ABSTRACT
This study explores the pervasive gender inequality across all regions and social classes in India,which hinders economic growth and the improvement of Indian lives. The complexity and diversity of gender inequality in India span various fields, including education, employment, income, health, culture, and social and economic issues. The paper aims to identify the factors contributing to this problem and highlights the multi-dimensional nature of gender inequalities in the country. The findings emphasize the economic, social, cultural, and legal biases that challenge policymakers and social scientists in their efforts to achieve equality. The researchers suggest relevant strategies and policy implications to reduce gender inequality and promote a dignified status for Indian women.
KEYWORDS: Gender Inequality, Economic Growth , Diversity, India, Women
INTRODUCTION
After World War II, gender issues, particularly gender inequality, gained significant attention from policymakers and social scientists in the post-modernization era. While gender issues concern both men and women, it is women who predominantly suffer from inequality. In India, gender inequality is highly prevalent and is now a common consideration in government, non-government organizations, and politics. Policymakers believe that committing to gender equality and equity can enhance efforts to reduce poverty, as women bring new perspectives and energy. Debates on women’s development have increased, and numerous national and international organizations strive to promote women’s advancement and eliminate inequality. Feminism has been growing in importance and gaining intellectual legitimacy.
Gender Inequality:
Gender inequality refers to the disparity and unequal treatment between individuals based on their gender. It manifests in various forms and affects different aspects of life, including education, employment, income, health, political participation, and social status. This inequality stems from deeply entrenched societal norms, cultural practices, and institutional biases that favour one gender over another, typically men over women.
In education, gender inequality can be seen in lower enrollment and higher dropout rates for girls compared to boys. In the workforce, women often face wage gaps, limited career advancement opportunities, and a lack of representation in leadership roles. Health disparities are also evident, with women having less access to quality healthcare and facing higher rates of maternal mortality and reproductive health issues.
Cultural and social norms often reinforce traditional gender roles, limiting women’s opportunities and freedoms. Legal inequalities, such as discriminatory laws and policies, further perpetuate these disparities. Gender inequality not only affects individual lives but also hinders societal progress and economic development by limiting the potential and contributions of half the population
Addressing gender inequality requires comprehensive strategies, including policy reforms, educational initiatives, economic empowerment, and societal attitude changes to promote equal opportunities and rights for all genders.
Objective Of the Paper:
1) Identify factors responsible for gender inequality.
2) Provide suggestions to reduce gender inequality.
Scrutinization Methodology: The current study primarily relies on secondary data obtained from sources such as the Unacademy , Statista and much more . Census and crime reported data constitute the focal points of analysis. A systematic approach has been employed to ensure rigorous examination. The analysis integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under investigation. Qualitative techniques enable the exploration of underlying factors, motivations, and contextual nuances, while quantitative methods facilitate the numerical assessment and statistical inference. By combining these approaches, the study aims to offer insights into the dynamics of crime trends and their socio-economic correlates, contributing to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
TYPES OF GENDER INEQUALITY:
According to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, India currently faces seven types of gender inequalities. Here’s a detailed overview of these inequalities:
Mortality Inequality
Mortality inequality refers to the disparity between men and women in terms of mortality rates. In India, there is a higher female infant mortality rate compared to male infants. This results in a population imbalance where men outnumber women. Women in Indian society often receive inadequate healthcare and nutrition compared to men, contributing to higher mortality rates among females.
Natality Inequality
Natality inequality is the preference for boys over girls, which is prevalent in many male dominated societies. In India, this starts with parents preferring to have a male child over a female child. The availability of modern techniques to determine the sex of a fetus has led to sex-selective abortions, despite it being a highly punishable act. This preference for boys over girls leads to significant gender imbalances at birth.
Employment Inequality
In the realm of employment, women frequently face discrimination in terms of job opportunities and promotions. Men are often given priority over women regarding employment opportunities and pay scales. Women face significant barriers in advancing their careers and achieving parity with their male counterparts in the workforce.
Ownership Inequality
Ownership inequality pertains to the unequal distribution of property rights, which have traditionally favoured men in many societies, including India. In most parts of the country, traditional property rights have denied women the right to own property. The lack of property ownership not only silences women’s voices but also makes it challenging for them to participate and thrive in commercial, economic, and social activities.
Special Opportunity Inequality
Women in India often lack access to basic facilities, such as work opportunities and education. This type of inequality denies women the chance to pursue basic and higher education and restricts their access to job opportunities. The lack of educational and employment opportunities hinders women’s personal and professional growth.
Basic-Facility Inequality
Basic-facility inequality occurs even when demographic data does not show significant anti-female bias. In many cases, the unfair treatment of women goes unreported due to cultural notions of pride, honour, and respect. Many forms of discrimination and injustice against women remain hidden, perpetuating inequality in subtle yet pervasive ways.
Household Inequality
Household inequality refers to the fundamental inequalities in gender relations within the family or household. Even in families where there are no overt signs of anti-female activities, such as the preference for a son or female infanticide, women still face discrimination. This can manifest in restrictions on their ability to work or live independently, highlighting deep-rooted gender biases within the domestic sphere.
These seven types of gender inequalities outlined by Amartya Sen illustrate the multifaceted nature of gender discrimination in India. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policy interventions and societal changes to ensure gender equality. Each type of inequality presents unique challenges that need targeted solutions to promote the advancement of women and achieve gender parity in all aspects of life.
GENDER INEQUALITY AT VARIOUS PLACES
1. At Home:- ‘According to the survey, rural women in India are slightly more likely to be employed, with 19.2 percent working on the survey day compared to 16.7 percent of urban women. Rural men also engage more in housework and caregiving, with 27.7 percent and 14.4 percent respectively, compared to 22.6 percent and 13.2 percent of urban men. Although fewer people were engaged in learning on the survey day, women have nearly caught up to men in this aspect1.
2. At Employment :- ‘Women’s full-time average weekly ordinary earnings are 13.8% less than men’s, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points since May 2021. In non-public sector organizations with 100+ employees, the base salary gender pay gap is 18.3%, and 23.8% for total remuneration. The gender pay gap for full-time non-managerial employees is 8.8%, and 11.1% for all non managerial employees, favouring men. Women’s median undergraduate starting salaries are 3.9% less than men’s, widening to 14.1% for postgraduate graduates. Median superannuation balances for women at retirement are 23.4% lower than men’s in 2018-19, and 55.2% of aged pension recipients are women2 ’.
3. At Education :- ‘According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2020, 88 percent of females worldwide had primary education compared to 91 percent of males. However, more females than males had attained tertiary education. The Global Gender Index benchmarks national gender gaps based on economic, political, education, and health criteria. In 2020, Iceland was the leading country with a score of 0.87’ 3.
1) Statista: Work and Home Divide Among Men and Women : https://www.statista.com/chart/29460/day-use-survey-india-employment-housework/#:~:text=Gender%20Equality&text=The%20results%20show%20that%20only,did%20work%20around%20the%20house.
2) Gender Equality Statistics at Glance 2022 : https://www.wgea.gov.au/publications/gender-equality-workplace-statistics-at-a-glance-2022#:~:text=The%20full-time%20average%20weekly,for%20total%20remuneration%20%5B8%5D.
3) Statista : Education Attainment Worldwide in 2020 , by gender and level : https://www.statista.com/statistics/1212278/education-gender-gap-worldwide-by-level
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY OF GENDER INEQUALITY
Women are underrepresented in academic philosophy, prompting the creation of Women in Ancient Philosophy, which offers opportunities for female researchers to support each other. The program has two major event formats organized by RTG’s female doctoral students:
1. Ancient Philosophy Workshop for Female Graduate Students and Early Career Researchers: This international platform allows young female philosophers to present and discuss their research, network with peers and senior researchers, and gain insights from a senior woman philosopher’s keynote address.
2. Women in Ancient Philosophy Guest Lecture Series: This series provides a forum for discussion and networking, featuring advanced female academics who share their philosophical experiences and views on gender issues in academia.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING GENDER INEQUALITY
Illiteracy : Illiteracy is a major factor contributing to gender inequality, stemming from unequal access to education and insensitivity in educational practices. According to the 2011 census of India, the overall literacy rate is 65.38%, with male literacy at 82.14% and female literacy at only 65.46%.
Cultural Factors : India has a deep-rooted tradition favoring male children over female ones, perpetuated by ancient scriptures like Manusmriti. This cultural bias has led to practices like femicide, which persist to this day.
Social Evils : The amalgamation of cultural and historical influences has ingrained in society the belief in the inferiority of women. Females are often considered secondary, leading to stigmatization and perceptions of them being mentally and physically weaker.
Child Marriage : Girls, in particular, are often married off at a young age, hindering their overall development and impacting their health negatively.
Economic Constraints : Widespread poverty and insufficient economic growth have hindered women’s ability to break social barriers. Economic dependence on male counterparts further perpetuates gender inequality.
Discrimination against Girl Child : Girls are often not treated equally within families, with a preference for male offspring still prevalent. Female infanticide remains a prevalent social evil, with girls often being trained solely for household chores.
Limited Participation in Decision-Making : Women are underrepresented in political and bureaucratic decision-making spheres, further exacerbating gender disparities
CONTRIBUTION OF SAVITRI BAI PHULE IN IT’S ERADICATION
Savitribai Phule’s monumental contribution to women’s education has left an indelible mark on Indian history. Her relentless struggle for women’s rights and gender equality resonates whenever women’s issues are discussed. Despite facing harassment and violence from those opposed to women’s education, Savitribai persevered, igniting the flame of equality in society. She is hailed as a champion for women’s empowerment, emphasizing the transformative power of education for women and marginalized communities. Her efforts led to a surge in girls’ education, marking a significant revolution in Indian history. Each year, on her birth anniversary, celebrated on January 3rd, India commemorates her legacy and promotes her advocacy for future generations.
CONCLUSION
Gender inequality persists as a pervasive issue globally, undermining social progress and economic prosperity. Despite strides towards gender equality, disparities persist across various spheres of life, reflecting deep-rooted societal norms, cultural biases, and institutional barriers. In examining the multifaceted nature of gender inequality, it becomes evident that its impact extends beyond individual experiences to shape broader socio-economic dynamics.
Education stands as a critical battleground in the fight against gender inequality. While significant progress has been made in increasing access to education for girls and women, disparities persist in quality, retention rates, and enrollment in STEM fields. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive efforts to dismantle barriers to education, including discriminatory practices, lack of resources, and cultural norms that prioritize boys’ education over girls’.
In the workforce, gender disparities persist in terms of pay, representation in leadership positions, and access to opportunities. The gender pay gap reflects systemic biases and discrimination, with women earning less than their male counterparts for comparable work. Furthermore, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and limiting their influence in shaping policies and organizational practices.
Beyond the workplace, gender inequality manifests in various forms, including limited access to healthcare, political participation, and property rights. Cultural norms and traditional gender roles often restrict women’s autonomy and agency, perpetuating inequalities in social and familial dynamics.
Addressing gender inequality requires concerted efforts across multiple fronts. Legal frameworks must be strengthened to protect women’s rights and promote gender equality in all spheres of life. Investments in education and healthcare are essential to ensure equal opportunities and empower women to participate fully in society. Moreover, efforts to challenge societal norms and stereotypes are crucial in promoting cultural shifts towards greater gender equality.
Ultimately, achieving gender equality requires a collective commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to social progress. By recognizing the interconnectedness of gender inequality with broader social and economic dynamics, we can work towards building a more equitable and just world for future generations.
References
1. Unacademy : Types of Gender Inequality – https://unacademy.com/content/upsc/study-material/post-independence-india/gender-inequality-in-india/
2. METIS : Women in Ancient Philosophy : https://www.metis.huberlin.de/best_practice/women_ancient_philosophy/
4. Dalit Times : https://dalittimes.in/anniversary-of-savitribai-phule/