwardly claiming their sexist practices, everyone can see how traditional biases continue to negatively impact women, even on national TV. Gender performance in culinary arts perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limitations for female chefs. The ingrained expectation that cooking is a feminine task confines women to traditional roles within the kitchen, which undermines their potential for creativity and leadership. This view not only restricts opportunities for women, but it also devalues their contributions, and categorizes their work as domestic and less significant. 

To address the gender disparity in the chef profession, it’s important to challenge and reshape societal perceptions of gender roles. Encouraging young girls to explore their culinary interests, providing mentorship programs, and spotlighting successful female chefs can help break down the barriers that perpetuate the current imbalance. Fostering workplace environments that prioritize diversity and inclusion can create a more supportive atmosphere for women pursuing careers in the culinary world. Overall, the dominance of men in the culinary profession stems from historical gender roles, societal expectations, and the demanding nature of the job. The contrast between the average mom's kitchen and a five-star restaurant kitchen underscores the unique challenges women face in breaking into this male-dominated field. By challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and highlighting the accomplishments of female chefs, we can begin to create a more inclusive and balanced future in the culinary world for women. 

2017 Chopped winner, Brooke Siem :

[inthevintagekitchen]

Cheers to International Women’s Day! 🌺 We are a day late celebrating all of the ladies and their ladles but really every day in the Vintage Kitchen is International Women’s Day around here. 🌎 With a hearty thank you, we toast the millions of women around the globe who have taught us all how to cook by sharing their culinary techniques and heritage recipes. Included here are 10 favorites in the Vintage Kitchen along with flags of the countries they represented in the kitchen. ⭐️ Some you’ll recognize, others you may not, but all made a big impact on the generations of cooks that came before us and helped inspire what and how we cook today. 🥂 . . . . . #internationalwomensday #womenshistorymonth #womenchefs #womenwhocook #vintagekitchen #womensstudies https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpk2MieO70_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bakelikeapro]

Avec chef 👩‍🍳 @stephanie__bienvenu Voici la recette de ces petits entremets super gourmand, perso j’adooooore cette association, je ne suis pas fan des entremets je trouve ça toujours trop « mou » d’où ce choix de mettre un biscuit assez moelleux mais imposant quand même , qui ramène une mâche différente de celle de la base. Voici la compo : - biscuit noisette - crémeux citron 🍋 - ganache praliné - streusel noisette fleurs de sel Simple et efficace. Vous avez déjà testé cette asso? Vous aimez ? . . #praline #recette #recipe #foodporn #sunday #sweetthooth #pastryart #finepastry #pastryaddict #pastrylove #pastrychef #womenchefs #lemon #citron #patisserie #stephaniebienvenu #foodpic #foudepatisserie #brunch #gourmand #instagood #instafood #instagram #pastrygram #foodie #recettefacile #recetterapide #gourmandise #pastrylove 💥your photo was shared by: @bakelikeapro #bakelikeaproyoutube 👍 votre photo était partagé par #bakelikeapro https://instagr.am/p/CpbdbuPO4h6/

[chefveenank]

Morning breakfast using camping stove-Idli served w peanut chutney, Tomato masala and Chai! #backyardcooking #homemadefood #heartybreakfast #glutenfree #vegan #macadamiamilk #idli #peanutchutney #tomatomasala #chai #cookbookauthor #mytriedandtruevegetarianrecipes #kindlebooks #womenchefs #womenentrepreneurs #womenentrepreneurs #campstovecooking (at Frisco / Dallas - Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMkPjz_hHAW/?igshid=whi0kd5xnjrr

[bedroombully44]

if anyone has a sweet 🦷 holla at Sugachef Trini @chef_trini She will make it happen!!! It doesn't matter what occasions you want it for. She will definitely show up and show out!!ALLBAKEDOUT!!!😍😍😍 #sweet #allbakedout #delicious #dessert #sweettooth #dessertporn #explore #urbanexplorer #blackownedbusiness #viralpost #cupcakes #cupcakesofinstagram #cupcakedecorating #womeninbusiness #womenchefs (at Houston Tesxs) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCb9EfHgAMwCZ2f8rDpxjsnegtcyGyz4Ul7JhM0/?igshid=ufc7brmn04t7

[hopecohen]

today was a good day ... ... cooking makes me happy . . #cooking #womenchefs #thaifood #thailand #currypaste #thaigreencurry #handcrafter #handsinfood #photoshoot #zen #happyplace #inthekitchen @aoy_araya1 #destinationrestaurant (ที่ Aoywaan Riverside Thai Cuisine, อ้อยหวานอาหารไทยโบราณริมน้ำ) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6iwUiijMQB/?igshid=1p302a9vyg934

[thepdrnola]

🍽🍽 #wecomin 🍽🍽 #Repost @satterfieldsrestaurant ・・・ Executive Chef Rita Bernhardt placing garnishes on hot plates just before going to table. - - #girlpower #womenchefs #satterfieldsbham #itstheperfectplace #womanowned #womenled #cahabaheights #vestaviahills #bhamfoodies #bhamrestaurants #eatingalabama #eattheham #localbitesbham (at Birmingham, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/B79BOOilxcw/?igshid=rnq26s7y62ne

[dajeneats]

Dahling, I'm sitting here pretty bummed out that the cafe is closed today because of electrical issues.(Update: the electrician is there today and we should be rocking and rolling soon.) I am an insanely positive person and believe the universe is ever conspiring in my favor but sometimes the suck still sucks, right? Then I get tagged in this beautiful picture by @1chefnina, a phenomenal chef and caterer, who went the eeeeextra mile for her clients and worked with us to cater to the vegans in a party her company catered. Ugh! It's wonderful to be reminded that our impact comes in many different ways and our gifts surface even in tough spots. Thank you, @1chefnina, for brightening my day. Your plate looks gorgeous, dahling. ******************************************* Hello Darling! Channeling my inner @dajeneats She lead the way and I followed! Vegans need ❤️ Too! How did I do!! #veganfrenchtoast #vegantofuscramble #roastedpotatoes #veganfood #vegan #cheflife #chefnina #catering #personalchef #orlandocatering #orlandochef #womenchefs #delivery #mealprep #orlandocaterer #southerngirl (at DaJen Eats) https://www.instagram.com/p/Byxz1H0BQ7y/?igshid=1rmczce7qnoje

[ostuma]

the most phenomenal dinner I’ve had in a long time! #lienzorestaurante #lienzovalencia #womenchefs #gastronomia https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv9GVfQhkF-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=28y86tv6hkak

[kurmancommunications]

I have so many fond memories of helping #JuliaChild through the years in #Chicago, #aspenfoodandwine #womenchefs and #wsj story. Yes, I am blessed. Thanks for the memories, Julia. I hold my memories of you near and dear. God bless. #juliachildfoundation #wcr #womenchefsandrestaurateurs #fondmemories #inspiringwomen #influncers #kurmanpr #blessed #blessedlife #chefs (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChU7LkPrM2H/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[martinespastries]

Martine is celebrating International Woman’s Day confectioning amongst 17 fabulous female chefs. This gourmet event in honor of women worldwide features the lady restauranteurs sharing the kitchen with Ouita Michel the queen of Kentucky cuisine this evening at Honeywood Restaurant #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2022 #internationalwomensdaycelebration #femalechefs #womenchefs #ladychefs #gourmetkitchen #gourmetcuisine #gourmetbakery #MartinesPastries #lexingtonkentucky @ouitamichel @honeywoodrestaurant @hollyhillinn @letstalkwomxn @letstalkwomxnkentucky @visitlex (at Honeywood) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2MYQ5OXFd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[chefmblends]

Praising God for a **🚨🚨🚨NEW LOCATION ** to purchase your Favorite Chef Monica Spice Blend. Visit @thevintagenesthomeandgifts on Main Street in Mt. Holly, NC Chef Monica ® Blends Change Your Flavor and Not Your Meal. https://linktr.ee/chefmonica . . . . . . . . #chefmonicablends #canada #ms #virtualcookingclasses #virtualcooking #insightmag #spices #jackdaniels #drinkresponsibly #mealprep #chefsofinstagram #lifendagroceryaisle #blackculture #blackbusiness #locqueensrock #locdinthekitchen #womensupportingwomen #womenchefs https://www.instagram.com/p/CSkRzFRrsiG/?utm_medium=tumblr

[trulysoulfullyeats]

Happy Women’s day to all my lovely ladies out here!! 💋 We are stronger than we believe we are and mightier than we’re ever perceived. ✊🏼💪🏽 This Women’s Day I’d like to remind you my dearest ladies that you have so much to offer to this world. Your presence alone makes this world a better place to be in. Face everyday with a smile and only do things that make you happy and everything will eventually fall in place. You do you! You be your best friend! Love yourself! 👏🏻Join me in celebrating our uniqueness.🙌🏼 Let us together celebrate not just today but every day that we live. 💁🏻‍♀️We are brilliant and beautiful yet unique. 🙋🏻‍♀️ 💃🏻HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY one and all!! 👯‍♀️ Photographer: @vanda_szabo_photography #deliciouscravingsatvaniaskitchen #foodblogfeed #womensday2021 #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #womeninspiringwomen #womenempoweringwomen #womenceomindset #womensday #womeninfood #womenchefs #womenchef #womenbloggers #womenblogger #londonblogger #londonbloggers #londonblog #foodbloggers #foodbloggerlondon #londonfoodblogger #londonfoodblog #indianfoodblogger #indianfoodblog #foodbloggeruk #foodbloggerindia #foodblogging #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodbloggerlife #foodblogeats (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMK7v10llvU/?igshid=1q01kd1ltzmg4

[chefveenank]

Gluten-free, Vegan, super healthy meal- Ragi puttu (Steamed Finger millet flour w shredded coconut) served w Kerala Kadala Curry- South Indian brown garbanzo dish made w roasted and ground coconut, shallots, garlic and ginger along w spices. Watch for the curry recipe soon to be posted. #glutenfree #vegan #ragiputtu #puttukadala #keralafood #simplefood #heartymeal #cookbookauthor #mytriedandtruevegetarianrecipes #kindlebooks #womenauthors #womenentrepreneurs #womenchefs (at Frisco / Dallas - Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL99tsHhhrf/?igshid=7j94k6341ewn

[gullahislandfarmer]

Well, I looked for a possum recipe and came across this one from Gullah chef and author, Sally Ann Robinson from Daufuskie Island. Her book is a wonderful treasure of recipes from Daufuskie. Sally has a very popular tour company and restaurant on Daufuskie. You can find her book published by University of NC Press. #possum #opossum #gullahgeechee #gullahfood #gullahgeechee #food #foodie #southernfoodie #southernfood #huntergatherer #food #survival #marsupials #liveofftheland #southernfoodways #recipies #cookbook #womenchefs #foodtradition #daufuskieisland #daufuskie #sallyannrobinson #books #bookstagram #read #reading #readmorebooks (at Morning Glory Homestead) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKrra2oBqj7/?igshid=1r1q74x7ezu1d

[thepdrnola]

Our Executive Chef, @ritabernhardt (r) and Executive Pastry Chef, @bsugar88 (l) will be cooking at Billy Reid's Shin-Dig on August 23rd! If you're planning to attend, be sure to stop by! #shindig #billyreid #girlpower #womenchefs #womenchefsrock #womenchefsofinstagram #satterfieldsbham (at Satterfield's Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1JgbuuFuOt/?igshid=1u0oxxrvff9kp