NCJ Number: 203425
Title: Chattels of Society: Domestic Violence in India
Journal: Violence Against Women Volume:10 Issue:1 Dated:January 2004 Pages:94-118
Author(s): Huma Ahmed-Ghosh
Date Published: January 2004
Page Count: 25
Publisher: http://www.sagepub.com/ejournals
Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
Format: Article
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: A discussion of domestic violence in India highlights the
influence of patriarchy as a factor in both the cause of and the
legal system's response to domestic assault; ways in which the
situation can be changed are discussed.
Abstract: Men's exalted position in Indian society is measured by the
subservient role of women. Gender social roles are structured to
ensure that women serve men with efficiency, devotion, silence,
subjugation, and tolerance. Such gender roles are promulgated
even through religion and mythology; Sita and Savitri,
mythological Hindu figures, are role models of chastity and
devotion to their husbands. Government statements and India's
legal system reflect India's patriarchal values in failing to
address the severity and root causes of domestic violence in
India. This paper identifies ways in which a recent parliamentary
act pertinent to domestic violence continues to reflect the
overarching patriarchal ideology in India, as domestic violence
is not recognized as a crime, an issue of abuse, or an act that
involves cultural oppression of women. Domestic assault and abuse
continues to be viewed, even in the highest legislative body, as
an internal family issue that should be resolved by the concerned
parties in order to maintain family harmony and dignity. The
emphasis for police, lawyers, and counselors whose services are
sought for intervention in domestic violence is toward
reconciliation and preservation of the ideal family. One section
of this paper discusses manifestations of domestic violence under
the practice of dowry, whereby the bride's family gives the
groom's family a valuable gift. If the gift is inadequate, this
becomes grounds for the husband to abuse his new wife. Any
significant reform that will reduce domestic violence in India
must focus on the cultural values that perpetuate patriarchal
gender roles. India's women's movement and the progressive
Lawyers Collective have a long-term challenge that involves
upgrading the rights and status of women to be equal to men. The
implications of this concept must then be woven into the legal
and family institutions of Indian society before domestic
violence can be effectively addressed. 6 notes and 23 references
Main Term(s): Female victims
Index Term(s): Crime in foreign countries; Cultural influences; Domestic assault; Domestic assault prevention; Domestic violence causes; Female sex roles; Foreign laws; India
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