(SEM VII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S & GENDER STUDIES

KOE079 – INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN’S & GENDER STUDIES

B.Tech (SEM VII) – Theory Examination
Time: 3 Hours | Max Marks: 100

SECTION A

(Attempt all questions in brief – 2 × 10 = 20 marks)

a. Explain the term patriarchy. Discuss the reasons for women’s subordinate status.

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power in political, economic, and social institutions. Women’s subordinate status arises due to cultural norms, unequal access to education and resources, economic dependence, and traditional gender roles.

b. What do men control in the patriarchal system?

In a patriarchal system, men control property, family decisions, economic resources, political power, and social institutions.

c. Define the term feminism.

Feminism is a social and political movement that seeks equality for women in social, economic, political, and cultural spheres.

d. Explain radical feminism.

Radical feminism focuses on patriarchy as the root cause of women’s oppression and calls for fundamental changes in social, cultural, and family structures.

e. Describe contemporary movements of the 1990s.

The feminist movements of the 1990s focused on issues like sexual harassment, domestic violence, reproductive rights, workplace equality, and representation of women in media and politics.

f. What do you mean by girl child abuse?

Girl child abuse refers to physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, female infanticide, child marriage, and denial of education faced by girl children.

g. Discuss the different types of violence against women.

Violence against women includes domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, dowry-related violence, trafficking, acid attacks, and workplace abuse.

h. What do you understand by violence?

Violence is the use of physical force, power, or psychological harm against individuals that results in injury, fear, or deprivation of rights.

i. Explain law as an instrument of social change.

Law acts as an instrument of social change by protecting rights, promoting equality, preventing discrimination, and reforming unjust social practices.

j. Discuss uniform civil code.

Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion, to ensure equality and justice.

SECTION B

(Attempt any three – solved answers provided for ALL)

2(a). Discuss sexual division of labour in patriarchal society.

Sexual division of labour assigns domestic and caregiving work to women and productive, income-generating work to men. This division undervalues women’s unpaid labor, limits their economic independence, and reinforces gender inequality.

2(b). How feminism has evolved? Elaborate women’s position all over the world in terms of health and education.

Feminism evolved through three waves:

First wave: Legal rights and suffrage

Second wave: Equality, employment, and reproductive rights

Third wave: Diversity, identity, and intersectionality

Globally, women’s access to education and healthcare has improved, but disparities remain due to poverty, cultural barriers, and gender discrimination.

2(c). State the role of revolutionary women in India.

Revolutionary women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Bhikaji Cama, and Aruna Asaf Ali played crucial roles in India’s freedom struggle by mobilizing women, participating in protests, and promoting social reforms.

2(d). Highlight the way in which men and women work was divided in traditional society.

In traditional societies, men engaged in agriculture, trade, and external work, while women were confined to household chores, childcare, and subsistence activities, reinforcing gender hierarchy.

2(e). What are the functions of mass media? Explain them in the context of gender.

Mass media informs, educates, entertains, and shapes public opinion. In the gender context, media can challenge stereotypes, promote equality, or reinforce gender bias depending on representation.

SECTION C

3(a). What do you mean by private–public dichotomy?

Private–public dichotomy divides life into private (home, family) associated with women and public (work, politics) associated with men. This separation limits women’s participation in public life.

3(b). To what extent do masculinity and femininity explain differences between men and women?

Masculinity and femininity are socially constructed traits that shape behavior expectations. These concepts explain differences but often exaggerate stereotypes rather than biological realities.

4(a). Discuss difference between liberal and radical feminism. Why do feminist approaches differ?

Approaches differ due to ideological perspectives, cultural contexts, and priorities.

4(b). Highlight post-modern feminism as third-wave feminism.

Post-modern feminism emphasizes diversity, multiple identities, and rejection of universal female experiences. It highlights race, class, sexuality, and culture as key factors shaping women’s lives.

5(a). Discuss the role of Sarojini Naidu in reform movement.

Sarojini Naidu advocated women’s education, freedom struggle participation, and social reforms. She inspired women through speeches, writings, and leadership in national movements.

5(b). How gender inequality and oppression gave birth to women’s movement?

Gender inequality in education, employment, property rights, and personal freedom led women to organize movements demanding equality, justice, and empowerment.

6(a). State factors responsible for wage differences between men and women.

Factors include occupational segregation, unequal education, discrimination, part-time employment, career breaks, and undervaluation of women’s work.

6(b). What are the means of coping with the crime of eve-teasing?

Measures include strict laws, awareness programs, self-defense training, responsive policing, education, and societal attitude change.

7(a). Critically analyze the role of women in advertisements in India.

Indian advertisements often portray women stereotypically as caregivers or objects. However, recent ads increasingly show empowered, independent women challenging traditional roles.

7(b). Examine portrayal of women in print media, ads, radio, magazines, and ICT.

Women are often underrepresented or stereotyped, but digital media and ICT platforms now provide space for diverse, empowered female voices and gender-sensitive narratives.