This chapter examines how the social divisions of gender, religion and caste interact with democratic politics. On gender, it distinguishes biological sex from socially constructed gender roles, discusses the sexual division of labour, the women’s movement, and the continued under-representation of women in legislatures despite reservation in local bodies. On religion and politics, it explains communalism — the belief that one religion is superior and should dominate political life — and contrasts it with the Indian idea of secularism, in which there is no official state religion, citizens are free to follow any faith, and the state keeps an equal distance from all religions. On caste, it shows how caste continues to shape politics — in choosing candidates and forming alliances — and how politics in turn shapes caste, while cautioning that an exclusive focus on caste can be harmful and divisive. The chapter concludes that the expression of these divisions in politics is not always negative, because democracy allows disadvantaged groups to demand justice, dignity and fair representation.
Gender and politicsThe women’s movement and political representationReligion, communalism and secularismCaste in Indian society and politicsPolitics of social divisionsDemands for justice and representation
Key terms
Sexual division of labour
A system in which household work is assigned mainly to women.
Feminist movement
Movements demanding equal rights and opportunities for women.
Communalism
Using religion as the basis of political identity, dominance and conflict.
Secularism
The principle that the state treats all religions equally and has no official religion.
Casteism
Treating caste as the sole basis of social standing and political action.
Patriarchy
A social system that values men more and gives them greater power.
Occupational mobility
The movement of people from one occupation to another over generations.
Caste hierarchy
The ranking of caste groups from higher to lower in the social order.
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