After reading Hofstede’s five work-related values, in applicability to Indian culture, I found their concept of masculinity very intriguing. We have read how other cultures in Latin American countries are slowly opening their eyes to the idea of women becoming more involved in the workforce, with a decrease in gender inequality. In contrast, …” Indian culture values masculine assertiveness and traditionally consigns women into homemaker roles. Educated Indian women are now commonly found in business careers because of the cultural value placed on education, but are still expected to maintain traditional female roles,” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 378). Although there is nothing wrong with a woman taking on these traditional female roles, the expectation needs to dissolve.
As a society that is trying so hard to globalize the market to encourage women and men of all cultures to engage in the workplace and have an equal opportunity to move up the corporate ladder, this expectation becomes a barrier. When we are seen as equals, we are able to accomplish more than what is expected. For example, it is emphasized that there is a cultural value placed on education. This has a direct correlation with the success of a child’s future, including their own. Isn’t it important that women have the time of day to have a career while husbands switch the role? Even if it is impossible for the child to be taken care of because both parents are hypothetically at work, there is always the option of working from home as well! There is no excuse!
An article I read through extensive research, supports this very idea. “While it is mostly the husbands who are breadwinners, the women generally take care of the household activities, besides bearing and rearing children. However, due to widespread educational programs and improvement of educational facilities for girls, women nowadays are accepting jobs outside the home, and thus contributing financially to the family budget. Also, because of constant efforts in making women aware of their rights and the importance of their involvement in day-to-day family matters, the status of women has increased significantly. Due to all these measures, women nowadays actively participate not only in their family affairs, but also in social and political activities in the communities,” (factsanddetails.com). What kinds of activities you may ask? The Better India showcases 15 women who have worked hard to break the stereotype.
Mehvish Mushtaq created an application called ‘Dial Kashmir’, to ease everyday communication efforts in a region of India called Kashmir. “Kashmir had no yellow pages or dedicated websites with reliable information unlike other regions of India. This meant that people faced a lot of problems trying to track down contact numbers of different departments and services… It provides users detailed information such as addresses, phone numbers and email ids of various essential services and relevant governments in Kashmir. It is a one-stop source for information on healthcare, education, transport, the police and so many other sectors and meant that no one needs to spend time and tedious effort surfing through the internet pages’ official websites and directories,” (thebetterindia.com). Mehvish also wants to create her own software company that would provide employment opportunities, to implement change in India. Her, along with many other women could encourage other countries to step up and do something about this.
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.
Altaf, S. (2013). Young Kashmiri girl makes an app to bring Kashmir on the fingertips. The Better India. Retrieved from https://www.thebetterindia.com/8726/young-kashmiri-girl-makes-app-bring-kashmir-fingertips/
I’m so glad to read that Mehvish Mushtaq created the app ‘Dial Kashmir’. Good for her! And good for whomever backed her, and bought it, and put it into circulation. She obviously has collaborators and backing for her project, which speaks to the fact that yes, women in India are seeing more opportunities. I am encouraged!
Hi Shane,
I definitely think there has been an improvement in the overall gender gap in the Indian culture. My claim is not that there is still a long way to go. My main point is that men need to change their perceptions of categorizing women in their homemaker roles. I also agree with your statement that with both parents working, children will accept the norm and future generations will have a shift in perception of gender roles and norms in India. Thank you for your feedback!
I really enjoyed your post about how Indian culture, although generally higher in Hofstede’s Masculinity rating, has made strides in the empowerment of women and the closing of the gender gap. You mentioned that while Indian culture still sees men as the “money-makers” and women as the “home-keepers” (which is consistent with more “traditional gender roles” and a higher Masculinity score), educational opportunities and progressive attitudes have sparked many successes for women in the country. Since education is valued in India, when anyone is educated, regardless of gender, these “traditional gender roles” can start to fade a bit and both males and females will be both educated and well-versed in the career of their choosing. India still may have a way to go in terms of closing gender disparity but it is clear that education is one of the catalysts for women to have the same opportunities as the Indian men do as well as fulfilling non-traditional gender roles. I agree that there is no excuse for either parent to not be able to have the opportunity to work (whether it’s working out of their house or working in a more traditional job setting). If both parents are working, this will also teach their children that this norm is accepted and future generations will have a shift in perception of gender roles and norms in India (and other nations). Undoubtedly, as we move forward in time, most well-educated nations (including India) will see a change in the gender gap and perhaps even an actual decrease in the Hofstede Masculinity score for the nation(s) in the future. Your post is very insightful and empowering for people of all genders and I thank you for your hard work this week.