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    Women, Power and Politics

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    joshirohan412

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    Women, Power and Politics

    Uploaded by

    joshirohan412
    6 views2 pages

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    6 views2 pages

    Women, Power and Politics

    Uploaded by

    joshirohan412

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    The MDC course on “Women, Power, and Politics” definitely influenced and

    reshaped my perspective on the prevalent gender dynamics in patriarchal society


    and the idea of politics. Firstly, it introduced a broader sense of understanding
    about politics, which looks beyond the formal political institutions and thus does
    not describe politics as an arena but as a process that is present in every aspect of
    our lives. It is an inherent part of collective existence because collective lives
    require sharing resources as well as negotiating with power. Although traditionally,
    the family has been excluded from political considerations and was regarded as a
    private entity, modern feminists argue that issues such as family dynamics,
    relationships, and power structures within households are inherently political. The
    phrase “personal is political” popularized during the second wave of feminism
    highlighted the importance, how subtly power dynamics operates in our daily
    personal lives as well as prompted how gender influenced the distribution and
    exercise of power in the society. Although, our world has witnessed significant
    progress towards gender equality, yet the roots of patriarchal ideologies persist in
    contemporary society, subtly undermining the roles of women both within the
    family and in the political arena.

    Traditional gender roles in families are imposed by patriarchal norms, assigning


    predetermined duties based on outdated stereotypes. Despite the rise of women in
    the workforce, a significant portion still bears domestic responsibilities, limiting
    their personal and professional growth. Gender-based violence and discrimination
    further highlight the prevalence of patriarchal structures within families, making
    women vulnerable to abuse, coercion, and unequal power dynamics, hindering
    their autonomy and ability to thrive in supportive environments.

    In the political realm, women continue to face systemic challenges that impede
    their full participation and influence. Gender bias, stereotypes, and ingrained
    prejudices contribute to the underrepresentation of women in political offices and
    decision-making bodies, thus preventing women from rising to leadership roles and
    contributing to diverse policies. Patriarchy's influence also manifests in laws and
    policies that fail to address gender-based issues, such as insufficient support for
    maternity leave, affordable childcare, and measures against workplace
    discrimination, which discourage women's progress and active involvement in
    political life.

    At the end, this course helped me understand the concept of intersectionality in


    politics, emphasizing that women's experiences are not monolithic, which my
    broadened my perspective. Women from diverse backgrounds, encompassing race,
    ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation, face distinct challenges
    that intersect with their gender. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these
    factors has been pivotal in understanding of power dynamics and is crucial for
    understanding how they shape political narratives.

    To combat patriarchal society, it's essential to challenge ingrained attitudes and


    dismantle structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality. This involves
    fostering a cultural shift that values women's contributions both within and outside
    the home. Initiatives like gender-sensitive education, workplace policies, and
    political representation can help create a more inclusive, equitable society where
    women are empowered to fulfill their roles.

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