ROLE OF LAW IN BREAKING GENDER STEREOTYPE IN INDIA

Malavika Manoj, Student, Government Law College, Kozhikode, Kerala

INTRODUCTION

Gender stereotyping refers to the fixed idea of roles, behaviours and characteristics that are expected by the society from male and female individuals. Even with large cultures and traditions, India has been bound by rigid gender roles and stereotypes. These societal norms have shaped the individuals by restricting the choices and potentials. These stereotyping of individuals have resulted greatly in the form of discrimination and unequal comparisons and opportunities for men and women and other marginalized people. The law has played a significant role in transforming the stereotypes.

UNDERSTANDING GENDER ROLES AND STEREOTYPES IN THE INDIAN SOCIETY

In India, gender roles and stereotypes are deeply-rooted in the cultural, societal and religious traditions. The society expects men and women to live and behave differently. For example, the society expects its men not show any emotions or feelings towards people and things whereas the same society expects women to be emotional and more rational. This system has been followed by the individuals of the society for a really long time which in fact, has been treated as a custom by the society and anyone who disobeys or challenges the custom would be treated separately by the society. These strict gender roles restrict opportunities for both men and women which leads to inequality, discrimination and mental health issues. To stop these stereotypes, efforts are being made through education, legal reforms, and empowerment initiatives. By addressing these challenges, India can reduce its gender inequality and create a society where individuals can pursue their dreams regardless of their gender.

Gender stereotyping has a negative impact on both the individuals and the society which leads to gender inequality and discrimination. It restricts opportunities, mostly for women in education, careers, and personal growth, while maintaining workplace inequality through pay gaps and fewer leadership roles for women. Stereotypes perpetuate social discrimination, such as child marriage and preference for male children, and contribute to gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and sexual harassment. Rigid gender roles can cause mental health issues by placing undue pressure on individuals to conform to societal expectations. Addressing these stereotypes is essential for achieving gender equality and creating a more inclusive society.

BREAKING GENDER ROLES AND STEREOTYPES

One of the primary places for breaking the gender roles and stereotypes is from within the family. Families play a crucial role in developing an individual’s behaviour and character. Breaking these stereotypes means breaking the traditional norms and allowing people to pursue their interests regardless of their gender. India has made some significant progress in promoting equality using legal measures. The Constitution ensures equal treatment, protects against discrimination, and protects the rights of all genders. Laws like the Equal Remuneration Act help the wage gap by ensuring that men and women are paid equally for the same work. To create safer environments, the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act offer protection against abuse and harassment. The Maternity Benefit Act supports working mothers by helping them balance their career and family life. The Hindu Succession Act gives daughters equal rights to inherit family property. Using these laws, they help create a society where people can live with dignity and equality without their gender being questioned.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The practical impact of legal provisions aims to break the gender stereotypes in India. It has been successful in most areas of society. Workplace equality has seen progress as laws ensuring equal pay and protection from harassment create safer workplace. Women have gained empowerment through reforms like equal rights and protection from domestic violence. These changes have helped them claim their rights and roles as a woman of a society. They have also led more women to leadership positions that challenges gender norms. The sexual offenses and harassment against women have raised awareness and encouraged more reporting, making women safer. Over the time, these legal changes are promoting a cultural change as a whole where traditional gender roles are being changed but for a better tomorrow. As a result, India is seeing a more diverse and productive workforce, which is positively impacting the economy. While there are challenges in implementing the laws, these laws are gradually creating a society that is more inclusive and equal for everyone, no matter their gender.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, egal provisions aimed at breaking gender stereotypes in India have had a significant impact on promoting gender equality and challenging societal norms. By implementing laws for equal pay, protecting individuals from violence and harassment, protecting the rights of marginalized groups, India has taken significant steps towards creating a more inclusive society. These legal reforms give individuals the freedom to pursue their dreams without their gender questioned, leading to safer, more diverse, and productive environments. Although there are difficulties in enforcing these laws, they are slowly changing traditional rules of society and improving the lives of women, men, and marginalized individuals. This shift is working towards a future where gender equality becomes a reality for everyone.

REFERENCES

  1. Times of India’s article on gender roles and stereotyping
  2. The Hindu’s article on gender roles
  3. UNICEF’s article on gender equality
  4. Talkitover’s article on gender stereotype- https://talkitover.in/gender-stereotypes/
Scroll to Top