Object Biographies and Social Mobility Among Mobile Men in India

This paper explores the relationship between mobile men in India and their domestic objects, examining how material interactions shape and reflect evolving non-Western masculine identities. Employing the theoretical concept of “temporal materialities,” the research investigates how mobile Indian men’s relationships with specific domestic objects evolve over time, mirroring transformations in masculine identities and life trajectories. The methodological approach combines thematic analysis of interview transcripts with semiotic interpretation of participant-generated photographs and researcher-generated drawing observations. This multi-modal data collection strategy allows for a comprehensive examination of object biographies and their significance across different life stages and relocations. Key findings reveal distinct patterns in said object use and significance between younger-less work experienced (group i) and older-more work experienced (group ii) mobile men in India. Participants in group i tend to blend traditional and modern objects, seeking multifunctionality and using possessions as overt means of personal expression. In contrast, group ii cluster lean towards traditional objects, prioritize functionality over aesthetics and express themselves through objects with rich personal histories. The study identifies three primary themes in the temporal changes of object use:

1. Blending tradition and modernity
2. Adaptability and multifunctionality
3. Personal expression and social interaction

These themes highlight how the mobile participants negotiate their identities, adapt to new environments and maintain a sense of continuity amid frequent relocations. The research contributes to understanding the intersection of masculinity, material culture and mobility in the Indian context, offering insights into how men create and maintain a sense of home in motion. By tracing object biographies across different life stages and experiential clusters, this study provides a nuanced perspective on the evolving nature of masculine domesticity in India, revealing how material practices reflect and shape broader societal changes and individual identity constructions.