Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The concept of ‘patriarchal bargain’ was introduced by Denise Rothman and Navedah Wazir Ali to explain how women, facing systemic patriarchal constraints, may strategically negotiate within those constraints to maximize their limited agency and well-being. In contemporary India, this manifests as women accepting and even reinforcing traditional gender roles in exchange for perceived security, economic benefits, or social acceptance. This isn’t necessarily a conscious ‘bargain’ but rather a pragmatic response to deeply ingrained societal norms and limited opportunities. The gendered division of work, therefore, becomes a key site where this bargain is enacted, shaping women’s experiences and perpetuating inequalities.
Understanding the Patriarchal Bargain
The patriarchal bargain isn’t simply about women passively accepting patriarchal structures. It’s a complex process of negotiation where women weigh the costs and benefits of challenging or conforming to gender norms. This negotiation is heavily influenced by factors like class, caste, religion, and geographical location. The bargain often involves accepting limitations on mobility, autonomy, and decision-making power in exchange for access to resources or protection from violence.
Manifestations in the Gendered Division of Work
Paid Work
In the formal sector, women often face wage gaps, limited career progression, and occupational segregation (concentrated in lower-paying, ‘feminized’ jobs). The patriarchal bargain plays out as women accepting these conditions to gain economic independence, even if it’s limited. For example, many women in the IT sector, while earning well, still bear the primary responsibility for household chores and childcare, effectively working a ‘double shift’. This reinforces the expectation that work outside the home doesn’t absolve them of domestic duties.
Unpaid Work
The most significant arena for the patriarchal bargain is unpaid care work – housework, childcare, and eldercare. In India, women spend, on average, 6 hours a day on unpaid work, compared to 1.5 hours for men (National Statistical Office, Time Use Survey, 2019). This disparity isn’t simply a matter of preference; it’s often a result of societal expectations and a lack of adequate support systems (like affordable childcare). Women may ‘bargain’ by accepting this disproportionate burden to maintain family harmony or avoid social stigma.
Domestic Work & Intra-Household Dynamics
Within the household, the patriarchal bargain influences decision-making power. Women may accept limited control over finances or household resources in exchange for security or the well-being of their children. This is particularly prevalent in patriarchal families where men are considered the primary breadwinners and decision-makers. The acceptance of dowry, despite being illegal, can also be seen as a manifestation of this bargain, where families attempt to secure a better future for their daughters through a system that inherently devalues them.
Consequences and Challenges
The patriarchal bargain, while offering short-term benefits, has several negative consequences. It perpetuates gender inequality, limits women’s agency, and hinders their full participation in economic and political life. It also reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and contributes to the normalization of violence against women. Challenging the patriarchal bargain requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Economic Empowerment: Providing women with access to education, skills training, and employment opportunities.
- Social Norms Change: Addressing deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes and beliefs through awareness campaigns and education.
- Policy Interventions: Implementing policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay for equal work, affordable childcare, and protection against gender-based violence.
- Strengthening Support Systems: Creating robust social safety nets and support services for women.
Regional Variations
The nature of the patriarchal bargain varies significantly across different regions of India. In some areas, it may involve accepting restrictions on mobility and education, while in others, it may focus on maintaining traditional family structures. For example, in some parts of North India, women may be expected to observe ‘purdah’ (veil) to maintain their ‘honor’, while in other regions, the focus may be on ensuring that women prioritize marriage and motherhood.
| Region | Dominant Form of Patriarchal Bargain | Impact on Women |
|---|---|---|
| North India (Rural) | Restrictions on mobility, emphasis on ‘honor’ | Limited access to education and employment, increased vulnerability to violence |
| South India (Urban) | Acceptance of ‘double burden’ (work & household), limited decision-making power | Stress, burnout, limited career progression |
| Eastern India (Rural) | Early marriage, prioritization of motherhood | Limited educational opportunities, health risks associated with early pregnancy |
Conclusion
The ‘patriarchal bargain’ is a pervasive feature of contemporary Indian society, shaping women’s lives and perpetuating gender inequalities. While it represents a pragmatic response to systemic constraints, it ultimately limits women’s agency and hinders their full potential. Addressing this requires a holistic approach that tackles both the economic and social dimensions of patriarchy, empowering women to negotiate for a more equitable and just society. Moving beyond simply acknowledging the bargain to actively dismantling the structures that necessitate it is crucial for achieving true gender equality in India.
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.