GRSJ224/Sexism/Rape Culture in India

What is Sexism and Rape Culture?

Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender. Rape culture is a sociological concept used to describe a setting in which race is pervasive and normalized due to societal attitudes about gender and society.

Why India?

After a highly publicized rape case in Delhi in 2012 India became an international hot topic for criticism of a sexist and misogynist nation. The case became known as the [Delhi Gang Rape]. This incident made India appear as a sexist nation towards women, where as there are many other factors that help us understand why there are so many sex-based crimes against women in one nation. However, to note caste, politics and capitalism are vital factors that engage in harsh sexism seen in all levels of society in India.

Only 1% of rape victims report the crime to the police.

"Indian Culture"

The concept of "Indian Culture" is a common misunderstood idea that the culture of India deeply resonates with misogynist and barbaric ideas of gender roles, which highly privileges men. It is important to note that many high officials present in public life resonate sentiments that refer to women as the inferior race. These people tend to back their beliefs up by stating that in their culture the association of women being unequal to men has been documented and present for years in India. Some accounts have been stated that the influence of the West is what is causing the outbreak of rape cases in India. When highly public politicians define the idea of an "Indian Culture" that has been historically sexist it is for their political game to advance their own political agenda. It is crucial to question and understand that who really is benefiting from the victim-blaming and anti-women sentiments in India.

Capitalism

With India becoming one of the world's fastest growing economy, it is important to see how the idea of capitalism and globalisation ties into the the perspective of the "Indian Culture." Now more than ever, women in India are used in the workforce as cheap, underpaid labour. The differences in gender and sex are present in male and females so women do not expect too much at work and still have to carry the burden of social reproduction at home. As well, in a family setting, women are also the ones expected to care for the young and old in the group and take part in the cohesion of the home.

Statistics

Marital rape is not a crime in India, and many women feel powerless in situations of marriage. Most rape cases occur between husband and wife, and only 10% of those are reported to the police. Younger girls who are in their teens are most affected by rape, especially those who have are in marriages.

Teen girls are 24% of the rape victims in India, yet, they only represent 9% of the population.

Around 2.5 million young girls are the victims of rape cases in India.

The number of gang rapes has been at an ultimate high, which means that men are being supported by their peers in the situation of sexual violence altogether. The idea of support is resonated when they believe to act on these urges in a group setting.

Factors

Social Factors: One of the main social causes of many cases of rape in India is the patriarchal society that is present in India. Men and fathers especially seen as the heads of the family. They are usually the ones in charge to make any big decisions for the group. Another point to add is gender inequality, the ratio of men to women is unbalanced, since many prefer a son over a daughter. The statistics in 2011 for women to men were 914, for every 1000 men.

Cultural Factors: India is known to be a country where a hierarchical system is heavily embedded in the nation. The masculinity complex is very high in India compared to other nations, expanding the gap between female and male dominancy.

Institutional Factors: Legislation in India is not updated to defend a victim in majority of cases - girls and women to help get a conviction against their rapists. The Human Rights Watch has criticised the government for not updating laws and using inefficient rape kits to help the victim implement some sort of justice in the trauma they have faced. As well, the stigma that comes with these police cases can be horrid, causing shame to the family and victim.

References

1. Krishnan, K. (2015). Rape Culture and Sexism in Globalising India. Sur International Journal on Human Rights, 12(22), 255.

2.Ibid.

3.Ibid.

4. Raj, A., & McDougal, L. (2014). Sexual violence and Rape in India. Lancet (London, England), 383(9920), 865. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60435-9

5. Krishnan, K. (2015). Rape Culture and Sexism in Globalising India. Sur International Journal on Human Rights, 12(22), 255.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Ibid. p.257

11. Ibid.

12. Ibid.

13. Raj, A., & McDougal, L. (2014). Sexual violence and Rape in India. Lancet (London, England), 383(9920), 865. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60435-9

14. Ibid.

15. Ibid.

16. Ibid.

17. Ibid.

18. Ibid.

19. R. Sharma, R., Pardasani, R., & Nandram, S. (2014). The Problem of Rape in India: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 7(3), 366. doi:10.1108/IJMPB-10-2013-0061

20. Ibid.

21. Ibid.

22. Ibid.

23. Ibid.

24. Ibid.

25. Ibid.

26. Ibid.

27. Ibid.

28. Ibid.