Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Definition of Patriarchy
- Briefly explain patriarchy as a system of male dominance affecting various aspects of life.
- Context of Middle-Class Women
- Define the middle class in India and their aspirations for economic growth while adhering to traditional values.
- State the thesis: Patriarchy significantly impacts the roles, opportunities, and challenges faced by middle-class working women.
Body
Section 1: Challenges Faced by Middle-Class Working Women
- Dual Burden
- Explain how women juggle household responsibilities and professional roles.
- Fact: Many women report experiencing stress due to the dual expectations of work and home. (Source: “Women’s Work and Family” by Nirmala Banerjee)
- Marriage as a Career Stopping Point
- Discuss societal expectations regarding marriage and the pressure to quit jobs.
- Fact: Studies indicate that 40% of women leave their jobs upon marriage. (Source: “The Impact of Marriage on Women’s Employment” by the National Sample Survey Office)
- Child-Rearing Responsibilities
- Highlight the traditional view that child-rearing is solely the woman’s responsibility, impacting her career.
- Fact: Approximately 70% of married women feel that family responsibilities hinder their professional growth. (Source: “Gender and Employment in India” by the International Labour Organization)
- Wage Disparity
- Discuss the ongoing wage gap despite similar roles and qualifications.
- Fact: Women earn, on average, 20% less than men for similar work. (Source: “Gender Pay Gap in India” by the World Economic Forum)
- Limited Decision-Making Power
- Explain how financial contributions do not translate into decision-making authority.
- Fact: Surveys show that 65% of women report having little say in family financial decisions. (Source: “Gender Dynamics in Indian Households” by the Indian Council of Social Science Research)
- Glass Ceiling Effect
- Describe how women are often overlooked for promotions and leadership positions.
- Fact: Only 14% of women hold senior management positions in India. (Source: “Women in Leadership: The Indian Perspective” by McKinsey & Company)
- Safety Concerns
- Discuss safety issues that limit women’s mobility and willingness to work.
- Fact: Reports indicate that 40% of women face harassment while commuting to work. (Source: “Safety of Women in Public Spaces” by the Ministry of Home Affairs)
- Feminization of Labor
- Explain the societal view that certain jobs are suitable for women, limiting their career choices.
- Fact: Many women are funneled into “pink-collar” jobs, with only 25% in STEM fields. (Source: “Women in STEM: A Global Perspective” by UNESCO)
Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points
- Recap the various ways patriarchy affects the roles and opportunities of middle-class working women.
- Call for Change
- Emphasize the need for societal changes to dismantle patriarchal norms and create equitable opportunities for women.
Model Answer
Introduction
Patriarchy, as an institutional structure characterized by male dominance, significantly influences the lives of middle-class working women in India. This system manifests in various aspects of life, including moral authority, social privilege, and decision-making. The middle class, which aspires for economic growth while adhering to traditional values, experiences the effects of patriarchy acutely.
Body
Dual Burden
Middle-class working women often face the challenge of balancing traditional household responsibilities with their professional roles. This dual burden can lead to stress and burnout, as they are expected to excel in both domains.
Marriage as a Career Stopping Point
Marriage is often viewed as a fundamental milestone for women, but it frequently acts as a career stopper. Many women are pressured to quit their jobs upon marriage, limiting their professional growth and independence.
Child-Rearing Responsibilities
Childbirth and child-rearing are traditionally seen as women’s responsibilities. This societal expectation makes it difficult for women to maintain full-time employment, as they are often expected to prioritize family over career.
Wage Disparity
Despite performing the same roles as their male counterparts, women often earn less. The wage gap persists due to biases against hiring women, particularly in light of maternity leave provisions, which some employers view as a liability.
Limited Decision-Making Power
Even when women contribute financially, their opinions are often undervalued in family decision-making processes. This lack of recognition can lead to diminished self-confidence and productivity, as their capabilities are not acknowledged.
Glass Ceiling Effect
Women frequently encounter a “glass ceiling,” where they are overlooked for promotions and leadership roles due to patriarchal beliefs that deem them unsuitable for higher positions.
Safety Concerns
Middle-class working women often rely on public transport, exposing them to safety risks, including harassment. The lack of security measures in a patriarchal society further exacerbates these concerns, limiting women’s mobility and potential.
Feminization of Labor
Certain jobs, often labeled as “pink-collar,” are deemed appropriate for women, such as teaching and nursing. This societal norm restricts women from pursuing careers in fields considered taboo, thereby limiting their professional opportunities.
Conclusion
The position of middle-class working women in India is heavily influenced by patriarchal structures that impose traditional roles and expectations. While their financial contributions are acknowledged, the act of working is often frowned upon. To achieve gender equality, it is essential to dismantle these patriarchal norms and create equitable opportunities for women.
Patriarchy significantly impacts the position of a middle-class working woman in India through various dimensions:
Overall, patriarchy restricts women’s professional opportunities and reinforces gender inequalities in the workplace and beyond.