(SEM VII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2024-25 INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S & GENDER STUDIES

SECTION A — Very Short Answers (2 Marks Each)

a. Sex vs Gender

Sex: Biological differences (male/female/intersex)

Gender: Socially constructed roles, identities, expectations

b. Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power in politics, economy, and family.

c. Radical Feminism (Evaluation)

Focuses on patriarchy as root cause of women’s oppression

Criticized for being overly confrontational and exclusionary

d. Feminist Theories                                                Liberal feminism

Radical feminism                                                     Marxist/Socialist feminism

Postmodern feminism                                             Intersectional feminism

e. Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Proposal for one common set of laws for all citizens irrespective of religion.

f. Women’s Rights Movement

Collective struggle for legal, political, social equality of women.

g. Double Marginality (Dalit Women)

Oppression due to both caste and gender simultaneously.

h. Women’s Rights Movements (1848–1920)

Seneca Falls Convention (1848)

Suffrage movement

Property and education rights campaigns

i. Domestic Violence

Physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse within household.

j. Gender Representation in Films

Often stereotypical                                         Reinforces gender roles

Recent shift towards empowered female narratives

SECTION B — Analytical / Conceptual (10 Marks)

a. Androcentrism in Society

Male experiences treated as universal

Women marginalized in education, work, leadership

Leads to inequality in opportunities and recognition

b. Marxist Feminism & Women’s Oppression

Economic systems exploit women’s unpaid labor

Capitalism reinforces gender inequality

Criticism: ignores cultural and emotional aspects

c. Shah Bano Case

Highlighted conflict between personal laws and gender justice

Sparked debate on UCC

Strengthened women’s legal rights discourse in India

d. Socialization & Gendered Aspirations        Family, schools, media shape gender roles

Girls discouraged from STEM/careers             Reinforces occupational segregation

e. Gender Roles in Print Media                       Men shown as decision-makers

Women shown as caregivers

Influences societal perception and self-image

SECTION C — Education & Labor (10 Marks)

a. Gender Representation in Textbooks         Male dominance in examples

Women limited to domestic rolesn               Affects students’ self-perception and aspirations

b. Sexual Division of Labour                          Women responsible for unpaid domestic work

Limits workforce participation                      Affects economic independence

SECTION D — Feminist Thought (10 Marks)

a. Universalism vs Diversity in Feminism      Universal feminism ignores cultural contexts

Modern feminism recognizes intersectionality

Balance needed between equality and diversity

b. Four Waves of Feminism                          First Wave: Suffrage, legal rights

Second Wave: Workplace, sexuality            Third Wave: Identity, diversity

Fourth Wave: Digital activism, #MeToo

SECTION E — Dalit Women & Suffrage (10 Marks)

a. Double Marginality of Dalit Women        Caste discrimination

Gender violence                                           Economic exploitation

Dalit women’s movements address unique issues

b. Women’s Rights Movement (1848–1920)  Achievements: voting rights, education

Setbacks: resistance from patriarchy              Laid foundation for modern feminism

 SECTION F — Gender & Psychology (10 Marks)

a. Psychological Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Trauma, depression, anxiety                           Long-term mental health effects

Impacts all genders differently

b. Psychological Factors in Gender-Based Violence

Power imbalance                                             Learned behavior

Social normalization of violence

SECTION G — Media & Literature (10 Marks)

a. Media Representation & Gender Equality  Media shapes norms and aspirations

Stereotyping slows equality                            Inclusive representation promotes change

b. Women in Literature                                   Historically submissive roles

Contemporary literature shows empowered women

Reflects evolving gender consciousness