The causes of gender inequality in India are rooted in the country’s patriarchal system. Patriarchy is a system in which men subjugate women. The origins of patriarchy reside in the concept of gender roles, behavioral and social norms that dictate actions for individuals of both sexes. Gender roles are exemplified by traditional beliefs such as women are required to fulfill the domestic role of the household while men are to seek more professional duties outside of their home. This division of labor led to the creation of a social hierarchy where women are placed lower due to the fact that men had the freedom to pursue opportunities outside of the household. This independence led men to presume control over women and view themselves as superior
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This section from the text demonstrates how women were supposed to be dependant on male figures; the Manu Samhita validated gender inequality and encouraged a patriarchal system. Although the Manu Samhita was not strictly enforced, individuals followed this mindset and individuals still do in modern-day India. Likewise, the barriers to girls’ education emphasized their lack of access to resources and facilities. Studies have shown that approximately 70% of girls attend primary school from the ages of 6 to 10, whereas 76% of boys from the same age range also attend primary school. Attendance lowers after primary school where only 46% of girls between the ages of 11 and 16 attend secondary school. Alternate reports illustrate that around 2 million children in India were not enrolled in primary school in 2008, but other estimates illustrate that the real number of unenrolled children is more likely closer to 8 million. Lack of education leads girls to illiteracy, which reduces their opportunities and increases the gender disparity in India. Apparently, 960 million people in the world are illiterate, of which ⅔ are …show more content…
Similarly, women’s lack of awareness of their basic humans rights slows the progress towards gender equality. An individual named Ahuja conducted an experiment to assess how many women were aware of their legal and social rights. His study revealed that more than 75% of the women from the villages that he interviewed were unaware of their rights. Out of all the women, 20% had no knowledge of their political and legal rights. Less than 30% of the women had the chance of inheriting their husband’s property, whereas less than 0.5% of the women could inherit their father’s property. The absence of knowledge is higher in rural areas, where more women are illiterate. Those who are illiterate were more likely to not understand or know of the rights for women launched by the government. Without consciousness of their rights, women accept discriminatory practices such as abuse, child marriage, bride burning, and dowry deaths because going against society’s standards is not only too radical and unacceptable, but also dangerous to their
This section from the text demonstrates how women were supposed to be dependant on male figures; the Manu Samhita validated gender inequality and encouraged a patriarchal system. Although the Manu Samhita was not strictly enforced, individuals followed this mindset and individuals still do in modern-day India. Likewise, the barriers to girls’ education emphasized their lack of access to resources and facilities. Studies have shown that approximately 70% of girls attend primary school from the ages of 6 to 10, whereas 76% of boys from the same age range also attend primary school. Attendance lowers after primary school where only 46% of girls between the ages of 11 and 16 attend secondary school. Alternate reports illustrate that around 2 million children in India were not enrolled in primary school in 2008, but other estimates illustrate that the real number of unenrolled children is more likely closer to 8 million. Lack of education leads girls to illiteracy, which reduces their opportunities and increases the gender disparity in India. Apparently, 960 million people in the world are illiterate, of which ⅔ are …show more content…
Similarly, women’s lack of awareness of their basic humans rights slows the progress towards gender equality. An individual named Ahuja conducted an experiment to assess how many women were aware of their legal and social rights. His study revealed that more than 75% of the women from the villages that he interviewed were unaware of their rights. Out of all the women, 20% had no knowledge of their political and legal rights. Less than 30% of the women had the chance of inheriting their husband’s property, whereas less than 0.5% of the women could inherit their father’s property. The absence of knowledge is higher in rural areas, where more women are illiterate. Those who are illiterate were more likely to not understand or know of the rights for women launched by the government. Without consciousness of their rights, women accept discriminatory practices such as abuse, child marriage, bride burning, and dowry deaths because going against society’s standards is not only too radical and unacceptable, but also dangerous to their