The transformation of gender relations since the beginning of the 20th century is one of most profound social changes in human history. The history of human civilization thus far has been characterized by male domination in gender relations.
Gender inequality refers to the unequal distribution of social positions, status, economic benefits etc on the basis of biological differences and is unfavorable for females due to embedded socio-cultural values throughout the world in general and in India in particular.
This gender discrimination takes many forms. Many social practices seen as normal from a religious or cultural point of view (which may have deep historical roots) leave women out of the economic mainstream. These practices may have profound socio-economic consequences because they do not allow society to take advantage of the talent inherent in women.
The present study investigates that how despite the legal guarantee of the liberty and equality, especially in part III of the Indian constitution through Article 14, 15 and 16 of the very basic law of the country, the position of women is pathetic.
The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire from 120 female respondents from 3 villages of Mewat district, namely Hassanpur, Sheikhpur and Kalwari. The study found that violence lies in the structure of the society and has a place in the cultural practices which is well exemplified through gender imbalance, lack of access to schooling facilities, lack of personal and political freedom, no say in decision making, forced marriages, few economic opportunities, lack of securing income, pressure to cover the head and body with no personal choices.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Feminist Perspective and Human Security
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the status of women in the Mewat district, India, analyzing how systemic gender-based discrimination and cultural practices persist despite constitutional guarantees of equality. The research aims to expose the structural violence and patriarchal constraints that limit women's access to education, economic autonomy, and decision-making power.
- Gender-based inequality and its socio-cultural roots
- Human security through a feminist lens
- Structural barriers to women's economic and political participation
- The impact of patriarchal traditions on women's physical and personal security
- Evaluation of women's agency in household and societal decision-making
Excerpt from the Book
The position of women in the society can be best defined in what Amartya Sen says as ‘unfavourable inclusion,’ i.e. they are placed in the society on the secondary position.
An observation at some of the basic indicators itself reflect the position of women in India. In gender inequality index India ranks 135 in world with the cumulative index of 0.563. The maternal mortality ratio (death per 100,000 live birth) is still 200, while for the developed nation like Norway and Australia it is as low as 7. Similarly the adolescent birth rate (birth per 100 women aged 15-19) for India is 32.79 while it is as low 1.9 for Switzerland and 3.8 for Germany. Similarly the share of women in the legislature (decision making body in a democratic structure) is around 10.8 % in India, while for countries Norway, Germany and New Zealand it is more than 30%.
Habermas consider knowledge as power. Education is considered as synonym of knowledge and in 21st century knowledge precedes the power. If we look at the population of women with at least secondary education in India (% aged 25 and above), it is around 26.6% while for the male it is 50.4%. Although it is low for both the gender but it clearly reflects the dichotomy of gender basis. Similarly the participation of women in the Labour force is 28.8 % while for the male it is 80.9%. The Gender related development index female to male ratio of HDI is 0.828 %. The HDI for female is 0.519 while for male it is 0.627.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides a conceptual framework for human security, shifting the focus from state-centric military security to a human-centered approach that prioritizes individual well-being and freedom.
Feminist Perspective and Human Security: This section explores how gender discrimination undermines the core pillars of human security, arguing that women's security is a fundamental precondition for the prosperity of any society.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the field study conducted in the Mewat district, outlining the use of structured questionnaires with 120 female respondents across three villages to assess their socio-economic and demographic status.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: This final section presents the empirical evidence of systemic patriarchal oppression in Mewat, highlighting extreme economic dependency, limited educational attainment, and a lack of agency in personal and reproductive decisions.
Keywords
Human Security, Feminist Perspective, Mewat, Gender Inequality, Patriarchy, Structural Violence, Women's Empowerment, Education, Decision Making, Labor Force Participation, Dowry System, Human Development Index, Social Exclusion, Reproductive Rights, Gender Discrimination
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the status of women in the Mewat district of India through a feminist lens, specifically analyzing how patriarchal structures and cultural practices contribute to gender inequality and human insecurity.
What is the core argument regarding human security?
The author argues that human security cannot be achieved without addressing the security of women, asserting that a society cannot prosper if half of its population remains marginalized and constrained.
What is the main research question?
The research investigates how, despite legal guarantees of liberty and equality in the Indian Constitution, the position of women remains disadvantaged and subordinate in practice.
What research methodology was employed?
The study utilized a field-based approach, collecting data via structured, close-ended questionnaires from 120 female respondents across the villages of Hassanpur, Sheikhpur, and Kalwari in the Mewat district.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in the analysis?
The analysis covers education, economic independence, political participation, decision-making power within the family, and the impact of harmful cultural practices like the dowry system and the veil (Ghoonghat) system.
Which specific keywords define this study?
Key terms include Human Security, Feminist Perspective, Gender Inequality, Patriarchy, Structural Violence, and Mewat.
How does the study define the concept of 'unfavourable inclusion' as mentioned by Amartya Sen?
It refers to the phenomenon where women are present in the social and economic sphere but are systematically relegated to secondary, disadvantaged positions that prevent them from exercising their full potential.
What do the findings suggest about women's economic independence in Mewat?
The findings indicate that economic empowerment is largely a mirage, with the vast majority of women remaining economically dependent on their husbands or in-laws and lacking control over their own personal income.
How does the study characterize the influence of patriarchal pressure on reproductive health?
The data reveals that women have almost no say in childbearing decisions, with intense family and societal pressure to produce male heirs leading to the prevalence of sex-selective practices and health risks for women.
- Quote paper
- Kusum Iata (Author), 2016, Human Security in the Mewat district. A feminist perspective, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/349718
