India was one of the first countries worldwide to elect a woman as prime minister more than 50 years ago. There are now several powerful female politicians in the country. Most Indians presently claim, “Women and men make equally competent political leaders,” According to a recent Pew Research Center study of over 30,000 respondents in India, more than one in ten believe that women make better political leaders than males. Just 25% of Indian adults think males are better at leading politics than women. Nonetheless, there are several factors which affect the gender roles in Indian society –
1) Indian culture has traditionally encouraged boys to be independent, assertive, and competitive, from a young age, while girls are taught to be nurturing, submissive, and accommodating. Men are expected to be the family’s breadwinners, while women are expected to manage household chores and care for children. This is reflected in how boys and girls are raised, with boys being given more freedom and autonomy while girls are expected to be obedient and follow the rules. These gender roles are reinforced through socialization and education. This division of labour has been deeply ingrained in Indian culture and passed down from generation to generation.
2) One of the most significant influences on gender roles in Indian culture is the institution of marriage. Marriage is seen as a sacred bond between a man and a woman, and it is expected that once married, the man will provide for the family while the woman will take care of the home and the children. Societal norms reinforce this expectation, and women who deviate from this norm are often stigmatized.
3) Another component of gender roles in Indian society where, for various historical, social, religious, and economic reasons, families tend to place higher importance on boys than females – a practice known as “son preference.” As a result, adult sons typically support their families financially and live with them. Moreover, girls frequently reside with their husband’s parents and fulfil duties to their in-laws. The government’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (“Save the girl child, Educate the girl child”) program, for instance, aims to prevent sex-selective practices during pregnancy and to ensure that girls have access to educational opportunities by running public awareness media campaigns, among other policies. As a result, in recent years, Indian society has placed more emphasis on improving the status of daughters.
4) Another factor contributing to establishing gender roles in Indian culture is the concept of honour. Honour is a vital aspect of Indian culture and is closely linked to women’s behaviour. Women are expected to be modest, virtuous, and obedient; any deviation from this behaviour threatens the family’s honour. This has led to strict control over women’s behaviour and mobility, as they are expected to remain within the boundaries of the home and family.
5) Religion and tradition have also played a significant role in shaping the role of women in Indian society. For instance, the rule of purdah, the practice of women covering themselves in public, is rooted in religion and passed down for generations. This practice is seen as a way of protecting women’s honour and dignity, but it has also been used to control their behaviour and mobility.
However, it is essential to note that not all aspects of Indian culture reinforce gender roles. For example, there are many influential female figures in Indian mythology and history, such as Goddess Durga and Rani Lakshmibai, who have challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. These figures serve as role models for women and have inspired many to break free from the confines of gender roles. Despite these exceptions, gender roles in Indian culture continue to be deeply entrenched. This has resulted in a lack of opportunities for women in the workforce, who are often paid less than men for the same work. However, there have been significant changes in recent years, and women in India are increasingly breaking free from traditional gender roles. Women are now entering the workforce more substantially, and many are challenging the patriarchal norms that have defined Indian society for centuries. This positive development is slowly but surely changing the face of Indian culture.
In conclusion, the link between Indian culture and gender roles is undeniable. Gender roles have been deeply ingrained in Indian culture and shaped by religion, tradition, and societal norms. While there are exceptions to these gender roles, they continue to be a dominant force in Indian society. However, there are signs of change, and women in India are increasingly breaking free from traditional gender roles. This positive development will undoubtedly shape the future of Indian society.
