About this previous year paper
SECTION A — Very Short Answers (2 Marks Each)
a. Sex vs Gender
Sex: Biological differences (male/female/intersex)
Gender: Socially constructed roles, identities, expectations
b. Patriarchy
A social system where men hold primary power in politics, economy, and family.
c. Radical Feminism (Evaluation)
Focuses on patriarchy as root cause of women’s oppression
Criticized for being overly confrontational and exclusionary
d. Feminist Theories Liberal feminism
Radical feminism Marxist/Socialist feminism
Postmodern feminism Intersectional feminism
e. Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Proposal for one common set of laws for all citizens irrespective of religion.
f. Women’s Rights Movement
Collective struggle for legal, political, social equality of women.
g. Double Marginality (Dalit Women)
Oppression due to both caste and gender simultaneously.
h. Women’s Rights Movements (1848–1920)
Seneca Falls Convention (1848)
Suffrage movement
Property and education rights campaigns
i. Domestic Violence
Physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse within household.
j. Gender Representation in Films
Often stereotypical Reinforces gender roles
Recent shift towards empowered female narratives
SECTION B — Analytical / Conceptual (10 Marks)
a. Androcentrism in Society
Male experiences treated as universal
Women marginalized in education, work, leadership
Leads to inequality in opportunities and recognition
b. Marxist Feminism & Women’s Oppression
Economic systems exploit women’s unpaid labor
Capitalism reinforces gender inequality
Criticism: ignores cultural and emotional aspects
c. Shah Bano Case
Highlighted conflict between personal laws and gender justice
Sparked debate on UCC
Strengthened women’s legal rights discourse in India
d. Socialization & Gendered Aspirations Family, schools, media shape gender roles
Girls discouraged from STEM/careers Reinforces occupational segregation
e. Gender Roles in Print Media Men shown as decision-makers
Women shown as caregivers
Influences societal perception and self-image
SECTION C — Education & Labor (10 Marks)
a. Gender Representation in Textbooks Male dominance in examples
Women limited to domestic rolesn Affects students’ self-perception and aspirations
b. Sexual Division of Labour Women responsible for unpaid domestic work
Limits workforce participation Affects economic independence
SECTION D — Feminist Thought (10 Marks)
a. Universalism vs Diversity in Feminism Universal feminism ignores cultural contexts
Modern feminism recognizes intersectionality
Balance needed between equality and diversity
b. Four Waves of Feminism First Wave: Suffrage, legal rights
Second Wave: Workplace, sexuality Third Wave: Identity, diversity
Fourth Wave: Digital activism, #MeToo
SECTION E — Dalit Women & Suffrage (10 Marks)
a. Double Marginality of Dalit Women Caste discrimination
Gender violence Economic exploitation
Dalit women’s movements address unique issues
b. Women’s Rights Movement (1848–1920) Achievements: voting rights, education
Setbacks: resistance from patriarchy Laid foundation for modern feminism
SECTION F — Gender & Psychology (10 Marks)
a. Psychological Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Trauma, depression, anxiety Long-term mental health effects
Impacts all genders differently
b. Psychological Factors in Gender-Based Violence
Power imbalance Learned behavior
Social normalization of violence
SECTION G — Media & Literature (10 Marks)
a. Media Representation & Gender Equality Media shapes norms and aspirations
Stereotyping slows equality Inclusive representation promotes change
b. Women in Literature Historically submissive roles
Contemporary literature shows empowered women
Reflects evolving gender consciousness