Concept of Patriarchy and Matriarchy and Issues related to Indian Woman

Concept of Gender

Gender refers to the roles, behaviours, activities, and expectations that society considers appropriate for men, women, and non-binary people. It's a social and cultural construct that varies widely between societies and cultures. Gender is how people identify and express themselves through clothing, behaviour, and personal choices.

Examples of Gender

1. Gender Roles:
• Example: In many cultures, women are often expected to be caregivers and homemakers, while men are expected to be breadwinners. However, these roles can change over time and vary across different societies.
2. Gender Identity:
• Example: A person may identify as male, female, non-binary, genderqueer, or another gender. This identity might not necessarily align with their biological sex.
3. Gender Expression:
• Example: A man might wear makeup and dresses, or a woman might prefer wearing suits and having short hair. These expressions challenge traditional gender norms and reflect the individual's style and identity.

 

Concept of Sex

Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define humans as male, female, or intersex. These characteristics include chromosomes, hormone levels, reproductive/sexual anatomy, and secondary sexual characteristics (like facial hair and breast development).

Examples of Sex

1. Biological Differences:
• Example: Males typically have XY chromosomes, higher levels of testosterone, and male reproductive organs. Females typically have XX chromosomes, higher levels of estrogen, and female reproductive organs.
2. Intersex:
• Example: An intersex person might be born with a combination of male and female anatomical traits or with chromosomes that don't fit typical definitions of male or female. This is a natural variation in human biology.

Differentiating Gender and Sex

Aspect	Sex (Biological)	Gender (Social)
Nature vs. Nurture	Determined by nature and includes physical attributes like genitalia, chromosomes, and hormones.	Shaped by nurture and includes social roles, behaviours, and personal identification.
Identification and Expression	Typically assigned at birth based on physical anatomy.	How individuals perceive themselves and choose to express themselves may not align with their biological sex.

Type	Example
Sex (Biological Example)	A baby is born with male genitalia and is assigned the sex of a male at birth. This assignment is based on the baby's biological attributes.
Gender (Social Example)	The same individual might identify as female as they grow older and choose to express their gender through wearing traditionally female clothing and using she/her pronouns.
Non-Aligned Gender and Sex Example	A person assigned female at birth (sex) might identify and live as a man (gender), taking on the name, pronouns, and societal roles typically associated with men.

Understanding these distinctions helps promote respect and inclusion for everyone's identity and experiences, ensuring that societal norms and expectations do not limit personal expression and self-identification.

 

Concepts of Patriarchy and Matriarchy

Patriarchy:

• Definition: A social system in which men hold primary power and predominance in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
• Examples:
• Political Leadership: Men dominate political offices in many parts of the world, including India.
• Social Norms: Traditional norms often prioritise male inheritance and leadership within families.
• Workplace Dynamics: Men are often preferred for leadership roles in various industries.

Matriarchy:

• Definition: A social system in which women hold primary power, particularly in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and property control.
• Examples:
• Kerala's Nair Community: Historically, this community followed a matrilineal system where inheritance and lineage were traced through women.
• Minangkabau Society in Indonesia: One of the world's largest matriarchal societies, where property and family names are passed down through the female line.

Issues Related to Indian Women

1. Gender Discrimination:

• Example: Women often face discrimination in the workplace, being paid less than their male counterparts for the same work.
• Recent Issue: The Gender Pay Gap Report 2022 showed that women in India earn 19% less than men.

2. Violence Against Women:

• Example: Domestic violence is prevalent, with many cases going unreported due to societal pressure.
• Recent Issue: The National Crime Records Bureau reported an increase in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

3. Education and Literacy:

• Example: Girls often drop out of school due to early marriage or household responsibilities.
• Recent Issue: The ASER Report 2022 highlighted that the dropout rate among girls in rural areas remains high due to the pandemic.

4. Health and Nutrition:

• Example: Women often have less access to healthcare and suffer from malnutrition due to societal norms prioritising men's health.
• Recent Issue: A study in 2023 found that anaemia among Indian women is increasing, affecting their overall health.

5. Political Representation:

• Example: Women are underrepresented in political offices.
• Recent Issue: As of 2024, women hold only 14% of the seats in the Indian Parliament.

6. Employment and Economic Participation:

• Example: Women often face barriers to the workforce, including a lack of childcare support.
• Recent Issue: The Labor Force Participation Rate for women in India was only 23.5% in 2022, one of the lowest in the world.

7. Property Rights:

• Example: Despite legal rights, women often struggle to claim property due to patriarchal norms.
• Recent Issue: A 2022 study showed that women own less than 10% of the land in India, even though laws support their rights.

8. Social and Cultural Norms:

• Example: Women are often expected to conform to traditional roles, limiting their personal and professional growth.
• Recent Issue: The societal pressure on women to marry early and prioritise family over career remains strong.

9. Sexual Harassment and Workplace Safety:

• Example: Many women face workplace harassment, discouraging them from pursuing careers.
• Recent Issue: The #MeToo movement in India highlighted numerous cases of sexual harassment in various sectors.

10. Reproductive Rights:

• Example: Women often lack autonomy over their reproductive choices due to societal and familial pressure.
• Recent Issue: Access to safe abortion services remains limited in many parts of India despite legal provisions.

These points highlight the ongoing challenges Indian women face due to entrenched patriarchal norms and the slow progress towards gender equality.