Book Description

Over the past few decades there has been much debate on gender issues. Gender is one of the universal dimensions on which status differences are based. It is a socio cultural term referring socially defined roles and behaviors assigned to 'males' and 'females' in a given society. Today, gender remains one of the most common causes of stereotypical prejudice. Gender roles have a very dominant place in our society. Different families and cultures emphasize different roles for men and women. There has been gender bias in schooling, in textbooks, curricular choices and in the hidden curriculum. Traditional patriarchal norms have relegated women to secondary status within the household and work place. Women's role in society is always changing but feminity never seems to rise above its masculine counter parts. This drastically affects women's health, financial status, education and political involvement. Despite all the changes in the 21st century, there is still a world of difference between men and women. Women have battled society repeatedly since the start of human existence. The inequality or discrimination against women is at various levels in the society, either in home or outside home. So, there is pressing need to reexamine these gender issues. The brief book is a call for such an overdue task. A humble effort has been made to present this book on 'Gender, School and Society' for the benefit of teachers, researchers, students of B.Ed & M.Ed, students of arts at graduate as well as post graduate level and the students pursuing for gender studies. The attempt has been made to present the standard and the latest subject matter in a lucid style and simple language. This book will develop basic understanding and familiarity with key concepts, gender issues and paradigm shift from women's studies to gender studies. It will prepare student teachers for solving various sexual abuses and harassment issues in school and society. It will observe and develop strategies as well as skills for manifestations of gender inequalities in school and society This book covers the conceptual foundations of various gender issues such as gender bias, gender stereo type, gender equality gender empowerment. It also discusses the various gender issues in contemporary India. Attempts are being made to discuss the role of education in gender sensitization. It also throws light on linkages and differences between reproductive rights and sexual rights. Perspectives of society towards gender inequality have also been discussed in this book. Efforts have been made to discuss the role of society and family in creating awareness towards gender issues. It also covers the role of media in social construction of gender. The present book is a solution to the problem of gender inequality and would take us all towards our cherished dream of truly modern society in both thought and action. Up to date information in accordance with latest developments in the field has been outlined in the form of headings and subheadings with brief explanation for the convenience of readers. We are extremely grateful to various writers whose work have been consulted and quoted at certain places in the present volume. As a reader your comments, criticism and suggestions are appreciated and encouraged. We extend our sincere thanks to 'Sara Publications, Ahmedabad' for making this works a success. It is only because of the untiring efforts and co-operation of the publisher that authors as well as readers got an opportunity to have this book.