Questions
- Sexual division of labor is a means to achieve the goals of the family. Critically examine the statement. (20 Marks)
- Critically examine the issues faced by the women from minority communities in India. What steps have been taken by the state for their upliftment?
(20 Marks)
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Model Structures
Q1. Sexual division of labor is a means to achieve the goals of the family. Critically examine the statement. (20 Marks)
Introduction
- Sexual division of labour refers to the process of dividing work between different people on the basis of their sex and gender.
Main Body
- It is seen that even in modern families work related to cooking, cleaning are divided on the basis of biological differences.
- The biological differences like the greater physical strength of men and the fact that women bear children led to gender roles, according to Murdock in his book social structure.
- Moreover, feminists also provide a similar view on families’ unequal power relationships and with respect to the sexual division of labour they try to highlight the economic worth of unpaid labour done by women in household chores, in caring activities, etc.
- However, Morgan in his social theory and the family, states that family is depicted as a remarkably harmonious social institution. One of the factors that ensures harmony in the family is the sexual division of labor.
Sexual division of labour in modern families -
- In Indian families, patriarchy also plays a major role in unequal relations and unequal status.
- According to Ann Oakley, differential rewards are attached to social roles which create gender inequality and gender stratification. Family is the strongest agent of patriarchy and more respect and status is conferred on the male members vis a vis female members.
- Ann Oakley observes that in pre Industrial societies, there was equal space for men and women in all kinds of work.
- After industrialisation; women were burdened as housewives as the men went to the factories for work. They also had to depend on men for financial needs as only work outside the home was considered productive and the work done by women at home was categorized as non-work.
- According to W Young, as women move to unpaid employment in increasingly larger numbers in modern culture, men's contribution to domestic tasks and child care does not seem to be increasing at the same pace.
- For example, during the pandemic lockdown, women are bearing more work burden than men. The International Labour Organization, in 2018 reported that the 16 million hours spent on unpaid work every day would represent nearly 10% of the world's entire economic output if it was paid at a fair rate.
- However, today, with the spread of education, the rise of feminist movements, gender sensitization through media and equitable employment opportunities for women outside their homes, perspectives on gender and gender differentiation in the matters of power, status, work and social esteem are being changed.
- Innovations like washing machines, vacuum cleaners that are gender-neutral are reducing the burden of housework. Families, especially in urban areas, where both spouses go for work outside and employing domestic labor is expensive, household chores are shared by both spouses (Symmetrical division of labor).
Conclusion
- Despite the progress, there does exist a ‘cultural lag’ when it comes to equal social status to men and women.
Q2. Critically examine the issues faced by the women from minority communities in India. What steps have been taken by the state for their upliftment? (20 Marks)
Introduction
- Women from minority communities in India face multiple challenges that stem from the intersection of gender, religion, and other social identities.
Main Body
These issues are often rooted in traditional patriarchal norms, religious practices, and systemic inequalities. Here are some of the critical issues faced by women from minority communities in India:
- Gender Inequality: Women from minority communities often face gender discrimination within their religious and cultural contexts. Patriarchal norms and customs may limit their access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic empowerment.
- Limited Access to Education: Access to education can be constrained by socio-economic factors and cultural norms that prioritize male education over female education, leading to lower literacy rates among women from minority communities.
- Early Marriage and Child Marriage: Child marriage is still prevalent in some minority communities, resulting in limited opportunities for women's development and higher risk of health complications.
- Violence and Discrimination: Women from minority communities may face violence and discrimination, including domestic violence and communal violence, with limited recourse to justice due to various social and legal barriers.
- Lack of Representation: Minority women often lack adequate representation in political and decision-making processes, resulting in their marginalization and limited participation in public life.
- Lack of Economic Opportunities: Economic opportunities for women from minority communities may be restricted due to social and cultural norms, leading to their economic dependency and limited financial independence.
- Religious Personal Laws: Personal laws within religious communities can sometimes perpetuate discriminatory practices, affecting issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights.
State Efforts:
- Special Schemes: The government has implemented various schemes targeting women's empowerment in minority communities, such as the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme and the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students.
- Educational Initiatives: Initiatives like the Maulana Azad Education Foundation provide scholarships to encourage minority women's education, promoting their socio-economic upliftment.
- Legal Reforms: The government has taken steps to address gender discrimination in personal laws and has implemented legal reforms to protect women's rights.
- Skill Development Programs: Skill development and vocational training programs have been introduced to enhance employability and economic opportunities for women from minority communities.
- Awareness Campaigns: The government runs awareness campaigns to promote gender equality, discourage child marriage, and address issues of violence and discrimination.
- Reservation for Women: The government has reserved seats for women in local governance bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities to enhance their political representation.
Conclusion
- While these efforts are essential, challenges persist due to the complexity of the issues and the need for continued awareness, advocacy, and community engagement.
- A comprehensive approach that addresses both gender-specific and community-specific concerns is vital to uplift women from minority communities and promote their social, economic, and political empowerment.
