daniandrow
Member
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2005
- Messages
- 43
- Gender
- Female
- HSC
- 2005
india/focus study:gender
these are a bit rough and a bit late
if i have gotten anything wrong please let me know....
good luck tomorrow everyone
SOCIETY AND CULTURE NOTES
CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
Concepts
• continuity – traditions will define a belief system. The passing down from generation to generation of beliefs, laws, doctrines and customs that help that particular group make sense of their world and the cosmos. It also refers to the reasons why these are passed down. This continuity gives society stability.
• globalisation - Describes the emergence of a global culture brought about by a variety of social and cultural developments such as: the existence of world information systems; the emergence of global patterns of consumption and consumerism; the growth of transnational corporations; the emergence of global sport like World Cup soccer; the spread of world tourism and the growth of global military and economic systems. It involves a consciousness of the world as a single place.
• modernization - A process of social change resulting from the diffusion and adoption of the characteristics of expansive and apparently more advanced societies through societies that are apparently less advanced. It involves social mobilisation, the growth of a more effective and centralised apparatus of social and political control, the acceptance of scientifically rational norms and the transformation of social relations and aesthetic forms.
• change - this applies to the understanding that something is different from the way it has been before. Change can be referred to as a break with tradition. It refers to those values, beliefs and behaviour that differ from one generation to the next.
• westernisation - A particular form of modernisation in which the methods and values of Western industrial capitalism are the basis of the changes that are occurring.
• institutions - Refers to the structural components of a society through which its main concerns and activities are organised, for example, the church, the law, government, family.
• values - the core beliefs of an individual or country; important understandings that form the basis of shared behaviour of an individual or cultural group
• beliefs - principles accepted and shared among a group of people; indicate a particular way of perceiving the physical world and the universe
• heritage – this refers to the collective past of a country. It may be physical heritage (such as material remains) or cultural heritage (such as songs, stories or music). It can play a key role in maintaining continuities.
• tradition – refers to an activity or belief maintained in society over a period of time. It implies continuity and includes both traits and reasons for tradition.
• identity – an identity can be personal or national. Our sense of who we are comes through socialization. It refers to the understanding of who you are and why you are that person. Our understanding of self is strongly influenced by the society and culture in which we belong. Popular culture may also play a crucial role in the development of an identity.
• conflict – covers disagreements at a variety of levels within a society. It may lead to social change. Individuals and groups may find themselves in disagreements because of their status or role within a belief system. There may also be conflict between various belief systems because of their incompatible ideas or cultural factors. Lack of equality can often lead to conflict in a society. Struggles for power within and between work and leisure organization are instances of conflict. Trade unions and employer organizations etc.
• cooperation – involves the members of a society or culture working together to achieve accepted goals or desires.
• industrialisation - Refers to the transition in methods of production that has been responsible for the vastly increased wealth creating capacity of modern societies compared with traditional systems. It may refer to manufacturing, agriculture and administration.
• empowerment – this term is used to describe groups within a society obtaining access to power structures and gaining control over their destiny.
• social and cultural literacy – socially and culturally literate persons can communicate effectively across society. They are aware of their own place In society and should be willing to make a contribution to their society and culture. They sould recognize values, customs, beliefs and behaviours that may differ from your own and possess the skills to understand the difference without making value judgements.
CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN INDIA
PEOPLE
- Indian culture is family-orientated and patriarchal.
- This strongly religious society has great respect for age, tradition and sacred symbols.
- People dress and present themselves modestly and don’t tolerate behaviour contrary to religious traditions.
- The nurturing of relationships, tolerance, social harmony and hospitality is paramount.
- People do things through family and friends.
- India is a collectivist culture
- Ideals of humility and self-denial is respected.
SOCIETY
- Traditional society is based around family and respect for elders.
- Respect for tradition is highly valued.
- India is an ancient civilization and its people have a predominantly religious attitude to life marked by clear authority structures and distinct social status lines
- Caste is the basic social structure of Indian society
- Indians take great strength from families which are larger and more extended than those in most western societies.
CULTURE
- Indian culture reflects both its history and geography
- From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the language is different and the customs are different.
- The fundamental belief is in the continuity of life. The cause of this attitude is the very deep seated belief in karma and reincarnation.
- Although Hindi is the national language, there are 18 official languages and more than 1000 dialects
- The incredible and colourful atmosphere of Indian daily life / celebration expresses itself in the musicals of Bollywood, the decorations of temples and even the advertising in towns.
- Indians admire the simple life and the purity of the soul.
- Key Indian values are:
1. Respect for tradition
2. Compromise
3. Respect for family
4. Respect for elders
5. Compassion
6. Democracy
7. Creativity
- India has given the world 2 of its great religions; Hinduism and Buddhism
- There are several other religions practiced
1. Hindu (83%)
2. Muslims (11%)
3. Christians (2.5%)
4. Sikhs (2%)
5. Buddhists (less than 1%)
ENVIRONMENT
- The republic of India is a huge and varied country, surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains in the north and extending into the Indian Ocean in the south.
- India is bounded by Pakistan in the and the Arabian Sea on the west and Bangladesh to the east.
- To the north lie china, Nepal and Bhutan and the sea separates India from Sri Lanka in the south.
- India has absorbed many peoples and influences over centuries due to its position and configuration as a sub-continent.
- This isolation has led to the development of a distinct and rich cultural identity.
TIME
- it is impossible to consider modern India without using the concept of time.
- It allows us to consider the influences upon India, the sense of national identity forged during such a long and vibrant history.
- India is just as dynamic as it is enduring and chang is inevitably taking place as westernization, modernization and industrialization is woven into the fabric of society.
GLOBALISATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The emergence of a ‘global culture’ has impacted on India through the new technologies of world information systems and the spread of global consumerism via the TNC’s. The introduction of such technologies as satellite TV and the internet have allowed western ideals to encroach in the conservative values of India.
Long entrenched cultural values are being challenged as acculturation brings Indian societies into contact with different attitudes and ideologies. A strong component of globalization is westernization, meaning the western style consumerism, attitudes, fashion and music infiltrate non-western culture.
TRENDS THAT INFLUENCE THE PROCESS OF GLOBALISATION
MOBILITY
- money, ideas and people move more freely across borders. Mobility is linked to improved means of communication and cheaper travel. The internet and satellite TV allow Indians to travel more easily giving them, absorbing ideas from other cultures.
SIMULTANEITY
- sophisticated communication systems allow new consumer goods,, new technology and cultural interaction to be introduced at almost the same time in different places across the world.
BYPASS
- because of the many and various ways of communication now available, it is more difficult for traditional authorities to maintain control over the information and ideas received by members of Indian society.
PLURALISM
- the once dominant majority cultures are not so dominant anymore. The question remains are Hindus in general and Brahmins losing control over Indian society.
THE INFLUENCE OF SATTELITE TV
25% per cent of Indian households now have access to News Corporations Star TV channel, with access to western soaps, movies and music videos. Many of these western programs stress physically, fantasy and sexuality over intellectuality, realism and self-sacrifice. Hindu values are not being represented. These programs portray a life of easy success and instant pleasure that is attractive to young people, but fundamentalists argue, that it does nothing to prepare them for the real world. Many hindus fear the impact of sattelite TV programs on their society. They see them as a threat to traditional society and a signpost to a time when Hindu culture has been absorbed by the westernised global village. The future is likely to see a continuism of the struggle between fundamentalists and the global media.
FOCUS STUDY: GENDER IN INDIA
Indian women represent a diverse range of ethnic groups and reflect the social divisions inherent in the class structure of this complex society. Changes since independence have affected women in different ways. Middleclass women have shared the same boost in income and expectations as middle-class men. A small but highly visible minority of women have achieved considerable advances, professionally and socially. The danger lies in assuming that the lives of all women have improved equally.
Most women in India remain poor, rural and uneducated. Many poor women have two full time jobs: the work they do to earn wages for the family and the work of running a household. In some rural areas, poor women work in agriculture; in cities they work in a variety of small-scale industries, or as petty traders and domestic servants. This so called ‘informal’ sector represents the majority of the work force of India (particularly women’s work).
There is considerable qualitative information available to show the extent of prejudice and discrimination experienced by women in India. A number of concerns are:
• Cultural attitudes that limit women to stereotyped roles of mothers and housewives.
• Government legislation, policies and programs supporting these stereotypes.
• The prevalence of violence against women and its lack of documentation.
• The restrictive influences of the Hindu religion.
• The high proportion of women working in unskilled and lower paid jobs.
• The lack of participation of women in public life.
• The exploitation of women in traditional communities because of their position within the power structure.
The modernization of Indian society has brought a range of choices and opportunities to elite and middle class women. However, traditionally, women’s role in Hindu society is one of homemaker and mother, always subjugated by the authority of her husband. A practice that influences women’s lives is arranged marriages. The father of the wife-to-be pays dowry of either money or goods to the future fathers husband’s family. Despite the fact that the payment of dowries has now been made illegal, it has shown few signs of diminishing its grips. Many argue that dowry underlines the subordinate status of women since they are rarely given any control over their own dowry. Dowry is one of the clearest signs of a gender role that leaves women’s welfare into the hands of men. A married woman faces even greater pressure if she wants to divorce her husband. Although the constitution allows for divorcees to remarry, few are in the position to do so simply because they are considered outcasts by society.
The power and leadership of the Brahmins and the overall dominance of males in Hindu society has long affected the lives of women. The traditional role of women as set down in the laws of Manu stresses that women should not be independent. It is important to note that today many Hindus (especially in more westernized urban areas) are more liberal in their interpretation of gender roles.
Today a small proportion of women have asserted their independence by gaining tertiary qualifications at institutions such as the Women’s University in Mumbai. However, the vast majority of Indian Hindu women remain subject to their men and work because of necessity rather than choice.
There has been a small movement that has included a re-evaluation of some aspects of a women’s role. The Arya Samaj movement, aimed to restore Hinduism to the rational and ethical system it once was, its pure Vedic form. Reforms included:
• Marriage for choice rather than arrangement.
• Abolition of child marriage.
• Education for women.
As a result of globalization, the Hindu women’s movement is being influenced by the ideology of omen’s groups in western societies (e.g. feminism). Indian Hindu women face the challenge of considering, and possibly implementing, non-traditional ideas that question the subordinate, passive aspects of the traditional Hindu women’s role.
The recent growth of religious fundamentalism only reinforces the idea that women are under the control of men. Hindu women have advanced their cause to some degree through the increasing participation of higher class women in management and bureaucracy, but this is counteracted by the continued suppression and exploitation of the mass of lower class women.
Although gender roles are changing in India, gender relations are still patriarchal – that is, they reflect and perpetuate a hierarchy where women are subordinate to men. Women’s subordination is reflected in inequality and differences between women and men within the family and community, as well as in all social, economic, cultural and political interaction and relationships between people.
If male conservative Hindu values continue to dominate Indian society, then one could expect the status quo to remain the same: giving women some degree of power within the family situation, but women finding it more difficult to empower themselves through access to influential roles in work and public life.
The women’s movement in India is confronted by a society where values continue to be dominated by males and are reinforced through the institutions of family, education, work, law, religion and government. The power relationship between the sexes is patriarchal. Activists in the women’s movement agree that liberalization of education is the key to positive change for women. Education raises awareness and provides women with the tools they need to agitate for change. The challenge will be to make the type of education accessible to all women regardless of class.
these are a bit rough and a bit late
if i have gotten anything wrong please let me know....
good luck tomorrow everyone
SOCIETY AND CULTURE NOTES
CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
Concepts
• continuity – traditions will define a belief system. The passing down from generation to generation of beliefs, laws, doctrines and customs that help that particular group make sense of their world and the cosmos. It also refers to the reasons why these are passed down. This continuity gives society stability.
• globalisation - Describes the emergence of a global culture brought about by a variety of social and cultural developments such as: the existence of world information systems; the emergence of global patterns of consumption and consumerism; the growth of transnational corporations; the emergence of global sport like World Cup soccer; the spread of world tourism and the growth of global military and economic systems. It involves a consciousness of the world as a single place.
• modernization - A process of social change resulting from the diffusion and adoption of the characteristics of expansive and apparently more advanced societies through societies that are apparently less advanced. It involves social mobilisation, the growth of a more effective and centralised apparatus of social and political control, the acceptance of scientifically rational norms and the transformation of social relations and aesthetic forms.
• change - this applies to the understanding that something is different from the way it has been before. Change can be referred to as a break with tradition. It refers to those values, beliefs and behaviour that differ from one generation to the next.
• westernisation - A particular form of modernisation in which the methods and values of Western industrial capitalism are the basis of the changes that are occurring.
• institutions - Refers to the structural components of a society through which its main concerns and activities are organised, for example, the church, the law, government, family.
• values - the core beliefs of an individual or country; important understandings that form the basis of shared behaviour of an individual or cultural group
• beliefs - principles accepted and shared among a group of people; indicate a particular way of perceiving the physical world and the universe
• heritage – this refers to the collective past of a country. It may be physical heritage (such as material remains) or cultural heritage (such as songs, stories or music). It can play a key role in maintaining continuities.
• tradition – refers to an activity or belief maintained in society over a period of time. It implies continuity and includes both traits and reasons for tradition.
• identity – an identity can be personal or national. Our sense of who we are comes through socialization. It refers to the understanding of who you are and why you are that person. Our understanding of self is strongly influenced by the society and culture in which we belong. Popular culture may also play a crucial role in the development of an identity.
• conflict – covers disagreements at a variety of levels within a society. It may lead to social change. Individuals and groups may find themselves in disagreements because of their status or role within a belief system. There may also be conflict between various belief systems because of their incompatible ideas or cultural factors. Lack of equality can often lead to conflict in a society. Struggles for power within and between work and leisure organization are instances of conflict. Trade unions and employer organizations etc.
• cooperation – involves the members of a society or culture working together to achieve accepted goals or desires.
• industrialisation - Refers to the transition in methods of production that has been responsible for the vastly increased wealth creating capacity of modern societies compared with traditional systems. It may refer to manufacturing, agriculture and administration.
• empowerment – this term is used to describe groups within a society obtaining access to power structures and gaining control over their destiny.
• social and cultural literacy – socially and culturally literate persons can communicate effectively across society. They are aware of their own place In society and should be willing to make a contribution to their society and culture. They sould recognize values, customs, beliefs and behaviours that may differ from your own and possess the skills to understand the difference without making value judgements.
CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN INDIA
PEOPLE
- Indian culture is family-orientated and patriarchal.
- This strongly religious society has great respect for age, tradition and sacred symbols.
- People dress and present themselves modestly and don’t tolerate behaviour contrary to religious traditions.
- The nurturing of relationships, tolerance, social harmony and hospitality is paramount.
- People do things through family and friends.
- India is a collectivist culture
- Ideals of humility and self-denial is respected.
SOCIETY
- Traditional society is based around family and respect for elders.
- Respect for tradition is highly valued.
- India is an ancient civilization and its people have a predominantly religious attitude to life marked by clear authority structures and distinct social status lines
- Caste is the basic social structure of Indian society
- Indians take great strength from families which are larger and more extended than those in most western societies.
CULTURE
- Indian culture reflects both its history and geography
- From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the language is different and the customs are different.
- The fundamental belief is in the continuity of life. The cause of this attitude is the very deep seated belief in karma and reincarnation.
- Although Hindi is the national language, there are 18 official languages and more than 1000 dialects
- The incredible and colourful atmosphere of Indian daily life / celebration expresses itself in the musicals of Bollywood, the decorations of temples and even the advertising in towns.
- Indians admire the simple life and the purity of the soul.
- Key Indian values are:
1. Respect for tradition
2. Compromise
3. Respect for family
4. Respect for elders
5. Compassion
6. Democracy
7. Creativity
- India has given the world 2 of its great religions; Hinduism and Buddhism
- There are several other religions practiced
1. Hindu (83%)
2. Muslims (11%)
3. Christians (2.5%)
4. Sikhs (2%)
5. Buddhists (less than 1%)
ENVIRONMENT
- The republic of India is a huge and varied country, surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains in the north and extending into the Indian Ocean in the south.
- India is bounded by Pakistan in the and the Arabian Sea on the west and Bangladesh to the east.
- To the north lie china, Nepal and Bhutan and the sea separates India from Sri Lanka in the south.
- India has absorbed many peoples and influences over centuries due to its position and configuration as a sub-continent.
- This isolation has led to the development of a distinct and rich cultural identity.
TIME
- it is impossible to consider modern India without using the concept of time.
- It allows us to consider the influences upon India, the sense of national identity forged during such a long and vibrant history.
- India is just as dynamic as it is enduring and chang is inevitably taking place as westernization, modernization and industrialization is woven into the fabric of society.
GLOBALISATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The emergence of a ‘global culture’ has impacted on India through the new technologies of world information systems and the spread of global consumerism via the TNC’s. The introduction of such technologies as satellite TV and the internet have allowed western ideals to encroach in the conservative values of India.
Long entrenched cultural values are being challenged as acculturation brings Indian societies into contact with different attitudes and ideologies. A strong component of globalization is westernization, meaning the western style consumerism, attitudes, fashion and music infiltrate non-western culture.
TRENDS THAT INFLUENCE THE PROCESS OF GLOBALISATION
MOBILITY
- money, ideas and people move more freely across borders. Mobility is linked to improved means of communication and cheaper travel. The internet and satellite TV allow Indians to travel more easily giving them, absorbing ideas from other cultures.
SIMULTANEITY
- sophisticated communication systems allow new consumer goods,, new technology and cultural interaction to be introduced at almost the same time in different places across the world.
BYPASS
- because of the many and various ways of communication now available, it is more difficult for traditional authorities to maintain control over the information and ideas received by members of Indian society.
PLURALISM
- the once dominant majority cultures are not so dominant anymore. The question remains are Hindus in general and Brahmins losing control over Indian society.
THE INFLUENCE OF SATTELITE TV
25% per cent of Indian households now have access to News Corporations Star TV channel, with access to western soaps, movies and music videos. Many of these western programs stress physically, fantasy and sexuality over intellectuality, realism and self-sacrifice. Hindu values are not being represented. These programs portray a life of easy success and instant pleasure that is attractive to young people, but fundamentalists argue, that it does nothing to prepare them for the real world. Many hindus fear the impact of sattelite TV programs on their society. They see them as a threat to traditional society and a signpost to a time when Hindu culture has been absorbed by the westernised global village. The future is likely to see a continuism of the struggle between fundamentalists and the global media.
FOCUS STUDY: GENDER IN INDIA
Indian women represent a diverse range of ethnic groups and reflect the social divisions inherent in the class structure of this complex society. Changes since independence have affected women in different ways. Middleclass women have shared the same boost in income and expectations as middle-class men. A small but highly visible minority of women have achieved considerable advances, professionally and socially. The danger lies in assuming that the lives of all women have improved equally.
Most women in India remain poor, rural and uneducated. Many poor women have two full time jobs: the work they do to earn wages for the family and the work of running a household. In some rural areas, poor women work in agriculture; in cities they work in a variety of small-scale industries, or as petty traders and domestic servants. This so called ‘informal’ sector represents the majority of the work force of India (particularly women’s work).
There is considerable qualitative information available to show the extent of prejudice and discrimination experienced by women in India. A number of concerns are:
• Cultural attitudes that limit women to stereotyped roles of mothers and housewives.
• Government legislation, policies and programs supporting these stereotypes.
• The prevalence of violence against women and its lack of documentation.
• The restrictive influences of the Hindu religion.
• The high proportion of women working in unskilled and lower paid jobs.
• The lack of participation of women in public life.
• The exploitation of women in traditional communities because of their position within the power structure.
The modernization of Indian society has brought a range of choices and opportunities to elite and middle class women. However, traditionally, women’s role in Hindu society is one of homemaker and mother, always subjugated by the authority of her husband. A practice that influences women’s lives is arranged marriages. The father of the wife-to-be pays dowry of either money or goods to the future fathers husband’s family. Despite the fact that the payment of dowries has now been made illegal, it has shown few signs of diminishing its grips. Many argue that dowry underlines the subordinate status of women since they are rarely given any control over their own dowry. Dowry is one of the clearest signs of a gender role that leaves women’s welfare into the hands of men. A married woman faces even greater pressure if she wants to divorce her husband. Although the constitution allows for divorcees to remarry, few are in the position to do so simply because they are considered outcasts by society.
The power and leadership of the Brahmins and the overall dominance of males in Hindu society has long affected the lives of women. The traditional role of women as set down in the laws of Manu stresses that women should not be independent. It is important to note that today many Hindus (especially in more westernized urban areas) are more liberal in their interpretation of gender roles.
Today a small proportion of women have asserted their independence by gaining tertiary qualifications at institutions such as the Women’s University in Mumbai. However, the vast majority of Indian Hindu women remain subject to their men and work because of necessity rather than choice.
There has been a small movement that has included a re-evaluation of some aspects of a women’s role. The Arya Samaj movement, aimed to restore Hinduism to the rational and ethical system it once was, its pure Vedic form. Reforms included:
• Marriage for choice rather than arrangement.
• Abolition of child marriage.
• Education for women.
As a result of globalization, the Hindu women’s movement is being influenced by the ideology of omen’s groups in western societies (e.g. feminism). Indian Hindu women face the challenge of considering, and possibly implementing, non-traditional ideas that question the subordinate, passive aspects of the traditional Hindu women’s role.
The recent growth of religious fundamentalism only reinforces the idea that women are under the control of men. Hindu women have advanced their cause to some degree through the increasing participation of higher class women in management and bureaucracy, but this is counteracted by the continued suppression and exploitation of the mass of lower class women.
Although gender roles are changing in India, gender relations are still patriarchal – that is, they reflect and perpetuate a hierarchy where women are subordinate to men. Women’s subordination is reflected in inequality and differences between women and men within the family and community, as well as in all social, economic, cultural and political interaction and relationships between people.
If male conservative Hindu values continue to dominate Indian society, then one could expect the status quo to remain the same: giving women some degree of power within the family situation, but women finding it more difficult to empower themselves through access to influential roles in work and public life.
The women’s movement in India is confronted by a society where values continue to be dominated by males and are reinforced through the institutions of family, education, work, law, religion and government. The power relationship between the sexes is patriarchal. Activists in the women’s movement agree that liberalization of education is the key to positive change for women. Education raises awareness and provides women with the tools they need to agitate for change. The challenge will be to make the type of education accessible to all women regardless of class.
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