Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Women in India
Unique in many ways, Kerala is the most literate state in India and is also known for its tra-
dition of matrilineal kinship. Exactly why the matrilineal family became established in this
region is subject to conjecture, although one explanation is that it was in response to ongo-
ing warfare in the 10th and 11th centuries. With the military men absent, women invariably
took charge of the household. It has also been argued that the men would very likely form
alliances wherever they found themselves and that the children of these unions would be-
come the responsibility of the mother's family. Whatever the reason, by the 14th century a
matrilineal society was firmly established in many communities across Kerala, and it lasted
pretty much unchallenged until the 20th century.
In other parts of South India, such as Tamil Nadu, women also had more freedom than
was the norm elsewhere in India. Matriarchy was a long-standing tradition within Tamil
communities and the practice of marriage between cousins meant that young women did
not have to move away and live among strangers
Dowry deaths and female infanticide were virtually unknown in India until relatively re-
cent times, but the imposition of consumerism on old customs and conventions, making
dowries more expensive, has resulted in increased instances.
According to the most recent census, India's population is comprised of 586 million wo-
men, with an estimated 68% of those working (mostly as labourers) in the agricultural sec-
tor. Women in India are entitled to vote and own property. While the percentage of women
in politics has risen over the past decade, they're still notably underrepresented in the na-
tional parliament, accounting for around 10% of parliamentary members.
Although the professions are male dominated, women are steadily making inroads, espe-
cially in urban centres, which includes a collection of South Indian hubs. Kerala was In-
dia's first state to break societal norms by recruiting female police officers in 1938. It was
also the first state to establish an all-female police station (1973). For village women, right
across India, it's much more difficult to get ahead. In low-income families, especially, girls
can be regarded as a serious financial liability because at marriage a dowry must often be
supplied.
For the urban middle-class woman, life is materially much more comfortable, but pres-
sures still exist. Broadly speaking, she is far more likely to receive a tertiary education, but
once married is still usually expected to 'fit in' with her in-laws and be a homemaker above
all else. Like her village counterpart, if she fails to live up to expectations - even if it's just
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