Assignment Code: BGDG-172/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: BGDG-172

Assignment Name: Gender Sensitization: Society and Culture

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Section A

Answer the following in about 500 words each.

Q1) Define sexuality. Do think sexuality is socially constructed? Support your arguments by providing suitable examples.

Ans) Sexuality is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human identity that encompasses a range of feelings, desires, behaviours, and attractions related to an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual expression. It involves not only one's sexual orientation, such as being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual, but also the broader spectrum of romantic, emotional, and sexual experiences that shape one's identity.

The question of whether sexuality is socially constructed has been a subject of debate among scholars and activists. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no; rather, it involves an understanding of both biological and social factors that influence human sexuality.

Biological Factors:

Biological elements, such as genetics and hormonal influences, play a role in shaping an individual's sexuality. For instance, research has shown that there may be genetic predispositions to sexual orientation, which suggests that some aspects of sexuality have a biological basis. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty also contribute to the development of secondary sexual characteristics and sexual attraction.

Social and Cultural Factors:

Social constructionists argue that many aspects of sexuality are shaped by societal norms, values, and cultural influences. For example:

a)     Gender Norms: Socially constructed gender norms and expectations influence how individuals express their sexuality. In many cultures, traditional gender roles dictate that men should exhibit certain sexual behaviours and desires, and women should adhere to different standards. These expectations can lead to restrictive and stereotypical views of sexuality.

b)     Stigma and Discrimination: Socially constructed norms and prejudices have historically led to stigmatization and discrimination against individuals with non-heteronormative sexual orientations. For example, the criminalization of homosexuality in many countries is a clear example of societal construction impacting the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

c)     Cultural Variations: Different cultures have distinct views of sexuality, including sexual practices, orientations, and taboos. What is considered sexually appropriate or inappropriate can vary significantly from one society to another.

d)     Media and Popular Culture: Media, advertising, and popular culture play a substantial role in shaping societal norms and representations of sexuality. They often emphasize certain body ideals and sexual behaviours, which can impact how individuals perceive their own sexuality.

Socialization and Identity Formation:

The process of socialization, which occurs from childhood through adulthood, greatly influences how individuals come to understand and express their sexuality. Family, peer groups, education, and religious institutions all contribute to the development of one's sexual identity and beliefs.

Understanding that sexuality is influenced by a complex interplay of biological and social factors is essential for promoting acceptance and diversity. Challenging stigmatization, discrimination, and the imposition of narrow norms can lead to a more inclusive and tolerant society that respects the diverse and evolving nature of human sexuality.

Q2) Men and Women are portrayed in advertisements according to the constructed definition of femininity and masculinity. Support your argument by providing suitable examples.

Ans) Advertisements often play a significant role in perpetuating and reinforcing traditional gender roles by portraying men and women according to constructed definitions of femininity and masculinity. These constructed definitions can be limiting, perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and reinforcing societal expectations.

Objectification and Beauty Standards: Many advertisements depict women as objects of desire and beauty. Beauty product advertisements frequently promote unrealistic beauty standards, suggesting that a woman's worth is primarily based on her appearance. For instance, advertisements for skincare and cosmetic products often imply that flawless skin is a prerequisite for confidence and success.

Household and Caregiving Roles: Women are frequently depicted in advertisements as homemakers and caregivers, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Cleaning product commercials often feature women as the primary users and decision-makers regarding household chores, perpetuating the stereotype that women are primarily responsible for domestic tasks.

Sexualization and Submission: Some advertisements sexualize women and portray them in submissive roles. Examples include perfume ads that depict women in provocative poses, suggesting that a woman's sensuality is her primary asset, or advertisements that show women in subservient positions in the workplace.

Portrayal of Men:

a)     Emphasis on Dominance and Strength: Advertisements targeting men often emphasize qualities like dominance, physical strength, and assertiveness. This can reinforce traditional ideas of masculinity. For instance, advertisements for men's grooming products frequently portray the ideal man as strong, muscular, and in control.

b)     Heteronormativity: Many advertisements assume a heteronormative perspective, where men are consistently portrayed in roles that suggest their heterosexual orientation. This can stigmatize and marginalize individuals who do not conform to these expectations.

c)     Role Stereotyping: Advertisements can reinforce stereotypes about men, portraying them as disinterested in domestic responsibilities, emotionally detached, or solely interested in sports and technology. This can limit the range of acceptable expressions of masculinity.

Examples of Constructed Definitions:

a)     Dove's "Real Beauty" Campaign: In contrast to traditional beauty product advertising, Dove's "Real Beauty" campaign sought to challenge conventional beauty standards by featuring women of various body shapes, sizes, and ages. This campaign highlighted how many beauty advertisements construct a limited definition of femininity based on thinness and youth.

b)     Beer Commercials: Beer commercials often depict men enjoying beer while watching sports or engaging in other stereotypically masculine activities. These advertisements construct a definition of masculinity linked to drinking alcohol and engaging in traditionally male pastimes.

c)     Household Cleaning Products: Ads for household cleaning products frequently feature women as the primary users, reinforcing the constructed definition of femininity as being primarily responsible for domestic cleanliness and organization.

It's important to recognize that there is a growing awareness of the negative consequences of these constructed definitions of femininity and masculinity in advertising. Many companies are working to challenge and break away from these stereotypes. Brands like Always have launched campaigns that challenge traditional notions of femininity and highlight the importance of empowering women and girls. Similarly, the "Be a Man" campaign by Gillette encouraged a re-evaluation of traditional masculinity, urging men to be more sensitive, compassionate, and respectful.

Section B

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.

Q3) Define and explain construction of masculinity.

Ans) The construction of masculinity refers to the societal process through which individuals, predominantly males, develop and express their gender identity in accordance with cultural norms and expectations associated with being a man. This construction is shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and personal factors.

Cultural norms and values play a significant role in defining masculinity. Different societies have varying definitions of what it means to be a man, which can include traits such as strength, independence, emotional stoicism, and competitiveness. These ideals are often communicated through media, family upbringing, and peer influences.

Socialization, particularly during childhood and adolescence, heavily influences the construction of masculinity. Boys are often socialized to conform to specific gender roles, which can limit their emotional expression and promote behaviours that align with traditional masculine ideals. This can include discouraging vulnerability and encouraging competitiveness.

Personal experiences and individual choices also contribute to one's construction of masculinity. People may choose to embrace or challenge societal expectations, leading to a wide spectrum of masculine identities. Some men may adopt more traditional expressions of masculinity, while others may reject these norms in favour of a more egalitarian or emotionally expressive form of masculinity.

The construction of masculinity is a dynamic and evolving process, influenced by ongoing societal changes and discussions about gender roles, making it an important topic in contemporary gender studies.

Q4) What do you mean Division of labour? How do aspects like gender division of labour impacts the women’s day-today life?

Ans) Division of labour refers to the allocation of different tasks and responsibilities among individuals, often based on their skills, roles, or societal norms. It plays a crucial role in the organization of work within a society, influencing various aspects of people's lives. Gender division of labour specifically refers to the assignment of tasks and roles based on one's gender, which has significant implications for women's day-to-day lives.

In many societies, gender division of labour has traditionally assigned women to domestic and caregiving roles, while men have been assigned roles that involve paid work outside the home. This division often results in women taking on the bulk of household chores, childcare, and eldercare, often without compensation or recognition. This unequal distribution of labour can have profound impacts on women's daily lives.

Women's daily routines are often characterized by a "double burden," as they balance unpaid domestic labour with paid employment. This can lead to time constraints, increased stress, and limited opportunities for personal and professional development. Gender division of labour also contributes to the gender pay gap and limits women's economic independence.

Furthermore, it reinforces traditional gender roles and stereotypes, which can perpetuate inequalities and hinder women's access to education, career advancement, and leadership roles. Challenging and reshaping the gender division of labour is essential for achieving gender equality, allowing women to have more balanced and fulfilling lives by sharing responsibilities with men and having equal access to opportunities both in and outside the home.

Q5) Explain dalit feminist critique of family ideology and its relation to caste in India.

Ans) Dalit feminist critique of family ideology in India is rooted in the intersection of gender and caste-based oppression. Dalits, also known as Scheduled Castes, are a historically marginalized group in the Indian caste system. The family is a central institution in Indian society, and the Dalit feminist perspective examines how this institution perpetuates caste-based discrimination and gender inequalities.

Caste-Based Hierarchies in Family: The traditional Indian family structure often mirrors the hierarchical caste system. Dalit women experience discrimination within their own families as they are situated at the bottom of the caste hierarchy. They face discrimination in access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power, even within their own households. The family can act as a microcosm of the broader caste-based oppression that they face in society.

Gendered Labor and Exploitation: The family ideology in India places significant emphasis on patriarchal norms and male authority. Dalit women are subjected to both caste and gender-based discrimination, often resulting in their disproportionate burden of domestic labour and caregiving responsibilities. They endure the "double burden" of both domestic work and low-wage labour outside the home. This intersection of caste and gender compounds their marginalization.

Perpetuation of Endogamy: The traditional family system in India promotes endogamy, the practice of marrying within one's caste. This enforces the segregation of Dalits and perpetuates the caste system. Dalit feminists argue that this practice reinforces caste divisions and discriminates against inter-caste marriages and relationships, further solidifying caste hierarchies.

Violence and Exploitation: Dalit women are particularly vulnerable to caste-based violence and sexual abuse. They often lack legal protection and face systemic biases when seeking justice. The family ideology may, at times, perpetuate this violence through its silence or complicity, furthering the oppression of Dalit women.

Resistance and Empowerment: Dalit feminism challenges the traditional family ideology by advocating for social and legal changes that promote gender and caste equality. Dalit feminists work to dismantle oppressive family norms, demand the recognition of their rights, and emphasize the importance of education and economic independence to uplift Dalit women.

Section C

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

Q6) Write a note on Surrogacy.

Ans) Surrogacy is a reproductive arrangement where a woman, the surrogate, carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of intended parents. It can be a valuable option for couples facing infertility or medical challenges. There are two primary types: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is the genetic mother, and gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. Surrogacy can be a complex and emotionally charged process, involving legal agreements and ethical considerations. Regulations vary by country, with some nations banning commercial surrogacy or allowing it under strict conditions. The practice raises issues of reproductive rights, autonomy, and commercialization of childbirth.

Q7) What is understood by work?

Ans) Work is a broad concept that encompasses various activities and efforts performed to achieve a specific goal or produce a desired outcome. It can be both physical and mental, encompassing tasks ranging from manual labour and professional services to intellectual endeavours. Work often involves the application of skills, knowledge, and effort to create value, whether in the form of goods, services, or the completion of tasks. It is a fundamental aspect of human existence and plays a central role in economic, social, and personal development. Work can be voluntary or mandatory, paid, or unpaid, and is a significant part of how individuals contribute to society and sustain their livelihoods.

Q8) What are ‘Glass ceiling’ &‘Double Burden’?

Ans) The "glass ceiling" is a metaphor representing invisible barriers that restrict the career advancement of individuals, particularly women and minorities, preventing them from reaching top leadership positions in organizations despite their qualifications and abilities. It symbolizes the systemic discrimination and biases that hinder upward mobility.

The "double burden" refers to the additional workload and responsibilities often placed on women, especially in traditional gender roles. It encompasses both their paid employment and unpaid domestic work, such as caregiving and household chores. This double role can lead to time constraints, stress, and limited opportunities for personal and professional development, highlighting the challenges women face in balancing their work and family responsibilities.

Q9) What are the impacts of gender –Based Violence (GBV) on women?

Ans) Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has severe and lasting impacts on women. It can result in physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term emotional distress. Victims of GBV may suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. GBV also hinders women's economic and social empowerment, limiting their access to education and job opportunities. It perpetuates gender inequalities and reinforces traditional gender roles. Women may face social stigma and discrimination, making it challenging to seek help or report abuse. GBV poses a significant barrier to women's overall well-being, safety, and ability to lead fulfilling lives.

Q10) Write short note on ‘Folk Media’.

Ans) Folk media refers to traditional forms of communication and expression rooted in the culture and heritage of a particular community. It includes oral traditions, folklore, folk music, dance, storytelling, and other artistic and communicative practices passed down through generations. Folk media often plays a vital role in preserving cultural identities, transmitting local knowledge, and conveying community values. It serves as a means of communication within smaller, often marginalized groups and helps maintain a sense of belonging and continuity. In the modern age, folk media continues to be a crucial tool for cultural preservation and a source of inspiration for art and entertainment.