WOMEN IN SOCIETY TODAY
Through gender, we differentiate people in society. On the basis of it, society expects the particular gender to behave in the set manner, as society has planned it to. Society has certain barriers towards the people. It is perceived that men and women are inherently different and they are separate species not only in terms of physical appearance but also in their psychological makeup. There is a phrase "women are from Venus, men are from mars". It is clear from this phrase, as interpreted by society, that men and women think, act and feel differently.
Society has designed things in a certain manner, and women are always treated as "the second sex". The impact which gender discrimination holds has limited the approach women can have towards her life and has affected her psychologically. The mind set that people hold in connection with women has not changed yet.
Simone de Beauvoir in "the second sex" talks about the condition of women and how they are percieved. She states that "We must only note that the varieties of behaviour reported are not dictated to women by her hormones and pre-determined in the structure of the human brain, They are shaped as and mould by their situation". Thus, it is clear that women are not born as such but they are made and constructed in a specific manner, which society has formed. Her choice, freedom and responsibilities are pre-decided by society. Her choice, in choosing her course of action in life, has restrictions, which are not easy to avoid.
For the course of action, which society has in terms of defining roles of gender, through traditions and morality the subjugation of women is justified. How we treat women, needs to be accounted as irrespective of cultural and religious beliefs, women remain the second sex, in eyes of society. History is evident that all forms of hegemony against various issues has been short lived as the matter has been taken seriously and people fought against it unitedly. Then why can't we undertake this issue solemnly? What are those cultural barriers which are stopping us? Why can't we fight against the hindrances?
Writers like Shashi Deshpande have discussed various issues which women face in course of her life. In 'The Intrusion', a story written by her, she has depicted women being overpowered by her husband. The incessant attempts of males to rule over females is prevalent in society and it is sad to know that the society in which we live in justifies the manner in which males oppress females. Women are left with no choice but to accept the inferior state with respect to their gender. They are denied equal status and hence comes the need for them to fight for it. The roles which are assigned to them connote some social and cultural meanings therefore stereotyping them becomes more prevalent. It is really not easy for women to transcendent and live for own's life .
As brought up in a certain way, women too accept the false notions and believe what they are told. They find their roots in the justification of existence of males as they have been guided by patriarchal interests. For instance, the concept of maternity can be stated. Maternity is viewed by women as biologically natural and emotionally fulfilling as they are convinced unknowingly by culture. The physical pain which pregnancy holds is biological in nature and it is totally accepted by women.In many households, they are not given a choice but are expected after marriage,to become a mother. This involves the understanding that society thinks her to be only an object to reproduce because she has that biological quality in her. Through her reproductive system, it is there in her to give birth, but why can't it be a matter of her own choice as she has to go through all the physical pain and changes which pregnancy brings.
Women must be treated well. They should be given equal space in society. They should not be viewed as objects. They should be provided with adequate knowledge and should be allowed to make their own decisions. The assertion that women do not make good leaders should be is totally irrelevant. The attitude which society carries will never be able to change the fact that women are capable to do anything just like men, they are no less them in any field, if they are conditioned with an optimistic attitude.