BGDG 172
Gender Sensitization: Society and Culture
BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment January 2023
Section A
Q 1. Describe the terms masculinity and femininity in India? Do you think it shapes gender roles? Explain
Ans. Masculinity and femininity are two terms that refer to the characteristics, behaviors, and roles that are traditionally associated with men and women, respectively.
In India, these terms have evolved over time and are deeply embedded in the culture and social norms.
The concepts of masculinity and femininity have a significant impact on gender roles and shape the way people perceive and interact with each other in society.
In India, masculinity is often associated with traits such as strength, power, dominance, and control. Men are expected to exhibit these traits to be considered “manly.”
This often involves behaviors such as aggression, competitiveness, and the suppression of emotions. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The traditional Indian male role involves being the breadwinner, protecting the family, and maintaining authority over women and children. Men are expected to be physically strong, emotionally resilient, and financially independent.
On the other hand, femininity in India is often associated with traits such as gentleness, nurturing, empathy, and submissiveness. Women are expected to embody these traits to be considered “feminine.”
This often involves behaviors such as taking care of the family, being obedient to men, and suppressing their own desires and needs.
The traditional Indian female role involves being a homemaker, a caregiver, and a submissive partner to her husband. Women are expected to be emotionally sensitive, physically weak, and financially dependent.
These traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained in Indian society and shape the way people perceive and interact with each other.
For instance, men are expected to be the primary breadwinners and are often valued more than women for their economic contributions.
Women, on the other hand, are expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers over their careers and personal ambitions. This often leads to a lack of opportunities for women and reinforces their dependence on men.
The concept of masculinity in India also plays a significant role in the prevalence of gender-based violence. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Men are often socialized to view women as objects and to use violence to assert their dominance and control over them.
This can manifest in various forms, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment.
In addition, the societal emphasis on masculinity often leads to the marginalization of men who do not conform to traditional gender roles, such as those who do not display overtly aggressive behavior or who engage in “feminine” activities.
Similarly, the concept of femininity in India can also have negative consequences for women. The emphasis on submissiveness and obedience often leads to women being denied agency and autonomy over their lives.
Women are often discouraged from pursuing their own goals and ambitions and are instead expected to prioritize the needs and desires of their families and communities. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This can lead to a lack of opportunities for women and perpetuate their dependence on men.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in India to challenge traditional gender roles and promote gender equality.
This movement has been led by various feminist and women’s rights organizations, as well as individual activists and scholars.
The movement seeks to challenge the cultural norms and social structures that perpetuate gender inequality and to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
One way in which this movement has sought to challenge traditional gender roles is through the promotion of gender-neutral education and parenting.
This involves encouraging parents to raise their children in a way that allows them to explore and express their own identities, rather than being confined to traditional gender roles. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This includes encouraging girls to pursue traditionally male-dominated fields, such as science and technology, and encouraging boys to engage in “feminine” activities such as cooking and caregiving.
The movement has also sought to challenge the prevalence of gender-based violence in Indian society.
This includes promoting awareness and education about the harmful effects of gender-based violence and advocating for legal and social reforms that protect the rights and dignity of women.
This includes advocating for stricter laws and punishments for perpetrators of gender-based violence and ensuring that survivors of violence have access to support and resources to heal and recover.
Q 2. Describe the relationship of labour force participation, economy and gender question as a key focus. Support your argument by providing suitable examples.
Ans. Labour force participation is a key indicator of economic activity and is a critical factor in determining the overall economic health of a country.
The relationship between labour force participation, economy, and gender is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Labour force participation refers to the number of individuals who are either employed or actively seeking employment.
The labour force participation rate is calculated by dividing the number of individuals in the labour force by the total population of working age.
A high labour force participation rate is generally seen as a positive indicator of a healthy economy, as it suggests that there are ample job opportunities and that individuals are able and willing to work.
Gender plays a crucial role in labour force participation rates. Historically, women have been underrepresented in the labour force due to various cultural, social, and economic factors.
This has resulted in lower labour force participation rates for women compared to men. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In many cases, women have been relegated to the role of caregivers and homemakers, while men have been seen as the primary breadwinners for their families.
However, over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in women’s labour force participation rates.
This has been driven by various factors, including changes in social attitudes towards women’s work, improvements in educational opportunities, and the need for dual incomes in many households.
In some countries, such as Japan, low birth rates and an aging population have also led to a greater emphasis on increasing women’s labour force participation rates to support economic growth.
Despite these positive trends, there are still significant gender gaps in labour force participation rates. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In many countries, women continue to be underrepresented in the labour force, particularly in leadership and management positions. This has significant implications for gender equality and economic growth.
One example of the relationship between labour force participation, economy, and gender can be seen in India.
In India, women’s labour force participation rates have been declining over the past few decades, despite significant economic growth.
According to the World Bank, women’s labour force participation rates in India fell from 34% in 2006 to 24% in 2020. This is in contrast to other developing countries, where women’s labour force participation rates have been increasing.
There are various reasons for this decline in women’s labour force participation rates in India. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
One factor is the persistence of traditional gender roles, which place a greater emphasis on women’s roles as caregivers and homemakers.
This is compounded by a lack of access to affordable and quality childcare services, which makes it difficult for women to balance work and family responsibilities.
In addition, women in India face significant barriers to entering and staying in the labour force.
This includes discrimination in hiring and promotion, unequal pay for equal work, and a lack of access to training and educational opportunities.
These barriers are particularly pronounced in male-dominated industries such as technology and engineering.
The decline in women’s labour force participation rates in India has significant implications for the economy. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Women’s participation in the labour force is essential for economic growth and development, as it enables countries to fully utilize their human capital.
A lack of women’s participation in the labour force can lead to a loss of potential economic output and a decrease in productivity.
One way to address this issue is by implementing policies and programs that support women’s labour force participation.
This includes improving access to affordable and quality childcare services, promoting equal pay for equal work, and implementing affirmative action policies to increase women’s representation in leadership and management positions.
In addition, investing in education and training programs for women can help to overcome the skills gap that often exists between men and women in the labour market.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Another example of the relationship between labour force participation, economy, and gender can be seen in the United States.
In the US, there has been a significant increase in women’s labour force participation rates over the past few decades.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women’s labour force participation rates increased from 43% in 1970 to 60% in 2021.
This increase in women’s labour force participation rates has been driven by various factors, including changes in social attitudes towards women’s work, improvements in educational opportunities, and the need for dual incomes in many households.
Despite this progress, there are still significant gender gaps in the labour market in the US. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership and management positions, and they often earn less than their male counterparts for doing the same job.
Women also face significant barriers to entering and staying in the labour force, including discrimination, lack of access to affordable childcare, and the persistence of traditional gender roles.
The gender gap in labour force participation rates in the US has significant implications for the economy.
Women’s participation in the labour force is essential for economic growth and development, as it enables countries to fully utilize their human capital.
A lack of women’s participation in the labour force can lead to a loss of potential economic output and a decrease in productivity.
One way to address this issue is by implementing policies and programs that support women’s labour force participation. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This includes improving access to affordable and quality childcare services, promoting equal pay for equal work, and implementing affirmative action policies to increase women’s representation in leadership and management positions.
In addition, investing in education and training programs for women can help to overcome the skills gap that often exists between men and women in the labour market.
Section B
Q 3. Critically evaluate the role of the family from gender lens.
Ans. The family is an institution that has been around since the beginning of human civilization. It has played a critical role in shaping human relationships, socialization, and gender roles.
In many cultures, the family is seen as the primary unit of social organization, and gender roles within the family are highly defined and enforced.
Gender roles are the expectations placed on individuals based on their sex. In many societies, these expectations are highly gendered, with men expected to be masculine, dominant, and independent, while women are expected to be feminine, submissive, and nurturing. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The family is often the primary institution through which these gender roles are taught and enforced.
Children learn what it means to be a man or a woman by observing the behavior of their parents and other family members. Thus, the family is a critical site for the perpetuation of gender inequality.
One of the ways in which the family perpetuates gender inequality is through the division of labor.
In many households, women are responsible for the majority of unpaid domestic labor, including cooking, cleaning, and childcare.
This division of labor reinforces traditional gender roles, with women being seen as responsible for the care and maintenance of the home, while men are seen as the primary breadwinners. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This division of labor can have significant implications for women’s economic opportunities and their ability to participate in the labor market.
Women who are responsible for a disproportionate share of domestic labor often have less time and energy to devote to paid work, which can limit their earning potential and career opportunities.
The family also plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards gender roles and expectations. Children learn what it means to be a man or a woman through observation and socialization.
Family members often reinforce traditional gender roles through their behavior and expectations.
For example, boys may be encouraged to engage in more physical and competitive activities, while girls are encouraged to engage in more nurturing and domestic activities. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
These gendered expectations can limit children’s potential and perpetuate gender inequality.
Another way in which the family perpetuates gender inequality is through the transmission of cultural values and beliefs.
Many cultures have deeply ingrained beliefs about gender roles and expectations, and these beliefs are often perpetuated through the family.
For example, some cultures may view women as being inferior to men, or they may place a higher value on male children than female children. These beliefs can limit women’s opportunities and perpetuate gender inequality.
The family can also play a role in perpetuating gender-based violence. Domestic violence is a widespread problem around the world, with women being disproportionately affected. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In many cases, domestic violence is perpetuated by men who feel entitled to control and dominate their female partners.
These attitudes towards gender roles and power dynamics within relationships are often learned within the family.
While the family can perpetuate gender inequality, it can also be a site of resistance and change. Families can challenge traditional gender roles and expectations by promoting gender equality and challenging gender stereotypes.
For example, families can encourage boys to engage in nurturing and domestic activities and girls to engage in physical and competitive activities.
Families can also challenge gender-based violence by promoting healthy and respectful relationships and modeling positive behavior.
Q 4. What is Sexual Harassment at Workplace. Examine its forms.
Ans. Sexual harassment at the workplace is a form of gender-based violence that involves unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behavior towards an employee or colleague. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
It can also involve the creation of a hostile work environment that makes it difficult for an employee to perform their job effectively.
Sexual harassment can take many forms, and it is often a pervasive problem in workplaces around the world.
One form of sexual harassment is quid pro quo harassment, which involves a demand for sexual favors in exchange for a job, promotion, or other employment benefit.
This type of harassment is often subtle and can be difficult to identify, but it can have serious implications for an employee’s career and well-being.
Another form of sexual harassment is hostile work environment harassment, which involves behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This can include comments, jokes, or gestures that are sexual in nature, as well as unwelcome physical contact or advances.
This type of harassment can make it difficult for an employee to perform their job effectively and can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.
Sexual harassment can also take the form of verbal harassment, which involves the use of offensive or sexually explicit language towards an employee or colleague.
This can include comments about an employee’s appearance, sexual orientation, or gender identity, as well as unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
Another form of sexual harassment is physical harassment, which involves unwanted physical contact, such as touching, groping, or other forms of physical assault.
This type of harassment can be particularly traumatic for victims and can lead to long-term physical and emotional harm.
Finally, online sexual harassment is becoming an increasingly prevalent form of sexual harassment at the workplace. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
It involves the use of social media, email, or other forms of electronic communication to harass an employee or colleague.
This can include sending sexually explicit messages or images, as well as making offensive comments or posts on social media.
Sexual harassment at the workplace is a serious problem that can have serious consequences for victims, including psychological trauma, decreased job performance, and even job loss.
It is important for employers to take steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, including establishing clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing harassment, providing training for employees and managers, and taking appropriate disciplinary action against perpetrators.
Q 5. Write in your own words the ‘construction of a girl child’ with suitable examples.
Ans. it is important to recognize that girls are not constructed, but rather are born with inherent value and potential. The way society treats and values girls, however, can impact their development and opportunities.
For example, in many cultures, girls are expected to conform to gender roles that limit their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
They may also face discrimination, harassment, and violence simply because of their gender.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
To promote the well-being and empowerment of girls, it is important to challenge harmful gender norms and promote gender equality.
This includes advocating for girls’ access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as addressing gender-based violence and discrimination. By valuing and investing in girls, we can create a brighter future for all.
Section C
Q 6. Write a note on patriarchy.
Ans. Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and authority in society, especially in political, economic, and cultural spheres.
It is a system of power relations that permeates all aspects of society, including the family, religion, education, media, and government.
Patriarchy is built on the belief that men are superior to women, and that men’s interests and needs should be prioritized over those of women.
This belief leads to gender-based discrimination and inequality, and reinforces gender stereotypes that limit the roles and opportunities available to women.
Under patriarchy, women are often relegated to subordinate roles in society, and their contributions to society are undervalued or ignored.
Women are often excluded from decision-making processes and denied access to resources and opportunities, which limits their ability to achieve their full potential.
Patriarchy also perpetuates violence against women, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and rape. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Women are often blamed for these acts of violence, while men are excused or even rewarded for their aggressive behavior.
Overcoming patriarchy requires a commitment to gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
This includes promoting women’s empowerment, creating inclusive policies and laws, and supporting women’s participation in all spheres of society.
It also involves educating people about the harmful effects of patriarchy and the benefits of gender equality for all individuals and society as a whole.
Q 7. What is radical feminism.
Ans. Radical feminism is a political and social movement that seeks to eliminate patriarchy and achieve gender equality by challenging and dismantling societal structures and norms that perpetuate gender-based discrimination and inequality.
Radical feminists believe that the root cause of women’s oppression lies in patriarchy, which is a system of power relations that privileges men over women.
Radical feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the limitations of liberal feminism, which focused on achieving equality within existing societal structures. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Radical feminists argue that true gender equality cannot be achieved without fundamentally changing societal structures and norms, including gender roles, family structures, and political systems.
Radical feminists advocate for a wide range of political and social changes to challenge patriarchy, including reproductive rights, equal pay, and the elimination of gender-based violence.
They also challenge traditional gender roles and norms that limit women’s opportunities and perpetuate gender-based discrimination.
Critics of radical feminism argue that it can be exclusionary and essentialist, and that it places too much emphasis on gender as the primary axis of oppression, at the expense of other forms of oppression such as race and class.
Nevertheless, radical feminism has had a significant impact on feminist theory and activism, and continues to influence feminist thought and practice today.
Q 8. What are reproductive rights of Indian women?
Ans. Reproductive rights are the rights of individuals to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including the right to access information, contraception, and safe and legal abortion services. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In India, women’s reproductive rights have been the subject of legal and social debate, and are affected by a number of factors, including cultural norms, economic status, and access to healthcare services.
The Constitution of India recognizes the right to reproductive health as a fundamental right, and the government has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote reproductive health and rights.
However, access to reproductive health services is still limited for many women, particularly those in rural areas and marginalized communities.
Some of the key reproductive rights of Indian women include:
Access to family planning: Indian women have the right to choose the number and spacing of their children, and to access a range of family planning methods, including contraception.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Safe and legal abortion: Indian women have the right to access safe and legal abortion services in certain circumstances, such as when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s health or life, or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
Maternal health: Indian women have the right to receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care, as well as access to emergency obstetric care.
Reproductive health education: Indian women have the right to access accurate and comprehensive information about reproductive health, including information about sexually transmitted infections and contraception.
Despite these rights, many Indian women still face barriers to accessing reproductive health services. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
These include lack of information, social stigma, cultural and religious beliefs, and limited availability and affordability of healthcare services.
Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensuring that all Indian women can exercise their reproductive rights and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Q 9. Define productive and reproductive work.
Ans. Productive work and reproductive work are two types of labor that are often used to describe the different types of work that individuals perform in society.
Productive work refers to labor that produces goods or services that are sold in the market or used for economic purposes.
Examples of productive work include manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries such as banking, transportation, and retail.
Reproductive work, on the other hand, refers to labor that is performed within the household or community and is essential to the reproduction and maintenance of social life. BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Examples of reproductive work include childcare, housework, cooking, and caregiving for the elderly and sick.
Reproductive work is often performed by women, and is often unpaid or underpaid.
This has led to discussions about the unequal distribution of labor and resources within households and societies, and the need for policies and social structures that recognize the value of reproductive work and provide support and resources for those who perform it.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Overall, productive work and reproductive work are both essential for the functioning of society and the economy, and it is important to recognize and value both types of labor.
Q 10. What is mass media?
Ans.Mass media refers to the various means of communication that are used to reach a large audience. It encompasses a wide range of mediums, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the internet, and social media.
The primary purpose of mass media is to disseminate information, news, and entertainment to the masses.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Mass media has become an essential aspect of modern society. It is a powerful tool that can influence public opinion, shape cultural norms, and impact political discourse.
In many ways, it has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another.
One of the key features of mass media is its ability to reach a vast audience. Thanks to advances in technology and the internet, mass media can now reach people in every corner of the world, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
This makes it a potent tool for disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and influencing cultural trends.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Another important aspect of mass media is its ability to transmit messages across different mediums.
For example, news stories that originate on television can be shared on social media platforms and read in print newspapers.
This multi-channel approach helps to ensure that important messages reach the widest possible audience.
Despite its many benefits, mass media is not without its drawbacks. Some critics argue that it can be used to spread misinformation and propaganda.
Others worry that it can be used to manipulate public opinion and undermine democracy.BGDG 172 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Overall, mass media plays an important role in modern society. Its ability to reach a vast audience and transmit messages across different mediums makes it a powerful tool for shaping cultural norms and influencing public opinion.