Gender, Religion and Caste

A system where all work inside the home is done by women, and work outside by men. It is not biological but social.

Movements aiming at equality in personal and family life for women. Agitations for voting rights, education, and career opportunities.

Rule by father. A social system that values men more and gives them power over women.

Provides that equal wages should be paid to equal work (for men and women).

Number of girl children per 1000 boys. In India, it has fallen to 919 (2011). Indicates son preference and female foeticide.

When religion is seen as the basis of the nation. Belief that followers of one religion belong to one community and their interests are different from others. Use of state power for one religion.

A state that has no official religion. Constitution gives freedom to practice any religion. State intervenes only to ensure equality (e.g., banning untouchability).

A ladder like formation where all caste groups are placed from 'highest' to 'lowest'.

Shift from one occupation to another (usually from hereditary one). Breaking caste rigidity.

Parties treating a single caste as a vote bank, appealing to caste sentiments to win elections.

1. Literacy (lower). 2. Unpaid work (domestic). 3. Sex ratio (foeticide). 4. Representation (low in parliament).

1. Urbanisation. 2. Literacy/Education. 3. Occupational mobility. 4. Weakening of landlordism.

1. Untouchability exists in minds. 2. Marriage within caste. 3. Politics mobilizes caste.

One person one vote. Dealing a blow to caste hierarchy.

One-third seats are reserved. This has empowered over 10 lakh women.

Laws dealing with family matters like marriage, divorce, adoption. Different for different religions. Feminists demand uniform code.

1. Candidates chosen based on caste numbers. 2. Parties appeal to caste pride. 3. New caste groups form (Backward/Forward).

It politicizes caste (makes it a pressure group). It brings new consciousness.

No. No constituency has a clear majority of one caste. Voters vote for performance too. MPs lose elections frequently.

Countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland have very high participation of women in public life.

Women literacy: 54%. Men: 76% (2011).

Women work 1 hour more than men daily.

Women in Lok Sabha: < 12% (climbed slowly).

Scandinavia: > 40%.

Sample Registration System reports sex ratio.

Urbanisation loosens caste hold.

Jyotiba Phule, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Periyar fought caste.

Constitution bans Untouchability (Art 17).

India is a Secular State.

Communalism can take ugly forms (Riots).

Human Rights groups say minorities suffer most in riots.

Caste is unique to India.

Politics in Caste: 'Forward' vs 'Backward'.

Women's Reservation Bill (33% in Parliament) is pending (passed recently in 2023 but text refers to earlier context).

Religion should not guide politics (Gandhiji said religion = ethics).

Equal Remuneration Act