Hegemony in Patriarchy
Hegemony, a term coined by Antonio Gramsci refers to the process of moral and intellectual leadership through which dominated or subordinate classes. In his work the Prison Notebooks, he talks about hegemony in the context of the post-1870 Industrial Western Europe. Hegemony which was initially associated with the political sphere now dominates almost every aspect of society. There is cultural, political, military, economic and even patriarchal hegemony in the present.
Patriarchal hegemony is especially of concern to India where through decades of conditioning, women have been subordinated and a male-dominated power structure has been established. The process of reinforcing and legitimising gender roles and norms has made the institution of patriarchy so strong that it seems almost natural. The hegemonic masculinity seeks to establish complete control over the female mind and body. It also specifies a notion of 'feminity' that is biased and uphold the man as being the ultimate power holder.
In India, patriarchal hegemony is not an isolated phenomenon but is often merged with caste-based oppression and Brahminical hegemony. As a result of this, the role of a woman is often equated to the role of a mother. While patriarchal hegemony has been unfavourable to women and their agencies, it is also toxic for the male in many ways. Being a proponent of male hegemony, men are expected to have a set of characteristics without which he will not truly be a 'man'. The complete onus of providing for the family falls on the man even though the woman is equally capable and her participation can relieve the economic burden. Studies conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development reveal that make victims of sexual assault are almost equal to the number of female victims. However, the hegemonic notions of patriarchy restrict males from admitting it and thereby it goes unreported.
Patriarchal hegemony creates an illusion of power for the male and an illusion of protection for the female. In reality, the system is undesirable and it has more negative than positive consequences for all. The power of hegemony is such that it makes something so toxic be seemingly acceptable.
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Patriarchal hegemony is especially of concern to India where through decades of conditioning, women have been subordinated and a male-dominated power structure has been established. The process of reinforcing and legitimising gender roles and norms has made the institution of patriarchy so strong that it seems almost natural. The hegemonic masculinity seeks to establish complete control over the female mind and body. It also specifies a notion of 'feminity' that is biased and uphold the man as being the ultimate power holder.
In India, patriarchal hegemony is not an isolated phenomenon but is often merged with caste-based oppression and Brahminical hegemony. As a result of this, the role of a woman is often equated to the role of a mother. While patriarchal hegemony has been unfavourable to women and their agencies, it is also toxic for the male in many ways. Being a proponent of male hegemony, men are expected to have a set of characteristics without which he will not truly be a 'man'. The complete onus of providing for the family falls on the man even though the woman is equally capable and her participation can relieve the economic burden. Studies conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development reveal that make victims of sexual assault are almost equal to the number of female victims. However, the hegemonic notions of patriarchy restrict males from admitting it and thereby it goes unreported.
Patriarchal hegemony creates an illusion of power for the male and an illusion of protection for the female. In reality, the system is undesirable and it has more negative than positive consequences for all. The power of hegemony is such that it makes something so toxic be seemingly acceptable.
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