BGDG 172
Gender Sensitization: Society and Culture
IGNOU BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment July 2024 & Jan 2025
Section A
Q 1. Discuss the term ‘femininity ‘. Do you agree that it plays a significant role in shaping gender roles in everyday life? Explain with the help of suitable examples.
Ans. Femininity is a concept that encompasses the qualities, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with being female in a given culture.
It is shaped by social, cultural, historical, and psychological factors, and though often tied to biological sex, it is more accurately seen as a gendered expression—how society expects individuals to behave based on their perceived or assigned gender.
Femininity generally includes traits like gentleness, empathy, sensitivity, nurturance, cooperation, emotional expressiveness, and an emphasis on beauty or aesthetics.
However, it is important to note that these traits are not inherently female, nor are they universal across all cultures. They are learned and reinforced through processes of socialization from early childhood.
From the time a child is born, society begins to impose expectations based on gender.
A baby girl is often dressed in pink, given dolls to play with, and encouraged to engage in nurturing behaviors such as pretend-caring for toys.
She may be praised for being polite, quiet, and gentle, while discouraged from being too assertive or physically active.
These early social messages shape the understanding of what it means to be “feminine,” and girls begin to internalize these standards, often without questioning them. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
By the time they reach adolescence and adulthood, these messages have solidified into gender roles that influence how women think, behave, and relate to the world around them.
Yes, I strongly agree that femininity plays a significant role in shaping gender roles in everyday life.
It sets the standard for how women are “supposed” to behave, and this in turn influences everything from personal relationships and family dynamics to workplace roles and societal expectations.
In many cultures, a feminine woman is expected to be accommodating, emotionally available, and self-sacrificing.
These expectations are deeply rooted and often influence the career choices women make, the responsibilities they shoulder at home, and the way they present themselves in social spaces.
For instance, in the context of professional life, femininity can both support and limit women. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Traits like empathy and collaboration, which are often seen as feminine, can be assets in careers such as teaching, nursing, social work, or customer service.
However, when women exhibit ambition, assertiveness, or leadership—traits traditionally seen as “masculine”—they may face criticism or be viewed as aggressive or unfeminine.
This double bind restricts many women from stepping into leadership roles or negotiating for higher pay, simply because doing so conflicts with traditional ideas of femininity.
In personal relationships, femininity often shapes the roles women play within families.
A woman who takes care of her children, supports her partner, and manages the household is often seen as fulfilling her “natural” role.
While nurturing and caregiving can be deeply fulfilling, the problem arises when these roles are imposed or expected solely based on gender.
Many women end up performing a disproportionate share of emotional and domestic labor—not because they want to, but because femininity has been culturally linked with caregiving, while masculinity is linked with providing and leading. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Media also plays a major role in reinforcing feminine ideals.
From movies and advertisements to television and social media, women are often portrayed in stereotypical ways—beautiful, gentle, selfless, and emotionally in tune.
These portrayals reinforce narrow definitions of femininity and teach young girls what is considered acceptable or desirable.
For example, a woman shown as successful but single and childless may be portrayed as lonely or incomplete, suggesting that traditional feminine fulfillment comes only through marriage and motherhood.
Moreover, femininity is also linked to physical appearance. Women are often judged based on how closely they align with beauty standards, many of which are unattainable or unrealistic.
The pressure to look attractive, maintain a slim figure, and dress fashionably is often more intense for women than for men.
These expectations can lead to issues like body image dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. Again, this is not because femininity is harmful by nature, but because of how it is constructed and demanded by society.
At the same time, the concept of femininity is evolving. In today’s world, many women are pushing back against traditional roles and embracing diverse expressions of womanhood. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Feminism and gender equality movements have played a significant role in challenging outdated notions of femininity.
Modern femininity can now include strength, independence, assertiveness, and ambition—traits that were once reserved for men.
Women are increasingly balancing professional ambitions with personal life on their own terms, refusing to be boxed into predefined roles.
Furthermore, the growing acceptance of gender fluidity and non-binary identities has also expanded our understanding of femininity.
It is no longer tied exclusively to women; people of all gender identities can express feminine traits without judgment.
Men who are gentle, emotionally expressive, or nurturing are also beginning to be seen as valid and whole, which is a significant step toward breaking down rigid gender roles for everyone.
Q 2. What is the relationship between labour force participation and the economy from a gender perspective? Discuss it with the help of suitable examples.
Ans. The relationship between labour force participation and the economy is deeply interconnected, and when examined through a gender lens, it reveals crucial insights into how economic systems function and who benefits from them.
Labour force participation refers to the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
From a gender perspective, the patterns of participation between men and women have long reflected social norms, structural inequalities, and cultural expectations, which in turn have shaped economic outcomes not just for individuals, but for nations as a whole.
Historically, labour markets have been dominated by men, with women’s participation either undervalued or ignored altogether.
For decades, unpaid domestic and caregiving work done by women has not been counted in traditional economic indicators like GDP, despite being essential for the functioning of society. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Women’s labour force participation rates have certainly increased in many parts of the world over the last century, especially with changes in educational access, policy reforms, and societal shifts.
However, even today, the gap between male and female participation remains significant in many economies due to structural barriers, cultural beliefs, and institutional practices that disadvantage women.
From an economic standpoint, higher female labour force participation contributes positively to economic growth, productivity, and overall development.
When women are allowed and encouraged to work, the talent pool available to the economy widens. Diverse workforces also tend to be more innovative and perform better in competitive markets.
Research by international organizations like the World Bank and IMF has consistently shown that economies with higher gender equality in the workforce experience more stable and inclusive growth.
For instance, the McKinsey Global Institute estimated that advancing gender equality could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025.
This is a clear indicator of the economic potential that lies in closing the gender gap in labour force participation.
However, this ideal is far from reality in many parts of the world.
For example, in India, the female labour force participation rate has seen a decline over the past two decades, despite improvements in education. Societal norms often discourage women from working outside the home, especially after marriage or childbirth. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Additionally, women are more likely to be employed in the informal sector, where work is unregulated, low-paid, and lacks job security or benefits.
This kind of gendered segregation in the labour market not only reinforces inequality but also prevents the full realization of a country’s economic potential.
Even in developed economies, women’s participation is often shaped by the availability of supportive policies such as paid maternity leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work arrangements.
Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, have been successful in maintaining high female labour force participation rates through progressive policies that promote work-life balance and encourage both parents to share caregiving responsibilities.
These countries demonstrate how institutional support can help women remain in or return to the workforce, benefiting the economy by retaining skilled workers and ensuring continued contributions to taxes and productivity.
On the other hand, the gender pay gap remains a persistent issue across the globe. Women, on average, earn less than men for doing the same or similar work.
This not only discourages many women from entering or staying in the labour force but also reflects broader inequalities in career progression, negotiation power, and representation in leadership roles.
The “glass ceiling” phenomenon keeps many women out of senior positions, which in turn affects organizational decision-making and policy direction.
For instance, companies with women in leadership positions have been shown to perform better financially, yet women are still underrepresented at the executive level across industries. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Moreover, labour force participation must also be viewed through an intersectional lens, taking into account how caste, class, race, religion, and other social identities further influence women’s access to economic opportunities.
In rural areas or among marginalized communities, women face even greater challenges due to lack of infrastructure, education, mobility, and safety.
These barriers significantly affect their ability to participate in the formal labour market, often pushing them into unpaid or low-paying work.
A gender-sensitive economic approach must also consider the “double burden” many women face—the responsibility of balancing paid work with unpaid household duties.
While men are generally free to focus solely on their careers, women are often expected to manage domestic chores, care for children and the elderly, and maintain social roles, all of which go unrecognized and uncompensated.
The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted this imbalance, with millions of women across the globe leaving the workforce due to increased caregiving responsibilities at home.
This mass exit not only affected individual livelihoods but also disrupted economic recovery efforts.
To move toward a more inclusive and balanced economy, it is essential to address these structural and cultural barriers.
Governments can play a key role by enacting and enforcing laws that promote workplace equality, prevent discrimination, and provide family-friendly benefits.
Employers can support gender equality by creating flexible work environments, promoting diversity in hiring and leadership, and offering mentorship programs for women. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Education also plays a foundational role—challenging gender stereotypes from an early age and encouraging girls to pursue diverse career paths in STEM, leadership, and beyond.
Section B
Q 3. Discuss the productive and reproductive work concerning gender.
Ans. The concepts of productive and reproductive work are essential in understanding how gender roles shape economic and social contributions in society.
These two forms of work are deeply intertwined but have historically been valued very differently.
Productive work generally refers to labor that contributes directly to the formal economy, such as jobs in agriculture, industry, or services—work that is paid and recognized in national income accounts like GDP.
Reproductive work, on the other hand, refers to the unpaid labor involved in maintaining households and caring for family members.
This includes cooking, cleaning, childcare, eldercare, and emotional support—tasks that are essential for the well-being of individuals and the continuity of society, yet are often invisible in economic calculations.
From a gender perspective, reproductive work has traditionally been considered “women’s work” and largely undervalued or ignored.
Societies have long assigned caregiving and household responsibilities to women based on cultural norms and expectations, while men have been expected to engage in paid, productive work outside the home.
As a result, women’s contributions to the economy through unpaid domestic labor have been systematically overlooked, despite the fact that such work supports and sustains the labour force itself.
For instance, a woman caring for children or an elderly parent is enabling other family members to participate in paid work, yet her efforts are rarely acknowledged in economic terms. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
This gendered division of labor often results in a “double burden” for women who engage in both paid employment and unpaid household responsibilities.
Even when women join the formal workforce, they are still expected to fulfill their domestic duties, often at the cost of their own time, energy, and career advancement.
This imbalance not only affects women’s health and well-being but also limits their economic opportunities and contributes to persistent gender inequalities.
For example, women may accept part-time or lower-paying jobs in order to manage household responsibilities, reinforcing their economic dependency and restricting their upward mobility.
Efforts to recognize and redistribute reproductive work are crucial to achieving gender equality. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
This includes promoting shared household responsibilities between men and women, providing state-supported childcare and eldercare services, and acknowledging the value of unpaid labor in economic policy.
Only when reproductive work is given equal importance and visibility as productive work can society move toward a more just and balanced structure.
Q 4. Discuss ‘Sexual Harassment at the Workplace’ with a suitable case study.
Ans. Sexual harassment at the workplace is a serious and widespread issue that affects the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals, especially women, across different professions and sectors. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
It involves any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature—whether verbal, non-verbal, or physical—that creates a hostile or offensive working environment.
Such acts may include inappropriate comments, touching, staring, sending explicit messages, or making sexual advances that are unwanted and make the target feel threatened or uncomfortable.
Sexual harassment is not just a violation of personal space and dignity; it is also a barrier to equal opportunity, professional growth, and psychological safety at work.
In India, the issue gained significant attention following the landmark Vishaka case in 1997.
In this case, a social worker named Bhanwari Devi from Rajasthan, who was trying to prevent child marriage as part of her government duties, was brutally gang-raped by villagers. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Though the incident did not occur in a conventional office, it was linked to her work. When she sought justice, the courts failed her.
This triggered a group of women’s rights organizations to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which led the Supreme Court to lay down the Vishaka Guidelines.
These guidelines defined sexual harassment at the workplace and directed employers to take preventive steps and provide redressal mechanisms.
Eventually, these guidelines formed the basis of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which mandates that every workplace must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), and clearly lays down procedures for filing complaints, conducting inquiries, and protecting the victim from further trauma or retaliation.
Despite this legal framework, many women are still hesitant to speak out due to fear of being judged, losing their jobs, or not being believed.
Power dynamics, stigma, and the normalization of inappropriate behavior often silence victims, especially in male-dominated or hierarchical work cultures.
A well-known recent case that brought this issue into public discourse was that of journalist Priya Ramani, who accused former Union Minister M.J.
Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement in India. Although Ramani was later acquitted of defamation charges, the case highlighted the challenges women face when they raise their voices, and it became a symbol of resistance for many.
Q 5. Discuss the role of mass media and gender in India.
Ans. Mass media plays a powerful and influential role in shaping societal attitudes, values, and perceptions, especially when it comes to gender.
In India, where cultural beliefs and social traditions deeply influence gender roles, mass media—ranging from television, films, newspapers, radio, and increasingly digital platforms—acts as both a mirror and a moulder of society.
It reflects the prevailing gender norms while also having the potential to challenge and transform them.
However, the impact of media on gender in India is complex and often contradictory, as it simultaneously reinforces stereotypes and offers spaces for progressive change.
Traditionally, Indian media has perpetuated stereotypical images of men and women. Women are often shown as homemakers, submissive daughters, devoted wives, or objects of beauty, while men are portrayed as strong, dominant, decision-makers.
Mainstream Bollywood films have played a significant role in romanticizing gender inequality, glorifying male aggression, and portraying women as secondary to male characters. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Advertisements, too, have historically shown women in kitchens or beauty parlors, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s worth lies in her appearance or domestic roles.
These portrayals contribute to the internalization of gender biases and limit the aspirations of both women and men.
However, over the years, there has been a visible shift. Media today is increasingly used as a platform to raise awareness about gender issues, challenge patriarchal norms, and advocate for equality.
Films like Pink, Thappad, and Chak De! India have brought attention to issues like consent, domestic violence, and women in sports.
News channels, social media, and web series are now more open to discussing LGBTQ+ rights, gender-based violence, and the need for equal representation.
Campaigns like “#LikeAGirl,” “#MeToo,” and “#StopTheBeautyTest” gained traction through mass media, opening up nationwide conversations about sexism, harassment, and unrealistic beauty standards.
Social media has particularly revolutionized how gender is discussed in India.
It has given voice to many women, trans, and queer individuals who were previously marginalized in mainstream media.
Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube allow people to challenge gender roles, share personal stories, and build supportive communities.
Influencers and content creators are using their reach to promote body positivity, mental health awareness, and inclusive narratives that break away from traditional binaries.
Despite these advances, media still has a long way to go in ensuring fair and diverse gender representation. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
There is a need for more women in leadership roles in media industries and more responsible content creation that does not sensationalize or trivialize gender issues.
Section C
Q 7. Write a note on masculinity.
Ans. Masculinity refers to the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with boys and men. It is a socially constructed concept that varies across cultures, time periods, and social contexts.
In many societies, including India, masculinity is often linked with qualities like strength, emotional toughness, dominance, and competitiveness.
From a young age, boys are taught to “act like men,” suppress emotions, and take on responsibilities that align with traditional male roles, such as being the provider or protector of the family.
These expectations can create pressure, leading to emotional repression and even harmful behaviors in the name of proving one’s manhood.
Over time, the idea of masculinity has been critically examined, giving rise to concepts like “toxic masculinity,” which highlights how rigid gender norms can harm both men and women. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For instance, when boys are discouraged from crying or showing vulnerability, they may grow up struggling to express their feelings in healthy ways.
This not only affects their mental health but also influences how they form relationships.
On the other hand, “positive masculinity” encourages values like empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence while rejecting outdated stereotypes.
In modern times, masculinity is evolving. Men are increasingly embracing roles as caregivers, allies in gender equality, and advocates for mental health.
This shift helps break down rigid gender roles and promotes a more inclusive society where individuals are free to express themselves beyond stereotypes.
Understanding masculinity as flexible and diverse is essential in creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
Q 8. What is liberal feminism?
Ans. Liberal feminism is a branch of feminist thought that focuses on achieving gender equality through legal and political reform within the framework of a liberal democratic society. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
It is rooted in the principles of individual rights, freedom, and equal opportunity, and believes that men and women are inherently equal in capacity and should be treated as such under the law.
Liberal feminists advocate for the removal of barriers that prevent women from having the same opportunities as men, especially in areas like education, employment, and political participation.
Their approach emphasizes gradual change through policy reforms, awareness, and ensuring women’s full access to public life.
Unlike more radical branches of feminism, liberal feminism does not seek to completely overthrow existing systems but rather to improve them to be more inclusive.
One of its major concerns is the fight against discrimination, unequal pay, lack of representation in leadership roles, and outdated legal frameworks that hinder women’s progress. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For example, liberal feminists have historically fought for women’s suffrage, equal pay legislation, and reproductive rights.
One of the strengths of liberal feminism is its practical, reformist approach that appeals to broader audiences.
However, it has also been criticized for primarily focusing on the concerns of middle-class, educated women and not always addressing deeper structural inequalities faced by marginalized groups.
Despite this, liberal feminism has played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and continues to influence gender equality policies across the world.
It believes in empowering women through equal access, choice, and freedom within the existing social order.
Q 9. Write a note on the triple burden of women.
Ans. The concept of the “triple burden” refers to the threefold responsibilities that many women, especially in developing countries like India, are expected to shoulder simultaneously—productive work, reproductive work, and community management.
Productive work involves paid labor in formal or informal sectors, such as working in offices, factories, or fields. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Reproductive work, often unpaid, includes domestic chores, childcare, cooking, cleaning, and caring for the elderly.
Community management refers to the social and cultural roles women play in organizing and participating in community or neighborhood activities like festivals, social events, or volunteering in local support groups.
This triple burden places an immense strain on women, as they are expected to perform all these roles efficiently and often without any form of recognition or support.
For example, a woman may spend her day working in a school as a teacher, come home to manage all household responsibilities, and still be expected to coordinate a cultural function in her community.
Despite contributing significantly to the economy and society, much of their labor—especially the reproductive and community work—remains invisible and undervalued.
The triple burden not only affects women’s health and mental well-being but also limits their time, energy, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
It reinforces gender inequality by placing unequal expectations on women compared to men. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Recognizing and redistributing this burden through shared responsibilities at home, better social infrastructure, and supportive policies is essential for building a more gender-equitable society.
Q 10. Write a note on the social construction of gender.
Ans. The social construction of gender refers to the idea that gender roles and identities are not determined by biology alone but are shaped by societal norms, cultural expectations, and historical contexts.
From the moment a child is born, society begins to assign roles, behaviors, and expectations based on whether the child is identified as male or female.
For instance, boys are often encouraged to be strong, assertive, and independent, while girls are expected to be nurturing, polite, and emotional.
These traits are not natural but learned over time through family, media, education, religion, and peer interactions.
This construction begins early in life—through toys, clothing, language, and even stories children hear.
A boy playing with dolls might be discouraged, while a girl being quiet and obedient might be praised.
Over time, these gendered messages shape how individuals see themselves and others. Gender, therefore, becomes a performance—something people “do” rather than something they inherently “are.”
These socially constructed roles influence one’s opportunities, choices, and even sense of worth in society. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
The social construction of gender also explains why gender roles can change over time and differ across cultures. What is considered “feminine” or “masculine” in one society may not be the same in another.
Understanding gender as a social construct helps challenge rigid stereotypes and opens the door to more inclusive identities and equal treatment.
It allows people to express themselves freely without being confined by traditional norms, leading to a more just and compassionate world for everyone.
Q 11. Write your understanding of gender differences in the use of language.
Ans. Gender differences in the use of language have long been observed in both social and academic contexts.
Language is not just a tool for communication—it also reflects social roles, identities, and power dynamics, and gender plays a key role in shaping how people speak and interact.
Research and everyday observation suggest that, on average, men and women tend to use language differently, though these patterns are influenced by culture, upbringing, and individual personality.
Women are often found to use more polite, expressive, and emotionally nuanced language.
They tend to ask more questions, use more inclusive terms like “we” and “let’s,” and are more likely to provide verbal feedback, such as “mm-hmm” or “I see,” to show engagement in conversation. BGDG 172 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Their style is generally seen as cooperative and aimed at building connections. In contrast, men may use language in a more assertive, direct, and competitive way, often focusing on facts, outcomes, or asserting dominance in group settings.
They might interrupt more, use fewer qualifiers, and show less verbal encouragement during conversations.
However, these are not fixed rules, and there are many overlaps and exceptions. These language differences often stem from early gender socialization, where boys and girls are encouraged to express themselves in specific ways.
Importantly, such differences should not be seen as one being better than the other but as a reflection of social roles and expectations.
Recognizing these patterns can help in fostering better communication and breaking down gender-based stereotypes in both personal and professional spaces.
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