Tenaga Elektrik, Dapur Moden dan Transformasi Wanita di Kuala Lumpur, 1927–1940 Electricity, Modern Kitchen and the Transformation of Women in Kuala Lumpur, 1927–1940
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Abstract
Entering the 20th century, electricity began to be used commercially in Kuala Lumpur. Electricity supply, initially limited to the mining sector and streetlights, were later expanded to become the main source of power for the domestic sector, especially residences since the late 1920s. The provided supply of electricity influenced residents to then use electrical appliances, thus making domestic daily life more comfortable and easier. Women were identified as the consumer group with the most noticeable change in daily chores in the kitchen, following this development in domestic technology. This study aims to examine how electricity supply in residences triggered a transformation among women in Kuala Lumpur between 1927 until 1940. This article uses the qualitative approach by analysing primary and secondary sources. The findings show women realise the importance of electricity and worked to adapt its uses into their daily work in the kitchen. Electricity supply for kitchen, led women to turn to electrical appliances and then learn how to use them. This development has encouraged these women to improve their skills and abilities in food preparation. Therefore, it is clear that domestic chores did not hinder women from absorbing rapid technological advances in Kuala Lumpur as something beneficial in their daily chores.
Memasuki abad ke-20, penggunaan tenaga elektrik mula dikomersialkan di Kuala Lumpur. Penyediaan tenaga elektrik yang pada awalnya terhad untuk sektor perlombongan dan lampu jalan kemudiannya telah diperluaskan sehingga menjadi sumber tenaga utama untuk sektor domestik khususnya rumah kediaman mulai penghujung tahun 1920-an. Tenaga elektrik yang disediakan telah mempengaruhi penduduk untuk menggunakan barangan elektrik sekali gus menjadikan kehidupan harian di rumah lebih selesa dan mudah. Wanita didapati merupakan kumpulan pengguna yang telah menunjukkan perubahan besar dari segi tugasan harian mereka di dapur kesan perkembangan teknologi domestik tersebut. Kajian ini bertujuan mengkaji bagaimana penyediaan tenaga elektrik di rumah telah mencetuskan transformasi dalam kalangan wanita di Kuala Lumpur sekitar tahun 1927 hingga 1940. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif dengan menganalisis sumber primer dan sekunder. Hasil kajian mendapati wanita menyedari kepentingan tenaga elektrik dan berusaha untuk menyesuaikan penggunaan tenaga tersebut dalam menjalankan kerjakerja harian mereka di dapur. Penyediaan tenaga elektrik di dapur menyebabkan wanita beralih kepada penggunaan barangan elektrik dan berusaha untuk menguasai cara-cara penggunaan barangan tersebut. Perkembangan ini mendorong wanita untuk meningkatkan lagi kemahiran dan kecekapan mereka dalam penyediaan makanan. Justeru, keadaan ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa tugasan di dapur tidak menghalang wanita untuk menyerap kemajuan teknologi yang sedang berkembang pesat di Kuala Lumpur untuk dimanfaatkan dalam melaksanakan tugasan harian mereka.
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