Violence against women is an international phenomenon. In India, rape, sexual assault, physical and verbal abuse become especially pervasive given their strong roots in India’s history and societal norms. The issue of violence against women grows increasingly urgent, statistics illustrating that violence against women is on the rise. Though critics question whether figures reflect an upsurge in crime or an upsurge in crime reporting, evidence of institutional and cultural gender injustice remains unarguable. Before studying the relationship between India’s hierarchal culture and violence against women, it is necessary to investigate, from a higher level, the very notion of hierarchy. The crux of the Indian social system is the single principle
The framework of caste emerged at the end of the 1700’s as a multifaceted social phenomenon that took different forms in various regions. Over time it has transformed in accordance with extrinsic factors. In particular, it grew to become a unitary, structured social order due to British colonization. Colonizers controlled the colonized by re-administering the caste structure in a way that would undermine India’s indigenous rulers and traditional power system. In other words, the British utilized the social system to rationalize institutional inequalities. The emergence of a patriarchal hierarchy can be traced throughout the foundations of India’s history, from the Pre Vedic Period to India post-Independence. In doing so, the deeply ingrained quality of subjugation becomes apparent. The beginning of civilization saw no legitimate gender hierarchy, nor violence against women. Within the Vedic Period (1500-800 BCE), however, society became increasingly structured. Despite women being honoured as sacred within the Hindu culture, this time period also saw the establishment of the institution of marriage. This developed the obligation of women to remain in the household, and to give birth to a
The subjugation of women is thoroughly enhanced by conditions of being low caste or class, and associated living conditions, including but not limited to poor education, a lack of access to health, and inhibited social mobility. In an attempt to contextualize violence against women economically, media has blamed the cultural understanding that men, and men only, must function as financial providers for the family. Women do not have economic independence, nor do they have the freedom to pursue employment in many situations. They are thus disempowered and dependent on their families, or husbands in marriage. Consequently, parents increasingly prefer sons over daughters. Further, men who are unable to provide for their family are more likely to relieve stress through domestic violence. Apart from these there are cases of witch-hunting, not giving education, earlier problems of Sati and other evils which gloom the very history of women during the colonial times in