Define Patriarchy. How does it impact the overall entitlement of a girl child in India?

Understanding Patriarchy and its Manifestations

Patriarchy operates through various mechanisms, including:

• Ideological Control: Reinforcing beliefs about gender roles, emphasizing male superiority and female dependence.
• Institutional Structures: Laws, policies, and institutions that historically favored men and continue to perpetuate inequalities.
• Social Norms: Practices like son preference, dowry, and restrictions on women’s mobility.
• Violence Against Women: A tool to control and subordinate women, ranging from domestic violence to honor killings.

Impact on a Girl Child’s Entitlement: A Lifecycle Perspective

Birth and Infancy

The impact of patriarchy is often visible from birth. Son preference, driven by cultural norms and the perceived economic value of sons, leads to:

• Sex-selective abortion: Despite being illegal under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, the practice continues, contributing to a declining sex ratio.
• Female infanticide: Though decreasing, it still occurs in some regions, particularly in states with low sex ratios.
• Differential care and nutrition: Girls often receive less attention and nutritional support compared to boys, impacting their health and development.

Childhood and Education

Patriarchal norms significantly affect a girl child’s access to education:

• Lower enrollment rates: Girls are more likely to be withdrawn from school due to economic constraints, domestic responsibilities, or societal expectations. According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) data (2019-20), the net enrollment ratio for girls at the primary level is lower than that of boys in several states.
• Limited access to quality education: Girls often attend schools with inadequate infrastructure and resources, hindering their learning outcomes.
• Gender stereotypes in curriculum: Textbooks and educational materials often reinforce traditional gender roles, limiting girls’ aspirations.

Adolescence and Health

Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period for girls:

• Early marriage: Despite being illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, child marriage persists, particularly in rural areas, denying girls the opportunity to complete their education and develop their potential.
• Limited access to reproductive health services: Girls often lack awareness and access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health.
• Gender-based violence: Girls are at increased risk of sexual harassment, assault, and domestic violence.

Adulthood and Economic Empowerment

Patriarchy continues to limit a woman’s economic opportunities and social mobility:

• Limited access to employment: Women face discrimination in the labor market, often being confined to low-paying, informal sector jobs.
• Wage gap: Women earn less than men for the same work, reflecting gender bias and discrimination.
• Unequal property rights: Women often have limited rights to inherit or own property, making them economically vulnerable.
• Burden of unpaid care work: Women disproportionately bear the responsibility for household chores and childcare, limiting their ability to pursue education or employment.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

The Indian government has implemented several schemes to address gender inequality, including:

• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme (2015): Aims to improve the sex ratio and promote education for girls.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (2015): A savings scheme for the education and marriage of girl children.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme (2017): Provides women with access to information, skills, and opportunities.

However, these schemes face challenges such as inadequate funding, poor implementation, and deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes.