Essay – Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
Introduction
Patriarchy is barely noticed as they are regarded as the supreme authority and their decision is regarded as the ultimate. A social system in which men sway the predominant power in the functions of monitoring the property, moral authority, accessing and offering special privileges and political leadership is referred to as patriarchy. In Indian society, men embody the dominant role and divide the role of the members based on gender. At this point, arises the notion of social inequality whereby the women assume the role of a homemaker by confining themselves within the four walls. Contrary to this, it is the male members who enjoy the maximum liberty, be it the male child or the young and adult men.
Discussion
Social inequality is a ubiquitous phenomenon that prevails in almost every society. The dimensions of unequal access to social resources such as education, money, property, power and health can be regarded as a situation of social inequality. Ever since the time a girl child is born, she is compelled to face inequality by her parents. The preference for a male child over a female child, female infanticide and foeticide prevalent in India substantiates the dominant nature of patriarchy in India. Despite substantial legislation such as the Hindu Succession Act, the transfer of property to the female child is still regarded as minuscule. Furthermore, the increasing crimes against women compel parents to act in a sceptical manner ending their female children to educational institutions and attending offices in far-off places. Even orthodox families in India impede their daughters and other female members from attending offices. The academic books taught to the students in India are even gender biased as some pictures of male members (fathers) attending offices and female members (mothers) doing the household chores. Therefore irrespective of the cultural, social and economic status of the women, patriarchy is being continued to be accepted. It is evident that women are not allowed to enter mosques and the norm of wearing burkhas still exists. Even women on their menstruation days are not allowed to enter the temples.
To bridge the gender gap, the Indian governmnet has offered educational opportunities to women. In addition, the Indian ministry has adopted the two-pronged strategy. Firstly, it has monitored the performance of the Global Gender Gap and secondly, it has identified the areas that needed reforms in consultation with the other ministries and departments. Various women empowerment schemes such as Mahila Shakti Kendra, Working Women Hostel, Beti Bachao Beto Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Sukanaya Samriddhi Yojana are initiated by the Indian government. Despite this, the issue of Panchayat pati still needs to be addressed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that patriarchy is barely observed which leads to social inequality. No society can progress without the prevalence of gender equality. It is immensely important to give equal importance and privileges to women. Else the dominance of the chauvinist attitude of men will compel the women to act subservient. It is thus necessary, for all people including parents to treat the daughters and female members with love, respect, care and affection. In this way, patriarchy can be averted and the gender gaps can be bridged.
FAQs
Q1. Name some of the women empowerment schemes launched by the Indian government.
Ans: These are Mahila Shakti Kendra, Working Women Hostel, Beti Bachao Beto Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Sukanaya Samriddhi Yojana.
Q2. Define patriarchy.
Ans: Patriarchy refers to male supremacy, that is embedded in the social economic and political systems whereby the female are not given equal importance as that of men.