Discuss the roots of gender-related prejudice in the Indian society. Why is it so resistant?

Historical Roots of Gender Prejudice

The roots of gender prejudice in India can be traced back to several historical periods:

• Ancient Texts & Religious Interpretations: Early Hindu texts, while sometimes portraying strong female figures, also contain passages reinforcing patriarchal norms. Later interpretations often emphasized female subordination. Similarly, interpretations of Islamic law also contributed to gendered roles.
• Mughal Era & Colonial Rule: The Mughal period saw the consolidation of patriarchal structures, and British colonial policies often exacerbated existing inequalities. The introduction of Western education, while offering opportunities for some women, also reinforced Victorian notions of femininity.
• Pre-Independence Social Reforms: While reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Jyotirao Phule challenged prevailing norms, their impact was limited to certain sections of society.

Socio-Cultural Factors Perpetuating Prejudice

Several socio-cultural factors continue to fuel gender-related prejudice:

• Patriarchal Norms: Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms dictate that men are superior and women are subordinate. This manifests in various forms, including son preference, restrictions on women’s mobility, and control over their reproductive rights.
• Socialization & Conditioning: From a young age, children are socialized into gender roles through family, education, and media. Girls are often encouraged to be docile and nurturing, while boys are encouraged to be assertive and ambitious.
• Caste & Class Intersections: Gender prejudice intersects with caste and class, creating multiple layers of discrimination. Women from marginalized castes and lower socioeconomic backgrounds face compounded disadvantages.
• Khap Panchayats & Honor Killings: The existence of Khap Panchayats, particularly in North India, and the practice of honor killings demonstrate the extreme forms of gender-based violence and control.
• Media Representation: Often, media perpetuates stereotypical representations of women, reinforcing traditional gender roles and objectifying women.

Reasons for Resistance to Change

Despite efforts to promote gender equality, prejudice remains remarkably resistant due to:

• Entrenched Social Conditioning: Generations of social conditioning have deeply ingrained patriarchal beliefs, making it difficult to challenge them.
• Institutional Support: Laws and policies, while improving, still contain loopholes or are poorly implemented, failing to adequately protect women’s rights. For example, the persistence of dowry-related crimes despite the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
• Economic Dependence: Women’s economic dependence on men often limits their agency and makes them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
• Lack of Awareness & Education: Limited access to education and awareness programs hinders the ability of individuals to critically examine and challenge gender stereotypes.
• Political Underrepresentation: The low representation of women in political decision-making bodies limits their ability to influence policies and advocate for their rights. (As of December 2023, women constitute approximately 14.44% of the Lok Sabha).
• Resistance from Conservative Elements: Conservative elements within society actively resist efforts to promote gender equality, viewing them as a threat to traditional values.

Factor	Impact on Resistance
Social Conditioning	Deeply ingrained beliefs are difficult to change; unconscious biases persist.
Economic Dependence	Limits women’s agency and ability to challenge patriarchal norms.
Political Underrepresentation	Lack of female voices in policy-making hinders progress.
Institutional Loopholes	Weak enforcement of laws allows prejudice to continue.