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UPSC Essay PYQ 2023: Analyze gender-based socialization in India, its impact on equality, psychology, and economy, and the need for balanced gender roles.
Contents
Essay Key
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Essay Topic | Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands — two equally harmful disciplines |
| Paraphrase | This essay examines the differing challenges faced by girls and boys in society, highlighting how societal restrictions and expectations influence their growth and equality. |
| Intent of the Essay | The essay explores the harmful impact of gendered socialization on both girls and boys, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to gender roles. |
| Keywords | Gender roles, socialization, restrictions, demands, equality, discipline |
Key Arguments
1. Unequal Socialization Practices
- Girls are often conditioned to adhere to modesty and subservience, restricting their independence.
- Boys are expected to display strength and dominance, leading to emotional suppression.
- Research shows these societal expectations heavily influence personality traits and career paths.
2. Psychological Impact of Restrictions
- Limitations imposed on girls can result in lower self-esteem and diminished confidence.
- Boys may internalize societal expectations, resisting vulnerability and prioritizing dominance.
- Studies reveal a strong correlation between these psychological effects and mental health challenges.
3. Economic Consequences
- Gender-based restrictions hinder women’s workforce participation, fostering economic dependence.
- Societal pressures on boys promote a productivity-driven mindset, often disrupting work-life balance.
- Research highlights that economies with greater gender equality experience higher growth rates.
4. Educational Barriers
- Limited access to education in some regions curtails girls’ academic and career opportunities.
- Boys face pressure to excel in conventionally masculine fields, often overlooking emotional intelligence.
- Studies show that gender disparities in education contribute to wider societal inequalities.
5. The Road to Equality
- Breaking harmful gender norms collectively is crucial for societal advancement.
- Open discussions on emotions and gender roles promote a healthier, more balanced perspective.
- Efforts in education, community engagement, and policy-making can drive meaningful change.
Case Studies/Examples
| Case Study | Key Insights | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | Aims to promote gender equality in education. | Highlights the need to empower girls against societal restrictions. |
| The MenEngage Alliance | Focuses on engaging men in gender equality efforts. | Shows the importance of addressing boys’ demands and expectations. |
| ‘Why Loiter?’ by Shilpa Ranade | Explores women’s right to public spaces. | Illustrates the psychological impact of restrictions on women’s freedom. |
Additional Tips
- Incorporate personal narratives or testimonials to humanize the statistics and arguments.
- Reference current policies and movements that challenge traditional gender norms in the Indian context.
- Use historical perspectives to show the evolution of gender roles over time, emphasizing change and continuity.
