Discuss how gender-based violence in India is a manifestation of patriarchal values. To what extent has modernisation in law served as an instrument of women's empowerment in this regard?
Main Body
The recent case of sexual crime against a doctor in West Bengal showcase that the patriarchal values leading to gender based violence in the country. According to NCRB, gender based violence has increased in the country.
Gender based violence — manifestation of patriarchal values
Types:
Gender based violence — manifestation of patriarchal values
Modernisation in law as instrument against gender violence ↑
Domestic Violence Act
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act
IT Act 2000
POSH Act
Downy Prohibition Act
These modern acts have led to:-
i) Increased economic empowerment of women
Other measures such as:-
(a) Nari Shakti Vandal Adhikaram — to improve political representation of women
(b) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — to provide punishment against newer crimes
Despite stringent punishment, there are some lacunas:-
There is a need to change patriarchal attitude. Practice of 'Sanyam Stri' defil women reservation in PRs showcases the extent of it. Education is a great means to achieve the SDG 5 of gender equality.
ii) Poverty - hindering the ability to avail opportunities
iii) Religious disabilities put on people - NEET ~97% employed as manual scavengers are SCs.
iv) Illiteracy and lack of educational institutes
v) Gender discrimination - patriarchal society prohibiting women empowerment - glass ceiling, pink collar jobs
vi) Caste-based politics - generating caste consciousness and reducing equality and fraternity in society
Education can play a major role in social mobility as it can help in following ways:
Other factors for social mobility:
Education helps in breaking the shackles of rigid social structure allowing for social mobility.
Intergenerational equality is one of goal under sustainable development (SDG10) and it is also seen in the government policy such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan to gain education as means of achieving this.
Diagram
Mind map showing 'Gender based violence' at center with branches: 'Domestic violence', 'Cyberstalking sexual offences', 'Violence at workplaces', 'Excruciating offences against minor girls'
- Contemporary case study relevant to topic
- Uses NCRB data
- Clear categorization of violence types
- Comprehensive list of causes
- Links multiple laws to specific problems
- Shows interconnections between different types of violence
- Identifies lacunas in legal framework
- References SDG 5
- Mentions contemporary issues like marital rape
- Identifies multiple barriers to social mobility
- Links education to constitutional rights
- Clear connection between education and discrimination reduction
- References SDG10 effectively
- Mentions government policy framework
- Includes thinker reference
Aditya Agarwal
Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector
Gender Issues and Violence
Gender-based violence and patriarchal values
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Total words
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Paragraphs
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Bullets
analytical-critical
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