Chapter 4 Gender, Religion And Caste

Overview

This chapter examines how social divisions based on gender, religion, and caste intersect with politics in India. It begins by discussing the public-private division related to gender roles, the underrepresentation of women in politics, and the feminist movement's push for equality. It then explores communalism, the dangerous belief that religion is the primary basis of social community, and contrasts it with secularism, where the state remains neutral towards all religions. Finally, the chapter analyzes the complex relationship between caste and politics, noting how caste influences elections and political mobilization, but also how caste politics can challenge inequalities and promote representation for disadvantaged groups, while cautioning against its potential negative effects.

Gender And Politics

Gender division, often perceived as natural, is socially constructed based on stereotypes. Traditionally, women bear the primary responsibility for housework and childcare (private sphere), while men handle income-generating activities (public sphere). This division, though not biologically determined, leads to women's work being undervalued and often unpaid, limiting their participation in public life and politics. Feminist movements advocate for equal rights, improved educational and career opportunities, and challenging patriarchal structures that perpetuate discrimination and disadvantage women.

Public/Private Division

The societal division of labor assigns housework and childcare primarily to women, often unpaid and unrecognized, while men engage in income-generating activities. This unequal distribution, despite women's contributions to paid work, limits their public and political roles.

Women’s Political Representation

Women's representation in India's legislative bodies remains low, despite their active participation in nationalist movements. While some progress has been made, particularly with reserved seats in local government (Panchayati Raj), achieving equal representation in state assemblies and Parliament remains a significant challenge, highlighting the need for further political reform.

Religion, Communalism And Politics

Religion is a significant social division, and its expression in politics can be complex. While drawing values from religion for guidance and allowing communities to voice their needs is acceptable in a democracy, communal politics arises when religion is seen as the sole basis of social community, interests are perceived as conflicting, and state power is used to establish dominance of one religious group over others.

Communalism

Communalism is the belief that religion is the primary basis of social identity and community, often involving prejudice, stereotypes, and the assumption of shared interests within a religious group. Its extreme form can lead to demands for political dominance or separation, potentially causing violence and undermining national unity.

Secular State

India's Constitution establishes it as a secular state, meaning the government is neutral towards all religions, does not favor any particular religion, and guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens. This is crucial for accommodating religious diversity and preventing communal politics from harming national integration.

Caste And Politics

Caste divisions, unique to India, are deep-rooted and historically linked to hereditary occupations and social hierarchy, often involving exclusion and discrimination. While modernization, urbanization, and education have weakened traditional caste norms, caste identities continue to influence politics. Political parties consider caste composition when nominating candidates and forming governments. Caste politics can be a force for positive change by empowering disadvantaged groups and ensuring representation, but it also carries risks of division, conflict, and diverting attention from broader issues like poverty and development.

Caste Inequalities

Despite legal prohibitions against caste discrimination, historical advantages and disadvantages persist. Upper castes remain over-represented among the educated and wealthy, while lower castes, particularly Dalits and Adivasis, continue to face disproportionate poverty and marginalization.

Caste In Politics

Caste influences politics through vote banks, candidate selection, and coalition formation. However, it's not the sole determinant, as voters' preferences are also shaped by economic status, leadership popularity, and party affiliations.

Politics In Caste

Politics can also influence caste by bringing caste identities into the political arena, leading to the formation of new caste-based groups and political mobilization. This can empower disadvantaged castes but also risks deepening divisions and promoting narrow interests.