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In this episode of the Bold Brown British podcast, I, Quarina, delve into the often overlooked yet crucial topic of unpaid labour and its impact on the lives of brown individuals in contemporary British society. This episode explores the multifaceted nature of unpaid work, from domestic chores to community service, and how it intersects with issues of race, gender, and class.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding Unpaid Labour:
   We begin by defining what unpaid labour entails. It’s not just the tasks we do at home but extends to cultural and community obligations, especially within brown families where communal support is pivotal.
2. Cultural Expectations:
   As brown individuals, many of us have grown up with certain cultural expectations around unpaid labour. From looking after younger siblings to participating in religious or community events, we discuss how these roles are often assigned without question and how they shape our identities.
3. The Gender Divide:
   Unpaid labour is frequently gendered, with women often bearing the brunt of domestic responsibilities. We examine how these expectations play out in brown communities and the pressure this places on women who strive for both career success and fulfilling traditional roles.
4. Economic Impact:
   What does unpaid labour mean in terms of economic value, and how does it affect the financial independence of those who predominantly perform it? We discuss the invisible contributions to the economy and the lack of recognition they receive.
5. Balancing Act:
   Many brown British individuals juggle unpaid labour with professional careers, often leading to stress and burnout. We share personal stories and discuss how to balance these responsibilities without compromising one’s well-being.
6. Breaking the Cycle:
   How can we begin to break free from the traditional expectations of unpaid labour? We explore strategies for change, from encouraging equitable division of chores within families to advocating for broader societal recognition of unpaid work.

Join us as we uncover the hidden costs of unpaid labour and explore ways to challenge the status quo. This episode is a call to action for fair recognition and redistribution of unpaid work, fostering a society where everyone’s contributions are valued equally.

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Our guest is Varuni Sinha, a New York-based writer and multimedia producer, who has spent years sharing the untold stories of immigrants through her work. Her memoir, Golden Handcuffs, is a powerful account of the silent struggles that South Asian women, like herself, face as immigrants in America—an experience often overshadowed in mainstream discussions.

Varuni’s story is a stark reminder of the real-life challenges, from the oppressive immigration laws to daily microaggressions, that hold many immigrants back in a society that paradoxically relies on their contributions. Whether it’s the isolation that impacts mental health, the constant feeling of being othered, or the restrictions on work and rights, her experiences resonate with the struggles of countless immigrants trying to find their footing in a place that isn’t always welcoming.

Today, we’ll be diving into some key topics that Varuni is passionate about—mental health in the face of isolation, what it really means to leave behind everything for a new life, and how the political and social landscape in the U.S. affects immigrants in both overt and insidious ways.

We’ll also explore how these issues intersect with broader societal problems like labour shortages, economic inequality, and even political identity. This conversation won’t be the typical left or right debate—today, we’re stripping away the politics to focus on the real stories behind the headlines.

So, whether you’re an immigrant yourself, someone connected to the immigrant experience, or just curious about the stories that don’t make it into the mainstream, this episode is for you.

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Tell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree

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Tell us your thoughts on instagram @boldbrownandbritish or Visit our Linktree