Patriarchy, entitlements, and sexual division of labour | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The concept of patriarchy, often described as "rule by the father," remains a prevalent and deeply ingrained societal structure in India. It is a system that inherently values men more than women, perpetuating gender-based inequalities and granting men power over women. This article delves into the multifaceted issues surrounding patriarchy, entitlements, and the sexual division of labor in India, providing a comprehensive analysis of these critical social constructs.

Understanding the Sexual Division of Labor

• The sexual division of labor, a significant consequence of patriarchy, establishes a system where all domestic work is predominantly undertaken by women within a family or organized by them through domestic helpers. This division, often unacknowledged in sociological studies, is rooted not in biology but in societal expectations and stereotypes. 
• From a young age, boys and girls are conditioned to believe that women's primary responsibility is household chores and child-rearing. Consequently, women are burdened with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare, while men predominantly engage in work outside the home. This division is not due to men's incapability but rather their perception that such responsibilities fall under women's purview. However, when these roles are monetarily compensated, men are more inclined to participate, as evident in male-dominated professions like tailoring and cooking in hotels.
• Similarly, women are not confined solely to domestic work. In rural areas, they fetch water, gather fuel, and engage in agricultural activities. In urban settings, economically disadvantaged women work as domestic helpers in middle-class households, while middle-class women pursue careers in offices. Despite this dual role, women's contributions often go unnoticed and undervalued, highlighting the pervasive gender bias in society.

Manifestations of Patriarchy and the Sexual Division of Labor

The impact of patriarchy and the sexual division of labor is evident in various aspects of society:

• Persistent Poverty Burden: Women bear a disproportionate burden of poverty due to limited access to resources and opportunities.
• Educational Inequality: Gender disparities persist in education, with women facing inequalities in access and quality of education and training.
• Healthcare Inequities: Unequal access to healthcare services is prevalent among women, leaving them vulnerable to health-related challenges.
• Violence Against Women: Gender-based violence remains a critical issue, affecting women in various forms.
• Conflict Effects: Armed conflicts and foreign occupations disproportionately affect women, exacerbating their vulnerability.
• Economic Inequalities: Inequalities persist in economic structures and policies, limiting women's participation in productive activities and access to resources.
• Power Disparities: Women continue to face discrimination in power-sharing and decision-making, both at individual and institutional levels.
• Lack of Mechanisms for Advancement: Insufficient mechanisms exist to promote women's advancement across all sectors.
• Human Rights Violations: Women's human rights are often disregarded, leading to their marginalization.
• Media Stereotyping: Stereotypes and gender biases persist in media and communication systems, further reinforcing inequality.
• Discrimination Against the Girl-Child: Discrimination against girls continues to affect their rights and opportunities from a young age.

Other Aspects of the Sexual Division of Labor

• While women constitute half of humanity, their participation in public life, particularly in politics, remains minimal in many societies. Historically, women were excluded from political participation, including voting and running for public offices. Over time, feminist movements emerged worldwide, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women. These movements sought to improve women's political and legal status, educational and career prospects, and equality in personal and family life.
• Political mobilization on gender-related issues has led to positive changes in women's roles in public life. Today, women hold positions as scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, managers, and educators, professions previously considered unsuitable for them. In countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, women's participation in public life is exceptionally high, showcasing the progress made in gender equality.

Understanding Entitlement

Entitlement refers to the socially sanctioned right to possess or perform certain actions, signifying an official entitlement to receive specific benefits or opportunities. At the microscopic level, entitlement extends to various aspects of an individual's life, such as their household, food, property, children, sexual relationships, work, power, and authority. At the macroscopic level, entitlement is defined by legal and societal norms.

Differential Entitlements Based on Gender Status

In traditional Indian society, gender-based entitlements have perpetuated inequalities:

• Entitlements Over Household: Women's rights over their households diminish after their parents' death due to patriarchal and primordial values.
• Entitlements Over Food: Patriarchal values influence women's entitlements over food, often resulting in inferior quality and timing disparities.
• Entitlements Over Self-Presentation: Cultural and patriarchal norms dictate a woman's presentation before and after marriage, signifying limited entitlement over her existence.
• Entitlements Over Motherhood: Early marriages in traditional Indian society limit women's entitlement over their childbearing decisions.
• Entitlements Over Sexuality: Patriarchy constrains women's sexuality while allowing men more freedom in a patriarchal society.
• Entitlements Over Work: Gender-based inequality in the workforce is pervasive, particularly in socialist societies, where women's domestic labor remains unpaid and unappreciated.
• Entitlements Over Power: Patriarchal values influence family decisions, often sidelining women in important matters.

The Current Scenario

Despite some improvements since India's independence, gender disparities persist. Women in India face disadvantage, discrimination, and oppression in various aspects of life. The literacy rate among women remains significantly lower than that among men. While girls perform well in school, dropout rates are high due to unequal resource allocation by parents. Women are underrepresented in highly paid and valued jobs, reflecting the persistent gender wage gap.

Conclusion

India continues to grapple with deeply ingrained patriarchal structures, resulting in gender-based inequalities and entitlement disparities. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to challenge traditional norms, promote gender equality, and empower women in all aspects of life. Achieving true gender equality remains an ongoing struggle, but it is imperative for the nation's progress and development.