Gender, Religion & Caste | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Understanding the intricate dynamics of society is crucial in comprehending the underlying factors that shape our lives. In Class 10 CBSE Political Science Chapter 4, we delve into the topics of gender, religion, and caste, exploring their significance in politics and society. This comprehensive article aims to provide you with detailed insights into the chapter, accompanied by visually appealing pointers and headers for easy navigation.

Gender Division: Unveiling Social Expectations

Gender Division is a prevalent phenomenon, often misconstrued as natural and irreversible. However, it stems from social expectations and preconceptions rather than biological differences. Our society has long perpetuated a pattern where women, whether as family members or workers, bear the brunt of domestic work. This division of labor, known as the sexual division of labor, restricts women's job opportunities primarily to the private sphere of households. Fortunately, women's suffrage and social revolutions have opened doors to increased opportunities for women, empowering them to challenge these societal norms.

1. Patriarchy: A System of Inequality: Patriarchy, a social system that favors men and assigns them superior value, perpetuates gender inequality in society. It grants men greater political and economic power, further exacerbating disparities. Women face discrimination and oppression in various ways, including:

• Lower literacy rates: Women's literacy rate lags behind that of men, with only 54% of women being literate compared to 76% of men. Despite girls often performing at par or even better than boys, they face higher dropout rates and limited access to higher education.
• Undervaluing women's work: Women are undervalued and underrepresented in high-paying positions, perpetuating the gender pay gap.
• Unequal pay: Despite the existence of the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which prohibits gender-based wage discrimination, women continue to be paid less than their male counterparts for performing the same job.
• Skewed child sex ratio: Abortion of female fetuses in India contributes to an imbalanced child sex ratio, with only 914 girls for every 1000 boys.
• Violence and harassment: Women and girls face various forms of violence and harassment, both within and outside their homes.

2. Rise of Feminism: Advocating for Equality: Feminism represents the belief in equal rights and opportunities for both men and women. Feminist movements have emerged worldwide, aiming to challenge gender-based inequalities in personal and family life, as well as public affairs. These movements have agitated for women's political and legal empowerment, improved educational and employment prospects, and a more equitable society. Certain regions, such as the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, and Finland, have witnessed significant advancements in women's participation in public life.

Women's Political Representation: Bridging the Gap

While women's political participation is essential for their well-being and the overall progress of society, it remains significantly lower than men's participation globally. Empowering women politically and placing them in decision-making and law-making roles is crucial to address women's concerns and find solutions to the challenges they face. In India, women's political participation is lower than the global average, with only about 10% of legislators being women, compared to 19% worldwide.

Panchayati Raj Act: A Step Towards Inclusion: The Panchayati Raj Act in India mandates reserving one-third of all seats in local bodies for women candidates. This provision has resulted in increased participation of women in municipalities and panchayats. However, attempts to introduce similar legislation in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures have faced obstacles, as political parties struggle to reach a consensus.

Religion, Communalism, and Politics: A Nexus Explored

Religion plays a significant role in politics, often leading to divisions and conflicts. India, with its diverse religious landscape, provides an intriguing context to examine the intersection of religion and politics. In this section, we explore the influence of religion on politics, the impact of family laws, the detrimental effects of communalism, and the ideals of a secular state.

1. Religious Diversity and Political Expression: India's religious diversity necessitates the acknowledgment of people's needs, interests, and demands within the political realm. As followers of various religions, individuals should have the freedom to express their religious beliefs and engage in politics accordingly.

2. Family Law: Balancing Religion and Social Norms: Family laws govern crucial aspects such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. In India, different family laws apply to people from various religious communities, reflecting the nation's commitment to accommodate diverse religious practices while ensuring social cohesion.

3. Communalism: A Divisive Force: Communal politics arises when demands from one religious group clash with those of another, and state power is employed to establish dominance. This phenomenon manifests in various forms:

• Prejudices and religious superiority: Communalism often stems from biases, preconceived notions, and beliefs in the superiority of one's religion over others.
• Political mobilization: Religious symbols, leaders, emotional appeals, and fear are instrumentalized to unite followers of a particular religion within the political sphere.
• Violence and riots: In extreme cases, communalism can lead to violent clashes, riots, and massacres, as witnessed during the partition of India and Pakistan.

4. The Secular State: Upholding Equality: India, as a democratic and secular country, has specific features that define its secular character:

• Absence of an official religion: The Indian state does not favor any particular religion.
• Freedom of religion: Individuals and groups have the liberty to practice and propagate any religion, or none at all, under the Constitution.
• Prohibition of religious discrimination: The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, ensuring religious equality.
• Government intervention: The government can intervene in religious matters to uphold religious equality, such as prohibiting practices like untouchability.

Caste and Politics: A Complex Interplay

Caste, a hierarchical social system categorizing individuals based on their occupation, poses both advantages and challenges within politics. Let's explore the caste-based inequalities and the intricate relationship between caste and politics.

1. The Hierarchical Nature of Caste: Caste inequalities are deeply entrenched in society, with occupations traditionally passed down through generations. The caste system encourages social segregation, restricting interactions between different caste groups and reinforcing the status quo. However, progress in economic development, urbanization, education, and land reforms has challenged the traditional caste hierarchy.

2. Caste's Influence on Political Landscape: Caste significantly influences politics, shaping electoral strategies and mobilization techniques. The impact of caste in politics is evident in several ways:

• Inclusive candidate selection: Political parties strive to include members from various castes and tribes when choosing candidates or forming governments.
• Caste-based appeals: During elections, politicians and political parties often leverage caste-based issues to secure political support, recognizing the power of each individual vote.
• Voter awareness and influence: Increased awareness of voting rights has empowered individuals from lower castes, granting them the ability to shape political outcomes.

3. Caste's Role in Political Dynamics: Politics plays a crucial role in shaping and reshaping caste identities, often bringing them to the forefront of the political arena. Some notable aspects include:

• Consolidation and negotiation: Caste groups aspire to expand their influence by absorbing neighboring castes or sub-castes. They engage in communication and negotiations with other castes and communities to strengthen their political standing.
• Emergence of new caste groups: The political arena has witnessed the emergence of new caste groups, such as "backward" and "forward" caste groups, further influencing caste dynamics.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Complexities

The interplay of gender, religion, and caste in politics and society reflects the multifaceted nature of our social fabric. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering inclusivity, equality, and progress. By addressing gender disparities, upholding religious freedom, and striving for a just and equitable society, we can forge a path toward a more harmonious future.