The status of women has been the central concern of many reform movements before and after independence. Leaders of the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj were concerned with issues like sati, remarriage, divorce, female Education, purdah system, polygamy, and dowry.
women’s participation in movements has been in four major forms:
For social, economic and political rights of specific categories of people like tribals, peasants and industrial workers,
For improvement in conditions of work and autonomy to women,
For equal remuneration for work,
In general social movements on issues affecting men and children like abortions, adoption of children, sexual exploitation, etc.
It could be said that Indian women’s movements worked for two goals: one, liberation or uplift of women, i.e., reforming social practices so as to enable women to play a more important and constructive role in Society; and two, equal rights for men and women, i.e., extension of civil rights enjoyed by men in the political, economic and familial spheres to women also.
The factors that provided the required incentive to women’s movements were:
effect of western education on the male domination on women and on the concept of complementary sex roles, Leadership provided by educated elite women, interest of male social reformers in changing social practices sanctioned by religion, changing socio-religious attitudes and philosophies, and decreasing social hostility and opposition of males to women’s associations engaged in self-help activities, and benevolent Attitude of political national leaders towards fledgling women’s movements and their enthusiastic support to women campaigns.
The declaring of 1975-85 decade as the International Women’s decade also gave impetus to women’s movements for removing the notion of inferiority of women and giving them a sense of identity. The Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) established by the Government of India in 1953, also promotes and strengthens voluntary efforts for the welfare of women. The Ministry of Welfare, Government of India, too gives grants to voluntary organisations for activities like construction/expansion of hostels for working women in cities.
It can be averred that social movements were either change-resisting or change-promoting, i.e., those which aimed at the participants’ deprivation and concerned with their welfare and uplift. We concentrated on those reform movements which pursued their goals through institutionalised means, without unleashing violence and were initiated by some ideological groups through mobilisation process.
The analysis of six types of movements suggests that movements are generally initiated and spread by charismatic leaders or by Political Parties and religious organisations. In the former case, the ideologies are transmitted downwards while in the latter case, these are transmitted upwards. Once any movement based on certain ideology changes, it is not necessary that it will spread in course of time, it can gain in strength and it can also lose its vitality either because it is considered irrelevant or because it is suppressed by the government.
Other thing which emerges from the analysis is that:
Social movements are products of a social structure and emerge out of certain conditions in the social structure,
Social movements themselves have a structure which makes them functional relative to their goals, and
Social movements have consequences for the social structure of which they are the products.
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The status of women has changed dramatically over the past few centuries. In the past, women were largely confined to the home and had few rights or opportunities. However, thanks to the efforts of many brave and determined women, the situation has improved greatly.
One of the most important milestones in the fight for women’s rights was the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This was a major victory for the women’s suffrage movement, which had been working for decades to achieve this goal.
The women’s rights movement has also been successful in securing other important rights for women, such as the right to own property, the right to divorce, and the right to equal pay. However, there is still much work to be done. Women continue to face discrimination in many areas of life, including the workplace, the home, and the political arena.
One of the most important challenges facing women today is the gender pay gap. Women in the United States still earn, on Average, 20% less than men for the same work. This gap is even wider for women of color. The gender pay gap is a major obstacle to women’s economic independence and Equality.
Another important challenge facing women is violence against women. Every year, millions of women are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of violence. Violence against women is a serious Human Rights violation that has a devastating impact on women’s lives.
Despite these challenges, there has been much progress in the fight for women’s rights. Women have made great strides in education, EMPLOYMENT, and politics. Today, women are more likely than ever to be college-educated, to hold jobs outside the home, and to participate in government.
The progress that women have made is due in large part to the efforts of the women’s rights movement. This movement has fought for women’s rights for centuries, and its work has made a real difference in the lives of women around the world.
The women’s rights movement is still active today, and it continues to fight for the rights of women everywhere. The movement is working to end violence against women, to close the gender pay gap, and to ensure that women have equal rights in all areas of life.
The women’s rights movement is an important part of the fight for social Justice. The movement has made a real difference in the lives of women, and it continues to work to improve the lives of women around the world.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the changing status of women and social movements:
What is the changing status of women?
The status of women has changed significantly over the past few centuries. In the past, women were often considered to be second-class citizens and had few rights. However, thanks to the efforts of many social movements, women have made great strides in terms of equality. Today, women have the right to vote, own property, and hold office. They are also more likely to be educated and employed than ever before.
What are some social movements that have helped to improve the status of women?
There have been many social movements that have helped to improve the status of women. Some of the most notable include the suffragette movement, the women’s rights movement, and the feminist movement. These movements have fought for women’s suffrage, equal pay, and reproductive rights. They have also worked to raise awareness of gender inequality and to challenge traditional gender roles.
What are some of the challenges that women still face today?
Despite the progress that has been made, women still face many challenges today. They are still underrepresented in leadership positions and in STEM fields. They are also more likely to be victims of violence and discrimination. In addition, women continue to earn less than men for the same work.
What can be done to address the challenges that women still face?
There are many things that can be done to address the challenges that women still face. One important step is to continue to fight for equality and to challenge discrimination. We also need to raise awareness of the challenges that women face and to support organizations that are working to improve the status of women. Finally, we need to change the way that we think about gender and to create a more equal society for everyone.
What is the future of the changing status of women?
The future of the changing status of women is uncertain. However, there are many reasons to be optimistic. Women are increasingly educated and employed, and they are making progress in many areas. In addition, there is a growing awareness of gender inequality and a commitment to change. With continued effort, we can create a more equal society for all.
Sure, here are some MCQs on the following topics:
The Industrial revolution had a significant impact on the status of women. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the impact of the Industrial Revolution on women?
(A) Women were increasingly employed in factories.
(B) Women’s wages were lower than men’s wages.
(C) Women were often forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions.
(D) Women were able to gain more independence and economic power as a result of the Industrial Revolution.
The women’s suffrage movement was a major social movement that fought for women’s right to vote. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the women’s suffrage movement?
(A) The movement was successful in winning the right to vote for women in the United States in 1920.
(B) The movement was led by a number of prominent women, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
(C) The movement faced opposition from many men and women, who believed that women were not capable of voting.
(D) The movement was a major victory for women’s rights and helped to pave the way for other social reforms.
The feminist movement is a broad social movement that campaigns for women’s rights and equality. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the feminist movement?
(A) The feminist movement has been successful in achieving a number of important goals, including the right to vote, the right to own property, and the right to equal pay.
(B) The feminist movement is still active today and continues to fight for women’s rights in a variety of areas, including reproductive rights, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.
(C) The feminist movement has been criticized by some for being too radical and for promoting a “man-hating” agenda.
(D) The feminist movement has had a significant impact on society and has helped to improve the lives of women around the world.
The #MeToo movement is a social movement that began in 2017 with the aim of raising awareness of sexual harassment and assault. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the #MeToo movement?
(A) The movement has been credited with helping to bring to Light a number of high-profile cases of sexual harassment and assault.
(B) The movement has been criticized by some for being too focused on individual cases and for not doing enough to address the systemic problem of sexual harassment and assault.
(C) The #MeToo movement has had a significant impact on society and has helped to change the way that people talk about and think about sexual harassment and assault.
(D) The #MeToo movement has been successful in achieving its goal of raising awareness of sexual harassment and assault.
The Time’s Up movement is a social movement that began in 2018 with the aim of combating sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the Time’s Up movement?
(A) The movement has been credited with helping to raise awareness of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.
(B) The movement has been criticized by some for being too focused on individual cases and for not doing enough to address the systemic problem of sexual harassment and assault.
(C) The Time’s Up movement has had a significant impact on society and has helped to change the way that people talk about and think about sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.
(D) The Time’s Up movement has been successful in achieving its goal of raising awareness of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.