Analyse how social reform movements in the 20th century were different from those in the 19th century with respect to India’s Freedom Struggle?
Women often face inequality due to a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and systemic factors. Historically, patriarchal systems have entrenched male dominance, relegating women to subordinate roles both in public and private spheres. This deep-seated patriarchy persists across various societRead more
Women often face inequality due to a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and systemic factors. Historically, patriarchal systems have entrenched male dominance, relegating women to subordinate roles both in public and private spheres. This deep-seated patriarchy persists across various societies, subtly shaping attitudes and behaviors that undermine women’s rights.
Cultural norms and traditions further perpetuate gender inequality. In many societies, cultural practices dictate women’s roles and limit their opportunities. These norms often go unquestioned, reinforcing discriminatory practices that hinder women’s progress. Additionally, religious interpretations in some contexts have been manipulated to justify and maintain gender disparities.
Systemic barriers within legal, educational, and economic frameworks also contribute to the persistent inequality faced by women. Legal systems in numerous countries fail to adequately protect women’s rights, offering limited recourse against discrimination and violence. Educational disparities, fueled by gender biases, restrict women’s access to quality education and skill development, curtailing their professional opportunities. Economically, women frequently encounter wage gaps, glass ceilings, and limited access to capital and resources, stymieing their potential for financial independence and empowerment.
Moreover, societal attitudes, often ingrained from a young age, perpetuate stereotypes that devalue women’s capabilities and reinforce gender roles. Media representations and lack of female role models in leadership exacerbate these perceptions, limiting aspirations and opportunities for many women.
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Social reform movements in the twentieth century were different in terms of which method, scope and what these were linked to, freedom struggle in India. 1. More general focus and widespread mobilization As opposed to 19th century movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj and Prarthana Samaj which focRead more
Social reform movements in the twentieth century were different in terms of which method, scope and what these were linked to, freedom struggle in India.
1. More general focus and widespread mobilization
As opposed to 19th century movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj and Prarthana Samaj which focused more on eradicating social evils like Sati to caste discrimination, women’s rights, 20th century movements were naturally connected to political awakening and mass mobilization. B.R..hasMore of Gandhi, consectegrator. Ambedkar and Periyar had also stressed on social and political freedom.
2. Inclusion of lower casts and females.
Protests in twentieth century included protests of Dalits, tribals and under privileged groups but upper caste elite members mostly headed the 19th century changes. This was the Dalit movement of Ambedkar, Periyar’s Self Respect Movement and Gandhi’s Harijan upliftment initiatives which all aimed at eradicating the evil of untouchability and denounce the neglected.
3. Connect to Nationalism
But the earlier reform organizations had been much more social, and had been closely connected with the fight for India’s independence as a 20th century organisation. Thus, the conversion into a popular movement of independence was effected by the combination of social reform with political agitation and women’s involvement in demonstrations and Gandhi’s Khadi campaign.
In essence,
See lessThis contrasts to those 19th century elite driven and reformist movements in which social reform and justice were a by-product of freedom to look the one more powerful, the 20th century social reform movements were politically driven and mass oriented that combined social justice with national freedom.