Course

Unit 1

History of Gender in India: Historical basis of gender norms in religion, politics (ruling cultures), and other social movements. Subsections will focus on: Ancient India, Mughal empire(s) (Muslim occupation), and British raj / colonialism.

Unit 2

Key characteristics of gender in India: Differences in gender norms within India based on geography, religion, caste/class, etc. Differences in challenges between informal/formal economy (unorganised/organised). Also an overview of the myriad issues faced by women in India.

Unit 3

Modern expressions/ evolution: Impact of globalisation and media. Generational trends and speed in shifts of collective values

Unit 4

Gender in the law: Review from pre-independence till today, with summaries of each of the 5 Year Plans. Key moments in legal shifts (independence, globalisation, MGDs, SDGs, Nirbhaya, etc). Gaps and shortcomings of existing laws and how a Social Worker can assist people take advantage.

Unit 5

Gender equality efforts in India (Stakeholder evaluation). Stakeholder mapping and evaluation. Major approaches to GEWE and their strengths and weaknesses. Initiatives towards achieving gender equality.

Text Books / References

Textbooks:

1. Visvanathan, et.al. (2012) The Women, Gender and Development Reader, London: Zed Books.
2. Altekar, S. (1983). Position of women in Hindu Civilization. Banaras: The Culture publication House, Banaras Hindu University.
3. Coley,; Gressel, C.; Bhavani, R.R. (2021). Transforming ‘Men’talities: Gender Equality and Masculinities in India. UNESCO Publishing.
4. “Rights Talk and the Feminist Movement in India in Women’s Movements in Asia: Feminisms andTransnational Activism” in Women’s Movements in Asia (edited by Mina Roces, Louise Edwards)- Sumi Madhok
5. “Mapping Women’s Activism in India: Resistances, Reforms and (Re)-creation” in RoutledgeHandbook of Gender in South Asia (edited by Leela Fernandes) – Rukmini Sen

Suggested Readings:

1. National Policy for Women Empowerment. (2015, August 6). Ministry of Women & Child Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://wcd.nic.in/womendevelopment/national-policy-women-empowerment
2. Sarpotdar, A. (2020, May 16). Examining Local Committees under the Sexual Harassment ofWomen at Workplace Act. Economic and Political Weekly, 50(20), 51-58. IMPRI 16 May 2020
3. (2013, November). A Historical Analysis of Women Development in India. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Research (IJSER). https://www.ijser.in/archives/v1i3/SjIwMTM1MA==.pdf
4. Hall, S. (2015). Cultural Identity and Diaspora. In Colonial discourse and post-colonial theory (pp.392-403).
5. Ravi,, & Jayaraman, N. (2017, March 10). Gender issues in India: an amalgamation of research. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/research/gender-issues-in-india-an- amalgamation-of-research/
6. Mundhe, S. (2021). THE STUDY ON ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA. Kalyan Bharti, 36(8), 41-46. August 2021
7. Bose, (2007). Women’s home-centred work in India: The gendered politics of space. International Development Planning Review, 29(3), 271–298.
8. Mohan, R. (2015, November 26). Over the past two decades, every fifth suicide in India is by a Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/over-the-past-2-decades- every-fifth-suicide-in-india-is-by-a-housewife/
9. Sekher, V. (2010). Special financial incentive schemes for the girl child in india: A review of select schemes. Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource- pdf/UNFPA_Publication-39772.pdf
10. Tripathi, K., Borrion, H., & Belur, J. (2017). Sexual harassment of students on public transport: An exploratory study in Lucknow, India. Crime Prevention and Community Safety, 19(3), 240–250.

This course aims to provide learners with an in-depth look at gender within the Indian context. This will include an analysis of historical roots of gender and the evolution of norms over time. It will also include an overview of the key legal and civic decisions that support gender equality made by the Indian government. Learners will engage in study and discussion on the influence of social entities on the perpetuation of gender inequality and the various stakeholders (NGOs, FBOs, Government, Academia, etc) who are working to improve the situation. Learners should complete the course with a better understanding for how they, as social workers, can help society as a whole move towards gender equality.

Course Objectives:

1. Gaina better understanding of the unique characteristics of gender norms within India
2. Gaina better understanding of the most common gender norms at different points in Indian history, up to
3. Developa critical understanding of the evolution of India’s legal protections for gender equality and women’s
4. Understand and develop one’s own assumptions about gender, social inequality, and the role this hasin sustainable development.

Course outcome:

1. Studentsshould know the differences within gender norms over India’s history
2. Studentsshould be able to explain how power dynamics in society are reflected in gender norms.
3. Studentsshould have a strong grasp of Indian laws that protect women, and how they have evolved over
4. Studentsshould understand their role as social workers in striving for gender equality.

CO-PO Mapping: (Course Outcome Mapping and Program Outcome Mapping.