FOR JULY 2022 AND JANUARY 2023
Gender Sensitization: Society and Culture
Section A Answer the following in about 500 words each.
1. Describe the terms masculinity and femininity in India? Do you think it shapes gender roles? Explain. (20 marks)
Masculinity and femininity are complex and multifaceted concepts that are often used to describe the characteristics, traits, and behaviors that are associated with men and women. In India, these concepts are deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and religion, and have a significant impact on gender roles and relationships.
Masculinity in India is often associated with strength, courage, leadership, and dominance. Men are expected to be physically and emotionally strong, and to exhibit qualities such as assertiveness, aggression, and competitiveness. These traits are reinforced through various cultural and social norms, including the emphasis on physical strength and athleticism in sports, the importance of leadership and decision-making roles in politics and business, and the expectation that men will be the primary providers for their families.
Femininity, on the other hand, is often associated with qualities such as nurturing, emotional sensitivity, and submissiveness. Women are expected to be caring, supportive, and self-sacrificing, and to prioritize their family and home over their personal goals and ambitions. These expectations are reinforced through various cultural and social norms, including the emphasis on women's roles as caretakers and homemakers, the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, and the limited opportunities available for women in certain professions and fields.
The impact of these concepts of masculinity and femininity on gender roles in India is significant. Men are expected to be the breadwinners and providers for their families, while women are expected to be homemakers and caregivers. This has resulted in a gendered division of labor, with men dominating in the public sphere and women relegated to the private sphere. Women face significant barriers to achieving gender equality, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, unequal pay, and gender-based violence.
However, it is important to note that these concepts of masculinity and femininity are not static or unchanging. They are constantly evolving and adapting to social and cultural changes. For example, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of women's empowerment and gender equality in India in recent years, leading to changes in laws and policies and increased awareness of gender-based discrimination and violence.
In conclusion, the concepts of masculinity and femininity in India have a significant impact on gender roles and relationships. However, these concepts are not fixed and are subject to change and evolution over time. It is important to recognize and challenge the negative aspects of these concepts, including their role in perpetuating gender-based discrimination and inequality, in order to create a more equal and just society for all.
2. Describe the relationship of labour force participation, economy and gender question as a key focus. Support your argument by providing suitable examples. (20 marks)
The relationship between labor force participation, economy, and gender is a complex one that has significant implications for both individuals and society as a whole. Labor force participation refers to the percentage of the population that is employed or actively seeking employment, and is a key indicator of economic activity and development. Gender plays a crucial role in labor force participation, as women have historically been underrepresented in the workforce and face numerous barriers to equal participation.
One example of the relationship between labor force participation, economy, and gender can be seen in the context of the global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women's employment, with women more likely to be employed in industries that have been severely affected by lockdowns and restrictions, such as hospitality, retail, and tourism. In addition, women are often burdened with the responsibility of caregiving and domestic work, which has increased significantly due to school closures and other disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Another example of this relationship can be seen in the context of developing countries. In many low- and middle-income countries, women are underrepresented in the formal labor force and often work in informal, low-paying jobs. This limits their economic opportunities and perpetuates gender-based discrimination and inequality. For example, in India, women make up only 27% of the labor force, and those who do work are often concentrated in low-wage, low-skill jobs.
However, there are also examples of positive steps being taken to promote gender equality in the workforce. In some countries, policies such as paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements have been implemented to support working parents and encourage women's labor force participation. In Norway, for example, parental leave is shared between mothers and fathers, with the goal of promoting gender equality in caregiving responsibilities and encouraging women's participation in the workforce.
Another positive example can be seen in Rwanda, where women's participation in the labor force has increased significantly in recent years due to a range of government policies and programs. These include quotas for women in political representation and leadership roles, as well as investments in education and training programs to support women's economic empowerment.
In conclusion, the relationship between labor force participation, economy, and gender is a complex and dynamic one that has significant implications for individuals and society as a whole. While women have historically faced numerous barriers to equal participation in the workforce, there are positive examples of policies and programs that have been implemented to promote gender equality and support women's economic empowerment. However, there is still much work to be done to address gender-based discrimination and inequality in the workforce, and to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic growth and development.
Section B
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.
3. Critically evaluate the role of the family from gender lens. (10 marks)
The role of the family from a gender lens is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for gender equality and social justice. On the one hand, the family is often seen as a primary source of support and nurturing, providing individuals with a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose. On the other hand, the family can also perpetuate gender-based discrimination and inequality, reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations and limiting individuals' opportunities and freedoms.
From a gender lens, the family can be seen as a site of gender socialization, where individuals learn and internalize gender norms and expectations. Children are often socialized into gender roles from a young age, with girls being taught to prioritize caregiving and domestic work, and boys being encouraged to be assertive and dominant. This can limit individuals' freedom to express themselves and pursue their own interests and goals, and reinforce gender-based discrimination and inequality.
In addition, the family can also perpetuate gender-based violence and abuse, including domestic violence and child marriage. Women and girls are often the primary victims of these forms of violence, which can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on their health and well-being.
However, the family can also be a site of resistance and empowerment, where individuals challenge traditional gender roles and expectations and promote gender equality and social justice. Families can provide support and encouragement for individuals to pursue their own interests and goals, regardless of gender, and can serve as a source of community and solidarity for individuals facing discrimination and oppression.
In conclusion, the role of the family from a gender lens is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative implications for gender equality and social justice. While the family can serve as a source of support and empowerment for individuals, it can also perpetuate gender-based discrimination, violence, and inequality. It is important to critically evaluate the role of the family from a gender lens, in order to identify and challenge these forms of discrimination and promote gender equality and social justice.
4. What is Sexual Harassment at Workplace. Examine its forms. 10
Sexual harassment at the workplace is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual's work performance or creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. It is a form of gender-based discrimination that violates an individual's fundamental rights and can have a significant impact on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Sexual harassment at the workplace can take many forms, including:
Verbal harassment: This includes making unwanted sexual comments, telling sexual jokes or stories, and using sexual language or gestures.
Physical harassment: This includes unwanted touching, hugging, kissing, or other physical contact of a sexual nature.
Visual harassment: This includes displaying sexually suggestive or explicit images, posters, or objects in the workplace.
Quid pro quo harassment: This occurs when an individual is asked or pressured to engage in sexual activity in exchange for job benefits, such as promotions, raises, or favorable treatment.
Hostile work environment: This occurs when an individual is subjected to pervasive or severe sexual harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Cyber harassment: This includes sending unwanted sexual messages or images through email, social media, or other electronic communication.
It is important to note that sexual harassment can occur between individuals of any gender, and can be perpetrated by individuals in positions of power or authority. It is also important to recognize that sexual harassment is a form of violence and should not be tolerated in any workplace.
In conclusion, sexual harassment at the workplace is a serious issue that can have significant negative impacts on individuals and organizations. It is important for employers and employees to be aware of the different forms of sexual harassment and take steps to prevent and address this issue in the workplace.
5. Write in your own words the ‘construction of a girl child’ with suitable examples. (10 marks)
The construction of a girl child refers to the ways in which gender norms, stereotypes, and expectations are imposed on girls from a young age, shaping their identity, behavior, and life choices. These constructions are often rooted in societal and cultural beliefs about gender roles and can limit girls' opportunities and freedoms.
For example, girls are often socialized into traditional gender roles that prioritize caregiving and domestic work. They may be given dolls and kitchen sets to play with, while boys are given action figures and building blocks. This can limit girls' exposure to a range of interests and hobbies, and reinforce the idea that their primary role is as a caregiver.
In addition, girls are often taught to prioritize their appearance and conform to narrow beauty standards. They may be told that they should be thin, wear makeup, and dress in a feminine way. This can create pressure and anxiety for girls, and limit their self-expression and sense of self-worth.
Furthermore, girls are often subject to gender-based violence and discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and child marriage. These forms of violence can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on girls' health and well-being, limiting their opportunities and freedoms.
However, it is important to recognize that the construction of a girl child is not fixed or immutable. Girls have agency and the ability to challenge and resist traditional gender norms and expectations. By promoting education, empowerment, and gender equality, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Section C
Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.
6. Write a note on patriarchy. (6 marks)
7. What is radical feminism. (6 marks)
8. What are reproductive rights of Indian women? (6 marks)
9. Define productive and reproductive work. (6 marks)
10. What is mass media? (6 marks)
Patriarchy refers to a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. Patriarchy is based on the idea that men are superior to women and that they should have power and control over women's lives. This system has been perpetuated through generations through socialization and cultural practices, and it continues to manifest itself in various forms of gender inequality, such as unequal pay, gender-based violence, and limited access to education and healthcare. Patriarchy is a global issue and affects all aspects of society, including the family, the workplace, and politics.
Radical feminism is a feminist theory that seeks to identify and challenge the root causes of women's oppression. Radical feminists argue that patriarchy is not just a social construct, but a fundamental system of power that is embedded in society and perpetuates gender inequality. They advocate for radical change to transform social, political, and economic structures to achieve gender equality. Radical feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s and has been influential in shaping feminist movements around the world.
Reproductive rights refer to the rights of individuals to make decisions about their reproductive health and access reproductive healthcare services. In India, reproductive rights of women include the right to access safe and legal abortion services, access to contraception and family planning services, and the right to receive information and education about sexual and reproductive health. However, women in India continue to face significant barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare, such as stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare services in rural and remote areas.
Productive work refers to work that is performed for the purpose of producing goods or services for sale in the market. This includes activities such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Reproductive work, on the other hand, refers to work that is performed within the household, such as caregiving, cooking, and cleaning. Reproductive work is often unpaid or underpaid and has historically been undervalued and invisible. Feminist scholars have argued that reproductive work is essential for the functioning of society and should be recognized as such.
Mass media refers to a range of technologies and platforms that are used to communicate information and entertainment to a large audience. This includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet. Mass media has a significant influence on culture and society, shaping public opinion and attitudes towards a range of issues. The media has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and promoting narrow beauty standards, among other issues. However, it can also be a powerful tool for promoting social change and advancing feminist and other progressive agendas.
