Patriarchy, Entitlements & Sexual Division of Labour
Relevant for sociology optional Paper- 2 (Unit- 12 : Social Structure)
Patriarchy, entitlements, and the sexual division of labour are three interconnected concepts that play a crucial role in shaping the social and economic landscape of India. In this essay, I will explore the ways in which patriarchy and entitlements have contributed to the sexual division of labour in India and how this division has perpetuated gender inequality in the country.
Patriarchy refers to a system of social organization in which men hold power and dominate women in various aspects of life. This system is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and has been perpetuated through various cultural, social, and economic practices. In India, patriarchy is evident in many aspects of society, such as the preference for male children, the practice of dowry, and the limited opportunities available to women in education and employment.
One of the key ways in which patriarchy has contributed to the sexual division of labour in India is through the notion of gender roles. In Indian society, men are typically expected to be the breadwinners of the family, while women are expected to take care of the household and children. This expectation is deeply ingrained in the culture and is often reinforced through religious and social practices.
This division of labour has significant implications for women’s economic status and opportunities. Women who are expected to stay at home and take care of the household and children often have limited opportunities to pursue education or employment. This, in turn, perpetuates gender inequality and contributes to the feminization of poverty in India.
Entitlements are another important aspect of the patriarchal system in India. Entitlements refer to the privileges and rights that are granted to individuals based on their social status or position in society. In India, entitlements are often determined by caste, class, and gender.
Women, particularly those from lower castes and classes, are often denied entitlements and are excluded from accessing basic resources such as healthcare, education, and employment. This exclusion further reinforces gender inequality and perpetuates the sexual division of labour. Women who are denied access to education and employment opportunities are often forced to rely on their husbands or male family members for financial support, thus reinforcing traditional gender roles and perpetuating patriarchy.
The sexual division of labour in India is also perpetuated through cultural practices such as the expectation of women to perform unpaid care work. Unpaid care work refers to the work that women perform in the household, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children and the elderly. This work is often undervalued and is not considered a part of the formal economy, which perpetuates gender inequality and contributes to the feminization of poverty.
Moreover, the unpaid care work that women perform often goes unrecognized and undervalued, reinforcing the idea that women’s work is less valuable than men’s work. This undervaluation of women’s work contributes to the perpetuation of gender inequality and the sexual division of labour in India.
In conclusion, the concepts of patriarchy, entitlements, and the sexual division of labour are deeply interconnected and contribute to the perpetuation of gender inequality in India. Patriarchy reinforces traditional gender roles and limits women’s opportunities for education and employment, while entitlements based on caste, class, and gender further reinforce gender inequality and the sexual division of labour. Moreover, cultural practices such as the expectation of women to perform unpaid care work further perpetuate the sexual division of labour and contribute to the feminization of poverty. It is crucial that we recognize and challenge these systems of oppression in order to create a more equitable and just society for all individuals.
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