Textbook Solutions: Role Played by Gender | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

A. Choose the correct answer. 

1.
Ans: (b)

2.
Ans: (a)

3.
Ans: (c)

B. Mark the following sentences as True or False. Correct the sentences that are false.

1.
Ans: False
Women are both physically and intellectually inferior to men. False. Women are not physically and intellectually inferior to men. This is a stereotype.

2.
Ans: False
Men and boys do not suffer from any kind of stereotyping. False. Men and boys also suffer from stereotyping, such as the expectation to be strong and never cry.

3.
Ans: True
Female foeticide refers to the destroying of the female child while she is still in her mother's womb.

4.
Ans: False
It is completely safe for women to travel by day or by night. False. It is not always safe for women to travel by day or night due to the risk of harassment and violence.

5.
Ans: True
Not recognizing household work as productive is an example of invisibilisation of labour. True.

C. Give reasons

1.
Ans: Boys who cry are made fun of because of gender stereotyping that expects boys to be strong and never show their emotions.

2.
Ans: Evil practices such as female infanticide and female foeticide are common in several parts of our country due to a deeply ingrained preference for male children and gender discrimination.

3.
Ans: Women who work in the unorganised sector do not have much economic independence because they are often paid less than men and their income is usually handed over to the male members in their families.

4.
Ans: Women need to be a part of decision-making bodies to ensure their interests and rights are represented and to promote gender equality.

D. Answer in one or two sentences.

1.
Ans: Gender refers to the roles and characteristics society imposes on individuals based on their sex. It is different from sex, which is the biological characteristic of being male or female.

2.
Ans: Gender stereotyping involves assigning rigid, often biased roles, and characteristics to males and females right from their birth.

3.
Ans: Female infanticide and foeticide drastically reduce the number of females in India's population, leading to a skewed sex ratio.

4.
Ans: The formal sector consists of economic activities that are regulated, recognized and taxed by the government whereas the informal sector is made up of economic activities that are not regulated, recognized or taxed by the government.

5.
Ans: ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and 'Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing Girls' Education in India' are two programmes that have boosted women's education in India.

E. Answer in a paragraph.

1.
Ans: Gender-based discrimination greatly impacts family units by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and roles. Women and girls are often seen as inferior and are expected to perform household chores and care for the family. Boys, however, are expected to be strong and dominating, often receiving more resources such as food and education. This discrimination can lead to health issues for women and limits opportunities for both sexes.

2.
Ans: 'Invisibilisation of labour' refers to the undervaluing and often ignoring of the work done by women within the home. These tasks, which can include cooking, cleaning, and caring for children, are often time-consuming and require significant effort. However, they are often seen as unproductive because they do not bring in money, leading to a lack of acknowledgment of women's work.

3.
Ans: Gender inequality in public spaces refers to the discrimination and violence women face when they step out of their homes for education or work. Women often face harassment and are blamed for attracting trouble. Men, on the other hand, are safer in public spaces and can stay out late without fear. A society can only progress when public spaces are safe for both sexes.

4.
Ans: Women in the formal sector, despite having better education and opportunities, still face discrimination and inequality. They are often paid less than men for the same work, face sexual harassment, and are expected to manage both work and home responsibilities. Additionally, societal pressure often forces them to choose between their careers and raising a family.

5.
Ans: Gender-based inequality and discrimination can be addressed by teaching respect and equality to boys from a young age and educating women about their rights. Additionally, women should be involved in decision-making processes. The government has taken steps towards this by introducing the Women's Reservation Bill, implementing educational programmes, and passing laws to support working women. Society needs to move towards roles being shared equally among the sexes.