Notes on Gender, Religion, and Caste
1. Introduction to Gender, Religion, and Caste
Social diversity doesn’t threaten democracy; rather, political expression of differences can strengthen it.
Focus on three key divisions: gender, religion, and caste.
Examines their nature, impact, and political expression in India.
2. Gender and Politics
2.1 Gender Division
A form of hierarchical division based on societal expectations, not biology.
Creates a sexual division of labor:
Women handle household chores and childcare, often unpaid and undervalued.
Men dominate public life and politics.
2.2 Feminist Movements
Aimed at improving women’s political, legal, and social status.
Advocated equal opportunities in education, work, and family life.
Key achievements: Women now work in various professions, but inequalities persist.
2.3 Women’s Political Representation
Women’s representation in politics remains low:
14.36% in Lok Sabha (2019).
Less than 5% in state assemblies.
Panchayati Raj system reserves one-third of seats for women.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023) ensures 33% reservation for women in Parliament and assemblies.
3. Religion, Communalism, and Politics
3.1 Religion and Politics
Religion influences politics through moral values and public demands.
Examples:
Gandhiji emphasized ethics derived from all religions.
Human rights groups demand protection for minorities.
Women’s movements advocate equitable family laws.
3.2 Communalism
Treats religion as the sole basis of national identity, leading to division and conflict.
Forms of communalism:
Everyday prejudices and stereotypes.
Political mobilization on religious lines.
Communal violence and riots.
3.3 Secular State
Indian Constitution ensures:
No official religion.
Freedom to practice any religion.
Prohibition of religious discrimination.
State intervention to ensure equality within religious communities.
4. Caste and Politics
4.1 Caste Inequalities
Caste system involves hereditary occupational divisions.
Historically led to exclusion and discrimination, especially against Dalits and Adivasis.
Efforts by leaders like Phule, Ambedkar, and Gandhiji aimed at eliminating caste inequalities.
4.2 Changing Caste Dynamics
Urbanization, education, and economic development have weakened caste hierarchies.
However, caste-based inequalities persist in areas like education, land ownership, and income.
4.3 Caste in Politics
Political parties consider caste compositions in elections.
Caste-based mobilization often used to gather support.
Positive aspects:
Empowered Dalits and OBCs to demand rights.
Negative aspects:
Diverts attention from broader issues like poverty and development.
4.4 Politics in Caste
Caste identities are politicized, leading to:
Coalition-building among caste groups.
Creation of new caste categories (e.g., backward and forward castes).
Demand for greater representation and resources.
5. Key Takeaways
5.1 Challenges of Social Divisions
Social divisions like gender, religion, and caste must be addressed to ensure democracy’s success.
5.2 Positive Political Expression
Political expression of these divisions can lead to greater equality and representation for disadvantaged groups.
5.3 Risks of Polarization
Overemphasis on identity politics can lead to tensions and distract from larger issues of governance and development.
