X Civics Ch- 3.Gender Religion and Caste

 

3.Gender Religion and Caste
 

Feminist Movement.

Definition :

radical  movements demanding enhancement in the political and legal status of women  and improving their education and career opportunities are called Feminist Movement.

*Feminist Movement was a radical movement which demanded equality for women in personal and family life also apart from politics, society and educational field.

*Main Objective : The main objective of Feminist Movement is to attain equality among men and women. 

The objectives are enhancing the political and legal status of women, improving their educational, health and career opportunities.

 

 

The political demands of the Feminist Movements in India were :

(i)  More women representatives in local government.

(ii)  More political representatives for women by having elected women representatives.

(iii)  Reserving at least one-third of the seats in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies for women.

 

Results :  There has been a marked change.  Women now work as scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, managers, college and university teachers. In countries like Norway, Sweden and Finland *women participation in public life is very high.

in politics many laws were passed by which women were empowered in the social, economic and political feels.

 

Define a feminist movement.  What is their objective? [2010, 201 1

 

 

 

Gender division

(vi)          Gender division is a form of hierarchical social division based on social expectation and stereotypes.

(ii)  Boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is house work and bringing up children.

(iii)  There is a sexual division of labour in most families where women do all the household chores and men work outside the home.

(iv)  Majority of women do some paid work in addition to domestic labour both in rural and Urban areas but work is not valued and does not get recognition.

(v)  Women constitute half of the humanity, their role in public life, especially politics is minimal in most societies.

(vi)  In our country, women still lag behind men as ours is still a male dominated patriarchal society. Women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression in various ways.

 

Gender division

*Gender division simply refers to the division of work between the men and the women. It usually means unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women.

* Some work especially the households such as cooking, washing, cleaning, etc. are exclusively meant for the women while the man have some other defined areas of work.

(1)  The gender division between the men and women does not mean that men cannot do household works. They simply think that it is for women to attend the household works.

(2)  The gender division also doesn’t mean that women do not work outside their home.

 

The sexual division of labour .

In India, women are supposed to bring up children and look after the home.  They do all the cleaning, washing, cooking, even tailoring.  There is no value attached to this work.

 In rural areas, women work in the fields, fetch water and fuel but are hardly paid anything.

In urban areas, middle-class women work in offices, factories etc. Poor women work as domestic help, but none of them get the same wages as men. 

Their status is lower than that of men.

Men do not do any housework. They are excellent cooks or tailors but they take up these jobs only when paid in hotels, etc.

 

Women’s representation

 India’ s women representation in legislatures and their participation in politics is very low .  The

strength of women in the Lok Sabha is not even 10%. In the state assemblies it is even lower only 5%.

Some developing countries of  Africa and Latin  America have more women representatives. 

The  Women’ s Reservation Bill, a move to make 33% reservation for women in the Parliament, is still pending before the Parliament and it has yet to pass it.

Only in the Panchayati Raj  — local governing bodies — seats are reserved for women. Now there are 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies.

 

 

Gender discrimination

Socio-economic conditions of women

 

 (i)Literacy Rate : The literacy rate (as per 2011 census) among women is only 66 per cent compared with 82 per cent among men. Similarly , only a smaller proportion of girls go for higher studies.

(ii) unpaid work :The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued job is still very small. On an average, an Indian woman works one hour more than an average man every day .  Yet much of her work is not paid and therefore often not valued.

(iii) As per the Equal  Wages  Act, equal wages should be paid to equal work. But, in almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema, to factories and fields, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work.

 

(iv) The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued job is still very small. Onan average, an Indian woman works one hour more than an average man every day.  Y et much of her work is not paid and therefore often not valued.

 

v. Domestic violence : Women in Indian society are harassed , exploited and subjected to all shorts of violence behind the closed doors . many cases of domestic violence and dowry deaths are reported in media every day.

 

Women have hardly any role in decision-making process.  We can see this by the low percentage of women in the Parliament, State assemblies, managerial posts, senior officials and among professionals and technical workers.

 

vi. Female feticide

In many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons and find ways to have the girl-child aborted before she is born.

 

The sex ratio has fallen in many states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and  T amil Nadu. In 2001, according to the census, the average male-female ratio was 1000 : 933.

There are more women dropouts from school than among men. Parents want to spend more on boys’ education than on girls’.

 

 

“In our country women still lag much behind men despite some improvements since independence.” Support the statement by giving three reasons. [201 1 (T -1)]

“In ourcountry women still lag much behind men despite some improvements since independence.” Support the statement by giving three reasons. [201 1 (T -1)]

Unless women are empowered, theirproblems will neverget adequate attention. Suggest any 3 ways to empower them. [2010 (T -1)]

 

 

Status of women in India

India has a patriarchial society , a society that gives more power to men, values them more and gives them power over women. Even after so many years of independence, the status of womenis very low . Women are harassed, exploited and subjected to violence, specially in urban areas.

 

What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?

 

Women’s representation in legislative bodies

 

India’ s women representation in legislatures and their participation in politics is very low .  The strength of women in the Lok Sabha is not even 10%. In the state assemblies it is even lower

 only 5%. Some developing countries of  Africa and Latin  America have more womenrepresentatives.  The  Women’ s Reservation Bill, a move to make 33% reservation for women in the Parliament, is still pending before the Parliament and it has yet to pass it. Only in thePanchayati Raj  — local governing bodies — seats are reserved for women. Now there are 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies

Political expression of gender division has helped to some extent but not as much as is required. Due to reservation of seats for women in the local government bodies, now there are more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies. But a lot needs to be actually done in the society to end the gender divisions

 

India has celebrated “Y ear of the Child,”  and  “Y ear of the  Women”.  We had a woman Prime Minister, but still the status of women is low .  There have been some changes in recent years, yet nothing much has been done. Reservation alone cannot solve this problem. More power has to be given to women to find their rightful place at home and in public affairs also.

 

How women in India still face discrimination and oppression in various ways? Explain with four examples.2008

Discuss the socio-economic conditions of women in our society. Has the political expression of gender division really helped?

“In our country women still lag much behind men despite some improvements since independence.” Support the statement by giving three reasons. [2011

 

Gender and Politics

 

steps taken by the government towards women empowerment and gender inequality.

1)  Women have less than 10% representation in the Indian legislature. In the State legislature their representation is even less than 5%.

(2)  The provision of equal wages for women without any discrimination has been made under the Equal Wages Act.

(3)  There is a tendency of female infanticide in many parts of the country. Domestic violence against women, their exploitation etc. always have been the part of daily news. In this regards, the government has brought Domestic Violence Act which proves and effective steps.

 

Women empowerment

 

Women can be empowered by –

(i) Enhancing the political and legal status

(ii) Enhancing their educational status

(iii) By giving them equal rights and career opportunities.

Reservation alone cannot solve this problem. More power has to be given to women to find their rightful place at home and in public affairs also.

 

Unless women are empowered, their problems will never get adequate attention. Suggest any 3 ways to empower them. [2010 (T -1)]

 

 

 

factors responsible for low female literacy rate.

(1) Indian society is basically a patriarchal society where boys are given preference over the girls.

(2)The parents do not expense equally for both boysand girls. Boys are given more attention.

(3)It is a prevailing stereotype for women that even after getting well education, they have to do household jobs

 

Religion

secular state

A nation or state which keeps itself equidistant from different religious issues, and does not give protection to a particular religion.

(1)  India is a country of diverse religions. It was the religions on the basis of which India was divided. Unlike

Pakistan Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Christianity in England.

(2)  The constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess practice and propagate  any religion.

 

Communalism :

When beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to other religions, when the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another  when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest, we call it as communalism.

Communalism is a strong sense of belonging to a particular religious community.

 

Forms of Communalism

Communalism can take various forms in politics :

(i)  Communalism in beliefs: The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs. This can be in the form of religious prejudices, stereotype of religious communities and belief that one religion is superior to the other religion.

 This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we believe in it.

 

(ii) Communalism as majoritarian and political  dominance:  A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community. For those belonging to majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit.

 

(iii)  Political mobilisation on religious grounds is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.

(iv)  Communalism in the form of violence :Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and massacre. For instance India and Pakistan suffered communal riots at the time of the partition.

To sum up it can be said that communalism leads to belief that people belonging to different religion can not live as equal citizens within one nation.

How does communalism take various forms in politics? Explain four forms. [2008,2011,

Define communalism as an ideology . Explain the forms of communalism in politics .2011

 

How does the problem of communalism begin

The problem of communalism begins when religion is seen as the basis of the nation. 

The problem becomes more acute when religion is expressed in politics in exclusive and partisan terms, when one religion and its followers are pitted against another .  This happens when the beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of other religions, and when the state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest.

ill-effects of communalism

(1) A communal thought always tends to establish political dominance offer particular religious community.

(2) The country weakens when political parties are formed and political activities are conducted on the

communal lines.

(3) One of the most ugly face of communalism emerges out in the form of riots, violence and homicides.

 

Ill-effects of communalism on politics

Politics and religion can be a deadly combination if not used wisely .Communalism create problems in politics. When one uses religion in politics negatively , it is communal politics. It creates problems when one sees religion as the basis of the nation. Ill effects of Communalism can be highlighted  in following points

1.Communal leaders may use power to dominate other religious groups and citizens  are discriminated on religious grounds  

2. Political parties are formed on communal basis — Muslim League, Akali Dal, the Hindu Mahasabha, the DMK are some examples. The country weakens when political parties are formed and political activities are conducted on the communal lines.

3. One of the most ugly face of communalism emerges out in the form of riots, violence and homicides.

4.People prefer to cast votes in favour of candidates of their own religion. Religion rather than ability becomes the criteria to choose candidates for elections.

5.Communial  Political parties  try to make political gains by pitting one group against the other.

Positive use of religion in politics

The religion in politics is not dangerous as it seems to us. Ethical values of each religion can play a major role in politics. As a member of any religious community, people

 

should express their political needs. The political leaders regulate the practice of religion so that there should be no discrimination and oppression. If all religions are treated equally then these political acts are correct in any way.

(i)   religion can make politics value based. Politics should be guided the values and ethics of religion

(ii)  Religious communities can politically express their needs and interests but not at the cost of others

(iii)  Political authorities can monitor and control religious discrimination and oppression.political leaders should ensure that religion is nt used to oppress and discriminate

Secularism

Secularism means no special status is given to any religion. It is just not an ideology of some parties or persons.

A secular state keeps equal distant from different religious issues, and does not give protection to a particular religion.

Indian secularism

Indian secular state treats all religion equally. The following features make india a secular state-

i.There is no official religion for the Indian state. Our Constitution does not give a special status to any religion. unlike Buddhism in Sri Lanka,  Islam in Pakistan or Christianity in America

ii. The Constitution provided to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion under the right to freedom of religion.

iii. The Constitution clearly prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion. It provides equal opportunity to all citizens irrespective of their religion.

iv. The Constitution also allows the state to intervene in matters of religion to ensure equality within religious community For example, it bans untouchability.

How does the Constitution of India ensure secularism? [201 1 (T -1)]

Explain three features of the model of a secular state of India 2010

Mention any tree constitutional that make india a secular state . 2011

 

Necessity of secularism in India

 India is a land of many religions and it has led to communalism in India.

In fact, one of the results of communalism was partition of India into two nations.

 It was a challenge for Indian democracy and they chose a secular state as a model. Several constitutional provisions were made to secure secularism in India. It was not just an ideology of some party or people.

Secularism is the basis, one of the foundations, of our country.  T o avoid the threat of communalism, secularism was chosen

How are religious differences expressed in politics? [201 1 (T -1)]

Caste

Impacts of caste-politics

(1)  Positive Impacts

(i)  Caste Politics relationship has helped people from Dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision making.

(ii)  Now people are making voice for the end of discrimination against particular castes for more dignity and more access to land, other resources and opportunities.

(2)  Negative Impacts

(i)  It can divert attention from other pressing issues like poverty, development and corruption. Sometimes a few underprivileged castes get more benefit while other underprivileged classes remain deprived.

(ii)  Sometimes it also disrupts social harmony.

Facilities are given by the government to the backward classes.

(1)  The people from the backward classes have been given reservation  in the government jobs as per the their proportion in the population.

(2)  To give them fair representation in the Vidhan Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

(3)  To help them move forward in the field of higher education. The seats have been reserved for them.

(4)  The constitution also prohibits any type of caste discrimination.

Decline of the caste system in India :

(i)  Efforts of social reformers like Phule, Gandhiji, Ambedkar against caste system have helped to promote a casteless society.

(ii)  Economic development has reduced the emphasis on caste.

(iii) Large scale urbanisation has diminished the awareness of caste, as people rub shoulders in buses,

trains and offices.

(iv) Growth of literacy and education has helped to decrease the belief in caste.

(v)  Occupational mobility is possible now and children are not compelled to continue the profession of the family or father.

(vi) Weakening of the position of landlords in the villages has led to decline of the rigid caste barriers in villages.

(vii) Constitutional provisions such as Right to Equality of all before law have helped to prevent discrimination legally.

(viii)  Policy of reservation of seats in local self- government bodies and legislatures as well in educational institutes have helped to uplift the political, social and economic position of lower castes.

 

impacts of caste-politics

(1)  Positive Impacts

(i)  Caste Politics relationship has helped people from Dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision

making.

(ii)  Now people are making voice for the end of discrimination against particular castes for more dignity and

more access to land, other resources and opportunities.

(2)  Negative Impacts

(i)  It can divert attention from other pressing issues like poverty, development and corruption. Sometimes a

few underprivileged castes get more benefit while other underprivileged classes remain deprived.

(ii)  Sometimes it also disrupts social harmony.

 

 

 

facilities are given by the government to the backward classes.

(1)  The people from the backward classes have been given reservation  in the government jobs as per

the their proportion in the population.

(2)  To give them fair representation in the Vidhan Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

(3)  To help them move forward in the field of higher education. The seats have been reserved for them.

(4)  The constitution also prohibits any type of caste discrimination.

 

What is the basis of gender division in the society ? 2009

gender division in the society is based on patriarchal society.

Describe any five aspects of life in which women are discriminated against in indian society.2009,15

Describe any five ways in which women in India are still discriminated against and oppressed 2012

Women in Indian society still suffer from discrimination and oppression . support the statement with suitable examples 2014

What are the problems faced by Indian women which effect their social status ? 2012

Explain how the proper representation of the women in legislature can solve the problem of gender based discrimination in India 2010

 

Caste system

Explain any five reasons for the declining caste system in India 2012

Is caste system coming to an end in India ? Give arguments in support of your answer . 2015

Why are caste barriers breaking down in India ? Explain any five reasons . 2016

Describe three advantages and disadvantages of the political expression of caste differences . 2015