Understanding Gendered Violence In Democratic India: Oxford Studies In Gender

Gendered Citizenship: Understanding Gendered Violence in Democratic India (Oxford Studies in Gender and International Relations)

by Natasha Behl

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Language	:	English
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Gendered violence remains a persistent and deeply rooted issue in India, despite the country's democratic principles and constitutional guarantees of equality. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of gendered violence in Democratic India, examining its historical, social, and political roots, as well as its various forms, patterns, and perpetrators. Drawing upon a wealth of research and case studies, the article offers valuable insights and recommendations for prevention and intervention strategies.

Historical and Cultural Context

India's history and cultural landscape have shaped the prevalence of gendered violence in the country. The patriarchal structure of Indian society, with its deeply ingrained gender roles and expectations, has created an environment where women and girls are often seen as inferior and subservient to men. This inequality is further reinforced by religious and cultural norms that promote the idea of male dominance and female submission.

Traditionally, women in India have been confined to domestic roles and denied access to education, employment, and decision-making power. This lack of economic and social autonomy has made women and girls more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Forms and Patterns of Gendered Violence

Gendered violence in India manifests in various forms, including:

• Domestic violence: This is the most prevalent form of gender-based violence in India, affecting an estimated 30% of women. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse within the family or household.
• Sexual violence: This includes rape, sexual assault, molestation, and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity. India has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, with an estimated 20 million women experiencing some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
• Stalking: This involves unwanted and persistent attention and harassment, which can include following, phone calls, text messages, or online harassment.
• Dowry-related violence: This refers to violence against women related to the dowry, a traditional payment made by the bride's family to the groom's family. Dowry-related violence can include murder, suicide, and abandonment.
• Honor killings: These are crimes where women are killed by their family members to protect the family's honor or reputation. Honor killings are often motivated by the victim's perceived transgression of social norms, such as marrying outside of the caste or having an extramarital relationship.

Gendered violence can also take more subtle forms, such as emotional abuse, verbal harassment, and economic coercion. These forms of violence can have a significant impact on women's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Perpetrators of Gendered Violence

Gendered violence is primarily perpetrated by men. The perpetrators of gender-based violence can be:

• Intimate partners: This is the most common type of perpetrator in cases of domestic violence and sexual violence.
• Family members: This includes parents, siblings, and other relatives who may engage in violence against women and girls within the family home.
• Strangers: This includes individuals who have no prior relationship with the victim and who commit acts of violence, such as rape or stalking.

Perpetrators of gendered violence often justify their actions by citing traditional gender roles, cultural norms, or a sense of entitlement over women and girls.

Consequences of Gendered Violence

Gendered violence has devastating consequences for women and girls, as well as for their families and communities. Its effects can be physical, psychological, social, and economic.

• Physical consequences: Gendered violence can result in injuries, disabilities, and even death. It can also have long-term health effects, such as sexually transmitted infections, chronic pain, and mental health problems.
• Psychological consequences: Gendered violence can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It can also damage women's self-esteem and confidence.

Gendered Citizenship: Understanding Gendered Violence in Democratic India (Oxford Studies in Gender and International Relations)

by Natasha Behl

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1372 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE