CHAPTER – 22 UNPACKING GENDER

Class VII

D Answer in brief :-

Q1. Write one example each of stereotypical gender roles of boys and girls.

Ans. a) Males are told ‘boys don’t cry’ and are given guns and cars as toys.

b) Girls are schooled to be soft and obedient and are given dolls and playhouses to play traditional female home-making roles.

Q2. How is stereotyping harmful?

Ans. The notion of stereotyping is generally negative as:

   a)    It creates discrimination that results in inequality.

   b)   It hampers the individual thought.

   c)   It is prejudiced, irrational and based on fear of what is different.

Q3. What are the similarities between rural and urban women’s conditions?

Ans. The rural and urban women both work hard for their family but their work is considered unaccountable and unproductive. They face discrimination and do not get their rightful place in the family and society.

Q4. Explain different types of gender inequality?

Ans. The different types of inequality are-

1.   Morality Inequality- Women mortality rates are higher as compared to men all over the world.

2.   Natality Inequality- Many male-dominated societies have preference for boys. The techniques of determining the gender of the foetus has encouraged the inhuman practices.

3.   Basic Facility Inequality- Girls are denied the right to education and many other facilities in many countries, even today.

4.   Special Opportunity Inequality- The opportunities of higher education and professional training are less for young women and more for young men.

5.   Professional Inequality-In employment as well as promotion women often face discrimination.

6.   Ownership Inequality- In many societies the basic assets i.e. home and land are owned by males. The lack of claim to property reduces the voice of women.

7.   Household Inequality- There are basic inequalities in gender that are reflected in sharing of housework and childcare.

Q5. What is meant by invisibilisation of women’s Labour?

Ans. Invisibilisation of women’s labour means that women do not get their due share as their housework and childcare are not considered as work. It’s not considered productive as it cannot be calculated in monetary terms

E. Answer the following:-

Q1. Why are there differences in value attached to the work of males and females?

Ans.

   

   1.   Stereotyping of roles has deep roots in human mind. It may have originated in the early primitive tribes, as they struggled for the control of territory, the physical strength was considered very important. But unfortunately, the domination continues even in modern times.

   

   2.   Stereotyping of gender roles may vary from culture to culture, but the fact remains that most behavioural differences between males and females are determined by society.

  

   3.   The set activities assigned to girls and boys do not end with the selection of toys for each. They even influence the selection of subjects in schools and college. Later on, the value attached to the work of males and females also differ.

Q2. Without gender equality, the women empowerment is meaningless. Do you agree with the statement? Give two examples in support of your answer.

Ans. Yes without gender equality women empowerment is meaningless.

For example:- 

   

   1.   If the women are empowered to do jobs but are paid less as compared to their male counterparts then this empowerment is meaningless.

   

   2.   If women are educated but don’t share equal status and power in family and society and are denied their rightful places, then their education is of no use.

Thus, from the above examples we can conclude that gender equality is very much necessary for women empowerment.

Q3. How has education brought awareness among the women and empowered them?

Ans.

   1.   Education and awareness has empowered the woman to emerge as a powerful force in political and economic spheres.

   

   2.   Many woman social activists have led strong movements against the government. In politics women have shown the world that they are capable of being eminent leaders.

   

   3.   They have achieved international fame in the world of writing, fashion, herbal beauty, information technology, medicine, engineering, teaching, aeronautics, games and sports etc.

   4.   Education makes the women aware of their fights, their rightful place in the society and the factors that hamper their growth.

   5.   It empowers the women to recognize her potential and end the gender bias.

Q4. How does the gender equality help a democratic country?

Ans.

    1.   Gender inequality hurts the interest of not only girls and grown up women, but also of boys and men, who play an important role in achieving gender equality.

    2.   Equal sharing of responsibilities and a harmonious partnership between a man and a woman are necessary for the well being of their family as well as Indian democracy.

    3.   Shared power and responsibility between woman and man at home, in workplace at national and international levels would help to create harmony within the family and society.

Q5. Suggest any four ways to end gender discrimination.

Ans. We can end gender discrimination by -

   1.   By providing education to the women.

   2.   Changing the mindset of the people by creating awareness in the society.

   3.   Sensitizing the society about gender related issues.

   4.   Government should launch some more policies and programmes like ‘Project Priyadarshani’.