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9 Read the following extract from a conduct book for &lsqu... - Democratic Politics
9 Read the following extract from a conduct book for ‘married women’, published in 1912. ‘God has made the female species delicate and fragile both physically and emotionally, pitiably incapable of self-defence. They are destined thus by God to remain in male protection – of father, husband and son – all their lives. Women should, therefore, not despair, but feel obliged that they can dedicate themselves to the service of men’. Do you think the values expressed in this para reflected the values underlying our constitution? Or does this go against the constitutional values?
The values expressed in this passage go completely against the constitutional values of India.
Reasons:
Right to Equality: Our Constitution treats men and women as equals and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender (Article 15). The extract, however, portrays women as "fragile" and "incapable."
Dignity of the Individual: The Constitution ensures the dignity of every individual. The passage suggests women are destined to live under "male protection" and should "serve men," which denies them their dignity and independence.
Freedom and Liberty: The Constitution gives women the freedom to choose their own career, lifestyle, and path. The extract limits their role to domestic service and dependence, which contradicts the principle of liberty.
Justice: Democratic justice aims to provide equal opportunities to all. The views in the passage promote a patriarchal system that keeps women subordinate to men.