Feminism must be inclusive compassionate and context-sensitive

Source: The post Feminism must be inclusive compassionate and context-sensitive has been created, based on the article “Feminism for polarised times” published in “The Hindu” on 15 April 2025. Feminism must be inclusive compassionate and context-sensitive.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- society-Social empowerment

Context: The Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 has brought gender equity to the center of political debates in India. While the mainstreaming of feminist discourse is a historic milestone, it has also created new challenges. The article reflects on the limitations of current feminist narratives and calls for a more compassionate, inclusive, and context-sensitive feminism.

Two Terrains of Women’s Issues

Women’s concerns exist in two overlapping spaces: structural and interpersonal.

• Structural issues include societal norms and institutional designs that keep women at the margins.
• Interpersonal issues involve family dynamics and personal relationships.
• Applying a structural lens too rigidly to personal spaces can oversimplify relationships that are shaped by care, duty, and mutual negotiation.

Why Current Feminist Narratives Need Rethinking

1. Risk of Oversimplifying Personal Dynamics

Applying structural feminism too rigidly can distort personal relationships. Feminist discourse often views small personal conflicts as power struggles. But many Indian men quietly work in tough environments out of love and responsibility for their families. For example, a husband may expect dinner at home but gives his full salary to his wife. Labeling such actions as oppression can misrepresent reality and alienate supportive men from the conversation.

2. Problems in Merging Diverse Gender Inequities

Treating all women’s experiences as one hides important differences. The struggles of an urban woman balancing home and work are not the same as a village woman fearing rape while accessing a toilet. Feminist narratives often merge such realities into a single story, masking deeper inequities. This makes policy solutions less effective. Also, men facing emotional or economic stress — like humiliation at work — may feel ignored. While they are not against feminism, excluding their realities creates defensiveness. A more inclusive feminism should recognise all forms of suffering.

What Kind of Feminism is Needed Today?

1. Inclusive Feminism: Acknowledges different challenges faced by urban and rural women.
2. Compassionate Feminism: Recognizes emotional and financial pressures on men, encouraging solidarity. Example: Men who support families silently, driven by care.
3. Complexity-Embracing Feminism: Understands that not all relationships reflect oppression; many involve negotiation and care.
4. Non-Antagonistic Approach: Aims to build support, not resistance, by promoting shared responsibility and context-sensitive solutions.

Question for practice:

Examine how current feminist narratives in India may risk oversimplifying personal dynamics and masking diverse gender inequities.