3.1.2. Political expression of gender division and political mobilisation

This is a form of hierarchical social division seen everywhere, but is rarely recognised in the study of politics. The gender division tends to be understood as natural and unchangeable. However, it is not based on biology but on social expectations and stereotypes.

Gender division refers to the unequal distribution of roles and responsibilities based on gender. Society often perceives gender roles as fixed or 'natural,' but in reality, they originate from societal constructs and stereotypes. For instance, the idea that men must be providers while women should handle domestic chores is a deeply ingrained belief, not a biological requirement. This misconception can influence political analysis and policy-making by undervaluing women's contributions in public life.

Consider a workplace where men are typically seen in leadership roles, while women are funneled into supportive or administrative positions. This dynamic reflects societal expectations of gender roles. Challenging these stereotypes can lead to more equitable opportunities for individuals, regardless of gender.

Boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and bringing up children. This is reflected in a sexual division of labour in most families: women do all work inside the home such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, tailoring, looking after children, etc., and men do all the work outside the home.

The 'public/private division' illustrates how social conditioning dictates gender roles. Women are often raised to assume domestic responsibilities while men engage in external, income-generating work. This division diminishes women's contributions at home and perpetuates the notion that their work is less valuable. As a result, women's roles in politics and other public arenas remain underrepresented, impacting policy outcomes and societal progress.

In many households, you might notice that while both partners work full-time, the woman often manages household chores and child care after work. This leads to an imbalance, where her professional efforts are overshadowed by her domestic responsibilities, reinforcing traditional views of gender roles.

The result of this division of labour is that although women constitute half of humanity, their role in public life, especially politics, is minimal in most societies. Gradually the gender issue was raised in politics. Women in different parts of the world organised and agitated for equal rights.

Despite making up half the population, women's participation in politics has been severely limited due to socio-political structures favoring male dominance. Women's movements emerged as a response, advocating for political representation and legal rights. Over time, these movements have led to significant progress, such as women obtaining voting rights and engaging in various professions previously deemed inappropriate for them.

Think of the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, where women fought vigorously for their right to vote. Their struggles highlight how collective action can instigate change, ultimately securing equal political rights for future generations.

In India, the proportion of women in legislature has been very low. For example, the percentage of elected women members in Lok Sabha has touched 14.36 per cent of its total strength for the first time in 2019.

Despite progress, women's representation in India's legislative bodies remains significantly below parity. In the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament), female representation reached an all-time high of 14.36% in 2019, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equitable representation. The lack of female politicians can perpetuate gender-blind policies, which do not take women’s experiences and needs into account.

Imagine a classroom where only a few girls get to voice their opinions while most decisions are made by boys. This often leads to policies that might not cater to everyone's needs. Similarly, the lack of women in legislative positions can lead to laws that do not fully reflect women's needs.

This also shows that disadvantaged groups do benefit when social divisions become a political issue.

Political mobilization around issues of gender division can empower disadvantaged groups. By bringing these issues to the forefront of political discourse, marginalized voices gain visibility, resulting in policy changes that address their concerns. Mobilisation not only strengthens activism but also facilitates the election of representatives who prioritize gender equity.

Consider the recent global movements like #MeToo that have raised awareness about women's rights and sexual harassment. These movements mobilize people to advocate for policy changes, thereby promoting gender-related issues in the political arena.

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