Women education in ancient period & role of patriarchy
Introduction - The role of women in the education since the ancient period is critical to examine during the phases of life women faced oppression, humiliation, subjugation but progress at the same time .Being a male-dominated, traditionalist and static society, The primary duty of women was to take care of the home and children. But the ancient Hindu sources not only refute this idea but also strengthen the claim that the women in ancient India were educated, intelligent and an important part of the society. They not only performed household duties but also used to serve for the betterment of society. But the other side patriarchy also become stigma on female which claim’s male dominated society at educational, household etc
Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” -ELIN NORDEGREN
But, from enjoying free and esteemed positions in theRig-Vedic society, women started being discriminated against since the Later-Vedic period in education and other rights and facilities. Child marriage, widow burning, the purdah and polygamy further worsened the women’s position.
Savitribai said, “A woman without education is like a banyan tree without
roots or leaves; she cannot provide for her children and stay alive herself.”
women role and politics Archaeology, ancient texts, and artefacts are being used to reconstruct the lives of women. Much of the ideal role of women can be ascertained from the images of a maiden and bride in the Rig Veda. A daughter and maiden were praised for the characteristics of radiance and appealing adornment. This description suggests interest in feminine sensuality, child-bearing capacity of the young girl, hand the patriarchal system claimed women had no role in the field of education and working. Women aspiring role towards education Since the Vedic period women treated as goddess but after that patriarchy become popularised later in middle of 18th century, Gradually this fight for women’s empowerment in India grew strong. There have been social reforms and many men participated in them too like Raja Rammohan Roy, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda, and Swami Dayananda Saraswat. All of them had helped women to receive back their previous status in society.
According to history The origin of this empowerment and its concept of it had come up in the civil rights movements of the USA in 1960. To be more specific Mary wollestone become the first liberal feminist who has great role in Empowerment women in her publication vindication of right of women hence The status of women in India, through the past few millennia, has changed a lot. The whole 19th century is in one sense said to be the women’s century all over the world. All over the world women’s education became a moot question, which was not a topic of discussion lately but somehow the western world had some influence on women’s empowerment in India. And a big change came into existence. Huge dispatch has been step up in 1850 school setup for women education. ‘’Heaton and Lawson (1996) argued that the hidden curriculum taught patriarchal values in schools. ‘’
=View's of different feminist
Radical feminists argue that the education system is still fundamentally
patriarchal and continues to marginalise and oppress women.Radical feminists Kelly (1987), while exploring textbooks, found women were often portrayed to be reliant upon men or, such as in the case of many science textbooks, women were completely absent.
Liberal feminist -Liberal feminism is based on individual autonomy (or personal
autonomy. They are concerned with overt sexism and the legal protection of women and girls in education.which decreed that men and women in the same employment performing the same work must be paid the same, to show advancement in gender equality- under equality act2020 And evaluation by liberal feminist Michelle Stanworth (1983) found that gender bias still exists. Teachers have higher expectations for boys than girls, and are more likely to encourage boys Feminism on education Sharpe (1976) conducted research comparing working-class female aspirations in the 1970s and again in the 1990s (Sharpe, 1994). In the 1970s, most young women were focused on 'love, marriage, husbands and children.' This changed by the mid-1990s when young women were becoming increasingly 'wary' of marriage. Love, marriage, husbands and children." (Sharpe, 1976
Why was there a change in attitudes towards education?
Sharpe (1994) found by the 1990s, many of these women had seen relationship breakdowns and witnessed women struggling in a 'man's world'. This coincides with divorce rates; according to the Office of National Statistics (2016), divorce rose from 58,239 in 1970 to 153,386 in 1990. The 1980s also saw the achievement gap between girls and boys change; since then, girls have outperformed boys.
We can examine Sharpe's study on working-class female aspirations to the female
subculture groups Paul Willis explored in 1977, identified why we need change :-
1-Education transmits patriarchal norms and values and gender scripts.
2-Education legitimises patriarchy and teaches women and girls to accept their position in society etc.
Current women condition in education
Educational status of women in India As per the 2011 Census, the total literacy rate in India stands at 74.00 per cent and the rate of literacy among women is 65.46 per cent. The percentage of female literacy in the country was 54.16 per cent in 2001. The literacy rate in the Country has increased from 18.33 per cent in 1951 to 74.00 per cent as per 2011 census. The female literacy rate has also increased from 8.86 per cent in 1951 to 65.46 per cent in 2011.
Current role of women in education -
Female education is a catch-all term for a complex set of issues and controversies for girls and women (including elementary, secondary, and university education, as well as health education). It’s also known as women’s education or girls’ education. Inequalities in education for girls and women are complex: some problems are more systematic and less explicit, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education disparities, It is important to develop basic education because 1- reduce illiteracy rate in women around 163 million has been increased by claiming basic education for women . 2-eliminate human traffic all over the world by providing them basic knowledge and awareness regarding this 3-political representation - bring some amount of political representation for women even at union or state level. 4- Equality in society - maintain some equality in society and reduce the patriarchal culture which still has been operated.
= patricharhy and education
According to Sylvia weebly patriarchs and self-appointed religious hierarchies, females have once again been excluded, ostracised and stigmatised, marginalising their knowledge and experiences, their expertise and aspirations
Functional role of education in eradication of patriarchy
Fighting Orthodoxy: Women’s education challenges traditional and conservative norms by exposing individuals to diverse ideas and perspectives. When women are educated, they can challenge patriarchal beliefs and practices challenge inferior status to women and privileges men. Therefore, education can play a role in changing patriarchal attitudes through infusion of egalitarian values For example, educated women may question gender stereotypes .
Capacity Building: Education empowers women by enhancing their skills, knowledge,
and confidence. This increased capacity enables women to actively participate in decision-making processes, both at home and in society. Educated women are more likely to assert their rights, question discriminatory practices, and demand equal treatment. Lead the gradual erosion of patriarchal structures.
Adapting to Change:For instance, an educated woman may be more open to
non-traditional gender roles, challenging the rigid expectations imposed by patriarchy. Education is a key driver of economic empowerment. When women are educated, they have better access to employment opportunities, contributing to financial independence.
development in women education
( Social reform) Widow Remarriage Movement: The movement for widow remarriage was led by Ishwar Chandra Vidhyasagar. In 1856, the Widow Remarriage Act Karsondas Mulji started the Satya Prakash in Gujarati in 1852 to advocate widow remarriage. In the 1850s, Vishnu Shastri Pandit founded the Widow Remarriage Association. Controlling Child Marriage: The Age of Consent Act (1891) forbade the marriage of girls below the age of 12, was passed due to relentless efforts of B.M. Malabari. Women Education: The Bethune School, founded by J.E.D. Bethune, in 1849, was the first fruit of the powerful movement for women’s education.
1925, the National Council of Women in India, a national branch of the International Council of Women, was formed. The Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2008 seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies.
Gender analysis and patricharhy
Raymond Boudon, in his Education Opportunity and Social Inequality, 1974, shows that the role of education in providing avenues for social mobility is not very significant. In fact, education based on equality only perpetuates inequality. Societal structures that perpetuate gender inequalities, such as discriminatory laws and cultural practices, must be reformed to create an environment where education can truly challenge patriarchy.
In Modern Times, lesser female labour force participation despite increase in literacy rate as well as verv high dropt out rates around 30 doesn't provide that education is not only enough to eradicate patricharhy.
Conclusion Sally Tomlinson's idea that education should be education should be
liberalising, humanising and democratising force aligns with the need for an education system that actively challenges and dismantles patriarchal norms. However, this cannot be achieved in isolation. Structural changes in society, including legal reforms and cultural shifts, are essential for the true empowerment of women through education. By addressing the gaps in the education system and concurrently challenging societal structures, we can create an environment where education becomes a formidable force in eradicating patriarchal discriminations.
