Bend It Like Beckham Sociology

The movie Bend It Like Beckham follows the life of teenage girl Jessminder “Jess” Bhamra. Though possessed with an incredible talent and obsession for the game of soccer, Jessminder’s parents believe that it is her destiny to grow up to be a proper, traditional Indian woman, one who is concerned with providing for a man and their kids. Jessminder had never played soccer for a team until her talents were noticed while playing a game of pick-up soccer by Juliette “Jules” Paxton, the Hounslow Harriers’ star player. Juliette invites Jessminder to come to one of their practices to see if she is good enough to play for the team. After wowing both Juliette and Joe, the team’s coach, Jessminder is offered a spot to play on the team. Jessminder is asked

The norms, values, traditions, and expectations associated with the culture and traditions that Juliette and Jessminder live with say that women should not be playing soccer. Instead, they should be wanting to cook, clean, and provide for a husband. Jessminder and Juliette go against the societal norms, which brings upon negative repercussions for the both of them. The respective consequences that are brought upon Jessminder and Juliette are different from each other. For Jessminder, her consequences deny her of playing soccer. For Juliette, it’s making her mother worried of what she may become if she doesn’t stop playing soccer. Mrs. Paxton has growing suspicions that Juliette may be lesbian due to the way she acts around Jessminder. It is hinted upon near the end of the movie that Mrs. Paxton may be

Jessminder’s best friend, Tony, is a closeted homosexual. Although faithful to his religion and his identity, Tony feels the need to come out to his friends and family, yet he is nervous of the consequences that may come from speaking out. Jessminder was stunned to hear that Tony was gay, as she replied “But…you’re Indian!” when she first heard the news. Jessminder had a hard time letting others know about the romantic relationship that her and Joe had. Their relationship was made out to be inappropriate both by the viewers and by Mr. and Mrs. Bhamra. Joe knew that his coaching career would have been at risk if he had proceeded with his relationship with Jessminder while they were still playing soccer. It wasn’t until after they had finished the soccer season that they had decided to make it official. This was a problem for Mr. and Mrs. Bhamra, as Joe did not meet the criteria for what Jessminder’s husband should be. Eventually Mr. and Mrs. Bhamra became okay with their