The Men Will Always Be Men: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Gender inequality in India is reflected in men’s actions and their propensity for violence against women. Masculinity, which encompasses men’s dominating actions and attitudes that support gender inequality, has a major influence on men’s behavior. Women experience abuse impacted by masculine authority in their lives. To eradicate violence in India, national policies and initiatives that include men in promoting gender equity and reducing sociocultural and religious practices that promote gender discrimination must be developed and put into action. New mandates are required within the policy framework to hold men accountable for bringing about social change and to clearly acknowledge gender equality as a crucial component of social justice. To combat violence as a legitimate manifestation of masculinity, we need to develop programming efforts that encourage family education specifically on good parenting of their children. To reduce the prevalence of traditional masculinity and violence against women, it’s important to engage males in peer-to-peer learning. To effectively combat ingrained patriarchal attitudes and behaviors, such interventions must build a large network of community change agents who are aware of the unique challenges associated with working with males.