BA 3 rd Year, Sem. VI , Course II (Theory) Programme /Class Degree Year B.A III Semester VI Subject Sociology

 Gender (Culture) vs. Sex (Biology)

Sex is a biological classification of living organisms as male or female, based on their reproductive organs and hormones. Gender, on the other hand, is a social construct that refers to the roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities that a society associates with a particular sex.

Equality vs. Difference

Equality refers to the idea that all people should have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, class, or any other factor. Difference refers to the idea that people are different from each other in a variety of ways, and that these differences should be respected and valued.

Gender Roles

Gender roles are the behaviors that are expected of people based on their sex or gender. For example, in many societies, men are expected to be strong and assertive, while women are expected to be caring and nurturing.

Social Construction of Gender

The social construction of gender refers to the idea that gender is not something that is naturally determined by biology, but rather something that is created and reinforced by society. For example, the idea that girls should play with dolls and boys should play with trucks is a social construct.

Gender and Sexuality

Gender and sexuality are closely linked. Our gender identities can influence our sexual orientations, and our sexual orientations can influence our gender expressions. For example, a person who identifies as a lesbian may express their gender in a way that is traditionally considered to be masculine.

Women in Family

Women have traditionally played a central role in the family. They have been responsible for childcare, housework, and caring for elderly family members. However, in recent decades, there has been a shift in gender roles, with more men taking on these responsibilities.

Socialization and Gender

Socialization is the process by which we learn about the world around us and our place in it. Gender socialization is the process by which we learn about the gender roles and expectations that society has for us. We are socialized into gender roles from a young age, through our families, schools, and the media.

Feminist Movement

The feminist movement is a social movement that aims to achieve gender equality. Feminists have fought for women's rights in a variety of areas, including education, employment, and politics.

Understanding Gender Inequalities- Caste and Class

Gender inequalities intersect with other forms of inequality, such as caste and class. For example, women from marginalized castes and classes are often more likely to experience violence and discrimination than women from privileged castes and classes.

Gender Perspective: Liberal, Marxian, Socialist, Radical

There are a variety of feminist perspectives, including liberal, Marxian, socialist, and radical feminism. Liberal feminists focus on achieving individual equality for women. Marxian feminists believe that gender inequality is rooted in capitalism. Socialist feminists believe that gender inequality is rooted in patriarchy and capitalism. Radical feminists believe that gender inequality is rooted in patriarchy and that the only way to achieve true equality is to abolish patriarchy.

Patriarchy and Gender

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold power over women. Patriarchy is manifested in a variety of ways, including gender roles, gender norms, and gender stereotypes.

Sexual Division of Labour

The sexual division of labour is the division of labour between men and women based on their sex or gender. For example, in many societies, men are more likely to work in paid employment, while women are more likely to work in unpaid care work.

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Masculinity and femininity are social constructs that refer to the characteristics that are associated with men and women in a particular society. For example, in many societies, masculinity is associated with strength, assertiveness, and independence, while femininity is associated with gentleness, nurturing, and dependence.

Conclusion

Gender is a complex and nuanced topic. It is important to understand the different dimensions of gender, including sex, gender roles, gender socialization, and gender inequalities. By understanding gender, we can work to create a more just and equitable world for all people.Women and Society in India: Demographic Profile, Population and Gender, Population, Gender and Migration India is a country with a rich and diverse culture, but it is also a country where women face many challenges. According to the 2011 Census of India, there are 623 million women in India, which accounts for 48.1% of the total population. The sex ratio in India is 940 females per 1000 males, which is lower than the world average of 995 females per 1000 males. There are a number of factors that contribute to the lower sex ratio in India, including female infanticide, sex-selective abortions, and neglect of girls. These factors are all rooted in the patriarchal social structure of India, which values boys over girls. Migration is another important factor that affects women in India. Women are more likely to migrate than men, and they are often more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse during migration. Women in Economy (Work and Property Rights), Women and Power & Subordination, Women and Education, Women and Health Women in India play a vital role in the economy, both in the formal and informal sectors. However, they continue to be underrepresented in the workforce and in positions of power. Women also have lower literacy rates and higher maternal mortality rates than men. There are a number of factors that contribute to the gender gap in India, including: Lack of access to education and training: Women are less likely than men to have access to quality education and training, which limits their employment opportunities. Discrimination in the workplace: Women often face discrimination in the workplace, such as lower pay for the same work and sexual harassment. Unpaid care work: Women are responsible for the majority of unpaid care work, such as childcare and housework, which limits their time and energy for other activities. Crime against Women: Infanticide, Domestic Violence, Honour Killing, Harassment at work place Women in India are also at risk of violence and abuse. Some of the most common crimes against women in India include: Infanticide: Infanticide is the killing of a newborn baby, and it is a crime that is most commonly committed against female babies. Domestic violence: Domestic violence is another common crime against women in India. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Honour killing: Honour killing is the killing of a person by a member of their own family, usually because the victim has violated the family's honour code. Harassment at work place: Harassment at work place is also a common problem for women in India. It can include sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and bullying. Constitutional Safegaurds and Provisions regarding Women. Programmes and Policies regarding upliftment of Women. Personal laws, law as tool of emancipation of women. Women Rights as Human Rights, Gender and Human Rights The Indian Constitution guarantees a number of rights to women, including the right to equality, the right to freedom, and the right to education. However, these rights are often not upheld in practice. The Indian government has implemented a number of programmes and policies aimed at improving the status of women in India. However, these programmes and policies have often been ineffective. Personal laws in India also contribute to the discrimination against women. For example, Hindu personal laws allow for polygamy and discrimination against widows. Law can be a tool for the emancipation of women, but it is important to ensure that the law is enforced fairly and that women have access to justice. Women's rights are human rights, and it is important to promote gender equality in order to create a more just and equitable society. Conclusion Women in India face a number of challenges, including gender inequality, poverty, and violence. However, there is a growing movement for women's rights in India, and women are making progress in many areas. It is important to continue to support the movement for women's rights and to work to create a more just and equitable society for all women.