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LCA Assignment 29:8

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19 views3 pages

LCA Assignment 29:8

Gfd

Uploaded by

Palak Gupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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LCA Assignment

29 August 2024

Advanced social Psychology

Palak gupta

23223044

Assignment

In India, gender, caste, and sexuality are deeply interconnected, shaping how people live

and interact within society. Each of these aspects has roots in longstanding traditions and cultural

norms, which continue to have a strong influence today.

Gender roles in India are often defined by patriarchal beliefs, where women are expected to take

care of the home and family, while men are seen as breadwinners and decision-makers. This

traditional view of gender reinforces inequality, limiting women's opportunities in areas like

education, work, and healthcare. For example, the preference for sons over daughters is still

prevalent in many parts of India, driven by cultural and economic reasons, leading to imbalanced

sex ratios (Miller, 1981). While media and literature have historically reinforced these

stereotypes, there has been some progress toward depicting women in more empowered roles.
Despite being outlawed, the caste system still plays a crucial role in dividing Indian society. It

influences everything from social status to access to resources and even marriage. Discrimination

based on caste is widespread, particularly in rural areas, where lower-caste communities, such as

Dalits, often face social exclusion and violence (Deshpande, 2011). When caste and gender

intersect, the discrimination becomes even more severe, particularly for Dalit women who face

oppression on multiple fronts. Scholars like Gopal Guru and Sharmila Rege have shed light on

how these women experience unique forms of discrimination. Recent movements like

#DalitLivesMatter and writings by Dalit feminists have been essential in raising awareness about

these issues.

Sexuality in India is generally controlled by conservative norms that stigmatize non-

heteronormative identities. For years, homosexuality was criminalized under Section 377 of the

Indian Penal Code, a colonial-era law that was only partially repealed in 2018. Although this was

a significant legal victory, social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is still limited. The intersection

of caste and sexuality adds another layer of complexity, as those from lower castes who identify

as LGBTQ+ often face even harsher discrimination. Activists like Grace Banu and groups like

the Dalit Queer Project are vocal about the need to address both caste and sexuality in

discussions about LGBTQ+ rights (Kumar, 2016).

Examples: Real-life stories show how gender, caste, and sexuality intersect to shape

experiences. For instance, Phoolan Devi, a Dalit woman who became a bandit and later a

politician, faced extreme oppression due to her caste and gender (Dwyer, 2000). Similarly,

Revathi, a Dalit transgender woman, has spoken about the multiple layers of marginalization she

endures because of her gender, caste, and sexual identity (Revathi, 2010).
In summary, the way gender, caste, and sexuality intersect in India creates complex and often

compounded forms of discrimination, particularly for those from marginalized communities.

Recognizing these connections is essential for fostering a more inclusive and just society.

References:

1. Deshpande, S. (2011). Contemporary India: A Sociological View. Penguin Books India.

2. Dwyer, R. (2000). The life and times of Phoolan Devi, the bandit queen. Arrow.

3. Guru, G. (1995). Dalit Women Talk Differently. Economic and Political Weekly.

4. Kumar, K. (2016). Queer Politics in India: Towards Sexual Subaltern Subjects. Palgrave

Macmillan.

5. Miller, B. D. (1981). The Endangered Sex: Neglect of Female Children in Rural North

India. Cornell University Press.

6. Rege, S. (2006). Writing Caste/Writing Gender: Narrating Dalit Women's Testimonies.

Zubaan.

7. Revathi, A. (2010). The Truth About Me: A Hijra Life Story. Penguin Books India.

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