Assignment Code: MDV-004 / TMA / July 2022- January 2023

Course Code: MDV-004

Assignment Name: Gender and Development

Year: 2022 - 2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all the questions. Each question carries 20 marks.

To be attempted only by those who have taken this course as elective.

Q 1. What is social construction? Explain different components of social construction and gender?

Ans) Social construction is a social process that involves both the actions of individuals and the actions of other groups. Every person's view of the world is shaped by how he or she interacts with society and how he or she participates in different social processes. Since each person's experiences shape social construction, it is often said that social construction itself has subjective biases. The interests of a certain group or class of people also have a big effect on social construction and often lead to it.

For example, in some developing countries, the power and education are held by a small group of elites who don't care about the development of the majority's human resources. In this way, the dominant group's culture, norms, ideas, and values are used to justify and support a certain type of social construction. So, the ways we make sense of everyday life are based on social constructions that try to sort people by caste, class, religion, community, kinship, gender, and so on. The way that people are put into groups is a result of social construction, and it is also an important part of the way that society works. Social processes like learning how to get along with others when you are young and having social institutions help to make a social construction that is accepted. So, gender is the result of this kind of social building.

Components of Social Construction and Gender

Social construction and gender are complex phenomena that are influenced by a range of social, cultural, historical, and individual factors. To understand these concepts, it is important to examine the various components that contribute to the formation and maintenance of gender roles and identities.

1. Culture: Culture plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of gender. Cultural norms, values, and beliefs about what is appropriate for men and women are internalized and inform our behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs about gender.

2. Socialization: Socialization refers to the process through which individuals learn and internalize cultural norms and values about gender. Socialization occurs through a variety of channels, including family, education, media, and peer groups, and has a lasting impact on how individuals understand and perform their gender identities.

3. Power and Hierarchy: Gender is not just about personal identity but is also shaped by the distribution of power and resources within society. Patriarchy, for example, is a social system in which men hold more power and status than women, and this affects the ways in which gender is experienced and performed by individuals.

4. Intersectionality: Intersectionality refers to the idea that individuals' experiences of gender, race, class, and other social categories are interconnected and cannot be understood in isolation from one another. For example, a black woman may experience a unique form of discrimination based on both her gender and her race.

5. Performance and Expression: Gender is not simply a matter of biology but is also performed and expressed through a range of behaviours, attitudes, and appearance. Gender expression can include things like clothing, speech, and body language, and is influenced by a variety of individual and cultural factors.

6. Stereotyping and Bias: Stereotyping and bias are pervasive aspects of gender and contribute to the maintenance of gender inequalities and discrimination. For example, gender stereotypes may lead to the assumption that women are more emotional and nurturing, while men are more aggressive and logical, which can have a significant impact on individuals' experiences and opportunities in various domains.

In conclusion, the components of social construction and gender are complex and interrelated, and their influence on individuals and society is far-reaching. Understanding the various components that contribute to the formation and maintenance of gender is crucial for promoting gender equality and challenging oppressive gender norms.

Q 2. What do you understand by Liberal Feminism? Critically explain liberal thought and classical Liberal Feminism?

Ans) Liberal feminism is a political and ideological perspective that seeks to promote gender equality through the implementation of liberal principles, such as individualism, equal rights, and equal opportunities. It is one of the earliest forms of feminist thought and remains a dominant form of feminism in many Western societies.

The central tenet of liberal feminism is that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men, and that gender discrimination is a violation of these rights. This means that liberal feminists seek to address issues such as unequal pay, lack of representation in leadership positions, and limited access to education and healthcare, through legal and political means.

One of the key strategies of liberal feminists is to argue for the extension of formal legal equality to women. This involves advocating for equal rights and protections under the law, such as equal pay for equal work and equal representation in political and economic decision-making. Another important aspect of liberal feminism is the emphasis on individual agency and choice. Liberal feminists argue that women should be free to make their own choices about their lives, including choices about education, work, and family, and should not be constrained by societal expectations or gender roles.

While liberal feminism has made important contributions to the struggle for gender equality, it has also been criticized by other feminist perspectives for its limited understanding of the ways in which power and oppression operate in society. Some feminist critics argue that liberal feminism focuses too narrowly on formal legal equality and fails to address the deeper structures of power and inequality that exist in society.

Liberal Thought and Classical Liberal Feminism

Liberal thought is a political and ideological perspective that emphasizes individual liberty, free markets, and limited government intervention. It is rooted in the Enlightenment ideas of the 18th century and is characterized by a belief in individual rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and property, as well as a commitment to equality under the law.

Classical liberal feminism, also known as equality feminism, is a form of liberal feminism that emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was primarily concerned with achieving formal legal equality for women, such as the right to vote, the right to own property, and equal access to education and employment.

One of the central arguments of classical liberal feminism was that gender discrimination was a violation of individual rights and freedoms, and that women should have the same opportunities as men to participate in political, economic, and social life.

Classical liberal feminists also emphasized individual agency and choice, arguing that women should be free to make their own decisions about their lives and should not be constrained by societal expectations or gender roles.

While classical liberal feminism has been influential in bringing about important legal and political changes for women, it has also been criticized for its limited understanding of the ways in which power and oppression operate in society. Some feminist critics argue that classical liberal feminism's focus on formal legal equality ignores the deeper structures of power and inequality that exist in society and perpetuates the systemic oppression of marginalized groups, including women.

In conclusion, liberal thought is a political and ideological perspective that emphasizes individual liberty, free markets, and limited government intervention, while classical liberal feminism is a form of liberal feminism that seeks to achieve formal legal equality for women. While classical liberal feminism has been important in bringing about legal and political change for women, it has also been criticized for its limited understanding of power and oppression.

Q 3. What do you mean by engendering governance? Explain the need and initiatives for engendering governance?

Ans) Engendering governance refers to the process of incorporating a gender perspective into governance systems, policies, and practices. This means that gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of governance, from decision-making processes to the implementation of policies and programs.

The aim of engendering governance is to address the systemic gender inequalities that exist in many societies and to ensure that governance processes and outcomes are inclusive and responsive to the needs and experiences of both women and men. This involves considering the differential impacts of governance decisions and policies on women and men and ensuring that both perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

Engendering governance also involves promoting gender equality and women's empowerment and addressing the root causes of gender-based discrimination and violence. This may involve implementing policies and programs that address issues such as unequal pay, lack of representation in leadership positions, and limited access to education and healthcare.

It is important to note that engendering governance is not just about benefiting women, but also about promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. By incorporating a gender perspective into governance systems, policies, and practices, it is possible to address the systemic inequalities that exist in many societies and to create more inclusive and equitable outcomes for all members of society.

Need and Initiatives for Engendering Governance

The need for engendering governance arises from the recognition that gender inequalities exist in many societies and that these inequalities have a significant impact on women's lives and opportunities. Women are often marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, and are subject to discrimination, violence, and unequal treatment in many areas of life, including access to education, employment, and healthcare.

To address these inequalities and promote gender equality, initiatives for engendering governance have been developed. These initiatives aim to integrate a gender perspective into governance systems, policies, and practices, and to ensure that both women's and men's perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

One of the key initiatives for engendering governance is the implementation of gender-responsive budgets. This involves considering the differential impacts of budget decisions and policies on women and men and ensuring that budget allocations are aligned with gender equality goals and objectives.

Another important initiative is the promotion of women's political participation and leadership. This may involve implementing measures to increase women's representation in leadership positions, such as quotas, and supporting the development of women's political skills and capacities.

Initiatives for engendering governance may also include the development of gender-sensitive laws and policies, such as those aimed at addressing violence against women, and the implementation of gender-sensitive programs and services, such as those aimed at promoting women's economic empowerment.

In conclusion, the need for engendering governance arises from the recognition of systemic gender inequalities and the impact these inequalities have on women's lives and opportunities. Initiatives for engendering governance aim to address these inequalities by integrating a gender perspective into governance systems, policies, and practices, and by promoting women's political participation and leadership, developing gender-sensitive laws and policies, and implementing gender-sensitive programs and services.

Q 4. What is women entrepreneurship? What are the problems faced by women entrepreneurs in India?

Ans) Women entrepreneurship refers to the activities of women who start and run their own businesses. This includes women who start businesses from scratch, as well as those who take over existing businesses or inherit them. Women entrepreneurs play an important role in driving economic growth and innovation and are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the economy. Women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges and barriers, such as access to capital, limited networks, and discriminatory cultural attitudes. Despite these challenges, women entrepreneurs are increasingly taking advantage of new technologies and opportunities to start and grow their businesses.

There are a variety of initiatives and programs aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, including business incubators and accelerators, mentorship programs, and access to capital through grants and loans. Many of these initiatives are designed to address the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and to provide the resources and support they need to succeed.

Problems Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs in India face a range of challenges that hinder their ability to start and grow successful businesses. Some of the major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in India include:

1. Access to finance: Women entrepreneurs often face difficulty in accessing finance, as they are often viewed as high-risk borrowers due to a lack of collateral and limited business experience. This lack of access to finance makes it difficult for women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

2. Lack of support networks: Women entrepreneurs often lack the networks and mentorship opportunities that are available to their male counterparts. This makes it difficult for women entrepreneurs to find the support and guidance they need to succeed.

3. Cultural attitudes: Discriminatory cultural attitudes towards women can limit their ability to participate in the business world. This can include attitudes towards women's ability to lead, women's place in the workforce, and beliefs about the appropriate roles for women.

4. Work-life balance: Women entrepreneurs often face difficulty balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of family life. This can limit their ability to devote the time and energy necessary to grow their businesses.

5. Lack of information and resources: Women entrepreneurs often lack access to the information and resources they need to start and grow successful businesses. This includes information about market opportunities, business regulations, and best practices for starting and growing a business.

Despite these challenges, there are initiatives and programs aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in India, including business incubators and accelerators, mentorship programs, and access to capital through grants and loans. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and to provide them with the support they need to succeed. In conclusion, women entrepreneurs in India face a range of challenges that make it difficult for them to start and grow successful businesses. These include limited access to finance, lack of support networks, discriminatory cultural attitudes, difficulties balancing work and family life, and lack of information and resources. Despite these challenges, there are initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, and more needs to be done to address the systemic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India.

Q 5. What are the Development Goals with regard to education? Explain barriers to women’s education?

Ans) In India, the development goals with regard to education focus on improving access to quality education and reducing disparities in education outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups such as girls, low-income families, and rural communities.

Some of the key development goals related to education in India include:

1. Universalization of Elementary Education: The goal is to provide access to eight years of quality education for all children, with a focus on ensuring that girls and children from disadvantaged communities are not left behind.

2. Improved Learning Outcomes: The goal is to improve the quality of education and to ensure that students are acquiring the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

3. Gender Equality in Education: The goal is to eliminate gender disparities in education and to ensure that girls have equal access to education and opportunities to succeed.

4. Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide: The goal is to provide access to quality education to children in rural areas, where there are often fewer schools and fewer educational resources.

5. Emphasizing Vocational Education: The goal is to provide access to vocational education and training programs to help individuals develop the skills they need to participate in the workforce.

6. Increasing Access to Higher Education: The goal is to increase access to higher education and to provide more opportunities for individuals to pursue advanced degrees and acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

The Government of India has taken a number of initiatives to achieve these development goals, including the Right to Education Act, which mandates eight years of education for all children, and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to universalize elementary education. The government has also introduced programs to improve the quality of education, to bridge the rural-urban divide, and to increase access to higher education.

Barriers to Women’s Education

1.  Mental Blocks

The biggest obstacle to girls' education is adults' long-held views. Adults doubt girls' economic decision-making abilities, so they don't let them. They make them play traditional roles and take easier classes. Girls only take easier classes like humanities, social sciences, home science, languages, etc. Boys can study math, physics, chemistry, biology, and lab work. Humanities and social sciences employ more women than STEM fields. Thus, women lose their self-confidence, which prevents them from acting. Stopping this thinking is the only way to eliminate gender differences.

2. Parental Aspirations and Attitudes

Parents expect much less from girls than boys. Boys' and girls' parents' education goals differ. Boys have high aspirations, but girls only want to be married. Only a rigorous school curriculum can create an "empowered girl" who recognises her potential and aspires to a productive life beyond society's expectations. Girls' education can also be hindered by parents' negative attitudes. Parents see sons' education as an investment, but daughters as a waste.

3. Poverty

Gender and Education children, especially girls, are hampered by poverty. The poorest 60% of households have three times the rate of out-of-school primary-school girls. Older girls are less likely to attend secondary school and are more likely to drop out. If a family must choose between educating a son or a daughter due to finances, the son wins. Girl children struggle for fuel, fodder, water, etc., making education unattainable. Girls also have to cook, clean, care for siblings, and work on farms and tend livestock in rural areas. Girls do more housework.

4. Shortage of Female Teachers

Another thing that could stop girls from going to school is a lack of female teachers. If girls have female teachers, they are more likely to go to school and do better in school. Because of this, more female teachers need to be hired with extra care.

5. Gender Bias in Curriculum

India's curriculum shows men and women in roles that are based on gender stereotypes, even though the government has tried many times to get rid of this. Men are the main characters in most of the lessons, and they are shown to be strong, smart, and adventurous. Women, on the other hand, are shown to be weak and helpless, and they are often shown doing housework. These pictures make it hard to improve the position of women in society.

6. Vulnerability of Adolescent Girls

At puberty, girls become more vulnerable and are removed from school. Some are forced into marriage and become young mothers before reaching their potential. Girls drop out more in the 12–14 age group. Additionally, sexual harassment and violence prevent parents from sending their daughters to school. When secondary schools are far from home, poor families struggle to safely transport their girls to and from school. Social, personal, and economic barriers reinforce each other. Without addressing these barriers, literacy and schooling will become a mechanical exercise and their daily struggle for survival will continue.