Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Patriarchy, defined as a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it, remains deeply entrenched in Indian society despite constitutional guarantees of equality. While India has witnessed increasing female participation in the workforce, particularly among the middle class, this progress is often shadowed by persistent patriarchal norms. These norms manifest in subtle and overt ways, impacting a middle-class working woman’s opportunities, experiences, and overall well-being. The ‘double burden’ of work and domestic responsibilities, coupled with societal expectations, creates unique challenges for these women.
Impact of Patriarchy on Middle Class Working Women
Patriarchy’s influence is pervasive, affecting various aspects of a middle-class working woman’s life. It can be broadly categorized into economic, social, and psychological dimensions.
1. Workplace Challenges
- Wage Gap: Despite equal qualifications, women often earn less than their male counterparts. According to the Oxfam India Wealth Inequality Report 2023, women in India earn 18% less than men.
- Glass Ceiling: Women face barriers to career advancement, often being overlooked for promotions and leadership roles. This is often attributed to unconscious biases and stereotypes about their commitment and capabilities.
- Sexual Harassment: The Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, aims to address this, but underreporting remains a significant issue due to fear of stigma and retaliation.
- Lack of Supportive Infrastructure: Limited access to affordable childcare and eldercare facilities disproportionately affects working women, forcing them to make difficult choices between career and family.
2. Domestic Sphere & ‘Double Burden’
- Unequal Distribution of Household Labor: Middle-class working women are often expected to shoulder the majority of domestic responsibilities – cooking, cleaning, childcare, and eldercare – in addition to their professional commitments. This ‘double burden’ leads to stress, exhaustion, and limited time for personal development.
- Societal Expectations: Traditional gender roles dictate that women are primarily responsible for maintaining the household and raising children. Deviating from these expectations can lead to social disapproval and familial pressure.
- Limited Male Involvement: Patriarchal norms often discourage men from actively participating in household chores and childcare, perpetuating the unequal distribution of labor.
3. Social Constraints & Safety Concerns
- Mobility Restrictions: Women’s mobility is often restricted due to safety concerns and societal norms. This can limit their access to opportunities and social interactions.
- Public Safety: India continues to grapple with high rates of gender-based violence, including sexual assault and harassment in public spaces. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows a consistent rise in crimes against women in recent years. (Data as of knowledge cutoff - 2021)
- Social Stigma: Women who challenge traditional gender roles or make unconventional choices may face social stigma and ostracism.
- Decision-Making Power: Despite being financially independent, women may have limited decision-making power within the family, particularly regarding financial matters and major life choices.
4. Psychological Impact
- Internalized Patriarchy: Women may internalize patriarchal norms, leading to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a reluctance to assert their rights.
- Stress and Anxiety: The constant pressure to balance work, family, and societal expectations can contribute to stress, anxiety, and mental health issues.
- Imposter Syndrome: Women may experience imposter syndrome, doubting their accomplishments and fearing exposure as a fraud.
The intersection of caste, class, and religion further complicates these challenges, creating unique vulnerabilities for women from marginalized communities.
Conclusion
Addressing the impact of patriarchy on middle-class working women requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes enacting and enforcing laws that promote gender equality, challenging harmful social norms through education and awareness campaigns, providing access to affordable childcare and eldercare facilities, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Empowering women economically and socially is not only a matter of justice but also crucial for India’s overall development. A sustained effort to dismantle patriarchal structures is essential to unlock the full potential of women and create a more equitable society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.