India’s traditional beliefs regarding gender.
Answers
Explanation:
Traditionally in the Indian culture the gender roles are quite specific and very traditional. The women are supposed to take care of raising children and perform domestic works while the men provide financial support.
Indian society like a number of ‘classical’ societies is still patriarchal. Patriarchal values regulating sexuality, reproduction, and social productions are expressed through specific cultural metaphors. Overt rules prohibiting women from certain important specific activities and denying certain rights did exist. But the more subtle expression of patriarchy is through symbolism i.e., giving messages of the inferiority of women through legends that highlight the self-sacrificing, self-effacing pure image of women. It is also expressed through the ritual practices which day in and day out emphasize the role of women as faithful wives and devout mothers. Also, women are trained not to challenge discrimination, subordination, exploitation, and subjugation at various levels in the system. These norms restrict women from having aspirations beyond marriage. Similarly, for men, gender norms are constructed around masculinity and a man’s sense of self hinges on his ability to control women. Until the daughter is married, her protection and chastity are considered as a mark of the father’s honour and masculinity.