THE BIAS OF "GOOD WOMAN"

The aim of this post is to point out the prejudice that has not yet received sufficient attention, although it lies at the base of a fair amount of feminist research: the bias that whereas men are bad and aggressive, women are good and peaceful.

patriarchy wants women to be modern,

yet follow the norms that are specified for them.

Hence, this ‘bad’ or ‘immoral’ woman tag is given to those who dare to be otherwise. Another vital point of sexism is that Western and first world qualities are considered by the larger Indian society as ‘modern’, whereas their cultural practices – especially followed by the women – are deemed as immoral and ‘unbecoming of Indians.'

The good is often associated with women who adhere to the norms set by the society, and are known as ‘traditional’ whereas the ‘bad’ is associated with women who defy the norms and attempt to rise against the popular familial structure based on patriarchy. In the present Indian society, patriarchy wants women to be modern, yet follow the norms that are specified for them, with respect to their attires, education, marital practices, societal contribution, and sexuality.

Historically speaking, this stringent categorisation of women has part of its roots since British rule. During the days of the Raj, there were several ways in which the British tried to ‘civilise’ Indian people. One of the ways was to incorporate the Victorian norm of covering the body – in order to maintain ‘chastity.’ Another idea that became popular during that time was a binary opposition between the males and females, in order to organise their working potential in society.

THE SOCIETAL MINDSET

Women are categorised into the binaries of "positive influence" and "negative influence" in Indian society. Practices related to women’s looks and habits are thus always drawn into unnecessary feuds. Hence, the popular belief that exists is that women should cover their bodies completely to avoid ‘public gaze’.

This is related to women’s sexuality. Women who do not adhere to this norm, are considered ‘immoral’ and ‘westernised’. It is assumed that to be accepted as a part of the larger society, women must adorn ‘sarees’ or 'salwaar-kameez' which are traditional. Victimising women for their choice of clothes, today, is done on the basis of that India is a traditional society that does not allow women to rise against patriarchy.

Activities such as befriending men and consuming alcohol are considered ‘untowardly’ on the part of ‘chaste’, ‘traditional’ women. The larger society portrays the ‘westernised’ women as outgoing and vulgar, as opposed to Indian women who are supposed to hide behind walls and refrain from performing such ‘masculine’ activities that might ‘degrade’ their social position.

Therefore, the majority of the population still harps about gender stereotypes, which portray that women’s central role within society revolves around the domestic sphere. Women’s contribution to the nation is perpetually seen in terms of household chores within the private space.

WOMEN HAVE TO SACRIFICE IN ORDER TO HAVE A PLACE IN THE FAMILY.

Women are required to dedicate themselves to the ‘inner’ sphere of life, although nowadays they are allowed to get educated.

However, there are also restrictions on women’s education in comparison to men’s education.

Women are not expected to be more educated than men, as it might lead to a societal imbalance within the patriarchal system. Society propagates the notion that women who venture out of the domestic cage should engage in jobs that are ‘flexible’ so that they can devote more time to their ‘real’ job within the household.

Therefore, women who rebel against this misogynist structure and educate themselves well above the glass ceiling set by society, are seen as being disrespectful towards society.

("Strippers"/"Hookers")Sex Workers are not given honourable places in society, as female sexuality is something that is considered content, to be protected and preserved to maintain respectability.

Women involved in any type of sexual intercourse are labelled "whores" "unclean" while for Males the situation is pretty decent and acceptable "men will be men"

Most importantly, the issue of marital rape goes absolutely unnoticed in this sea of arguments. Marital rape is not considered a crime in India because women are constrained by regulations to submit to the demands of their spouses. They are considered sexual labourers within their own households, not having the ultimate right on their own bodies or mindset