The resistance to women’s growth is not just a social phenomenon; it has deep roots in patriarchal systems that have been upheld for centuries. Globally and in India, male chauvinism and gender inequality continue to hinder women’s progress across various domains, from professional spaces to societal roles. Despite significant strides in gender equality, many men still feel threatened by the advancement of women, perceiving it as a challenge to traditional norms that benefit them. This article explores why men often resist women’s growth, the historical context of male chauvinism, and what men stand to gain by maintaining this status quo.
The Global Context: Patriarchal Systems and Male Chauvinism
Historically, patriarchal societies have placed men in positions of power, ensuring that women remain subordinate. Male chauvinism, a belief in the inherent superiority of men over women, has been instrumental in perpetuating this inequality. This is evident in global labor markets, where the gender pay gap remains a persistent issue. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap at the current rate of progress. In the workforce, women earn only 68% of what men earn for the same work, and women hold only 25% of senior leadership roles.
This gender disparity stems from centuries of women being denied educational and economic opportunities. In many countries, women were legally barred from owning property, voting, or even working outside the home. The belief that a woman’s place is in the domestic sphere, while a man’s is in the public sphere, is deeply ingrained in many cultures. As women have fought for and gained more rights, some men perceive this as a loss of their dominance, thus resisting the growth of women in both overt and subtle ways.
The Indian Context: Gender Inequality and Patriarchy
In India, gender inequality is similarly entrenched in cultural and social norms. Despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Indian society is still largely patriarchal. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-2021, 30% of women aged 18-49 in India have experienced physical violence, and only 41% of women in rural areas participate in household decision-making, as opposed to 56% in urban areas. These figures highlight how deeply ingrained gender bias is in Indian society, where women’s autonomy is often curtailed by male-dominated family structures.
The Indian labor market also reflects this inequality. As per a 2022 report by the World Bank, India has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in the world at around 21%. Women are often relegated to lower-paying jobs or denied employment altogether, reinforcing the notion that men are the primary breadwinners. Traditional gender roles are further bolstered by societal expectations that women prioritize family over career, leading to fewer opportunities for women to excel in leadership or entrepreneurship.
Male Chauvinism and Its Role in Hindering Women’s Growth
Male chauvinism is a key factor in resisting women’s growth. Men who adhere to chauvinistic beliefs see their authority challenged as women pursue education, careers, and leadership roles. This sense of losing control fuels resentment, as men may feel that their societal advantages are being eroded. When women grow and succeed, it disrupts the power dynamics that have historically favored men, leading to a fear of losing their status and privilege.
In households and workplaces, this can manifest as controlling behavior, where men try to limit women’s autonomy or decision-making power. In extreme cases, it results in domestic violence or workplace harassment, as men try to assert dominance when they feel threatened by women’s progress.
Additionally, in many families, women are often expected to shoulder the full responsibility of caregiving. They manage the household, take care of children, and provide support to elderly family members, often leaving little room for personal or professional growth. This traditional setup is understood in contexts where women are full-time caregivers. However, even in today’s nuclear families, where women have already fulfilled most of their domestic responsibilities, such as cooking, managing the children, and completing household chores, many men still discourage them from pursuing work outside the home. This resistance occurs despite the fact that women, after completing all their tasks, are able to find a few hours each day to focus on their own careers or personal goals.
This refusal to let women work even when they are capable of managing both household and professional responsibilities is not justifiable. Women who can dedicate time to work after fulfilling their family duties often face opposition from their husbands or in-laws, who may still cling to traditional views about a woman’s role. In such situations, the refusal to allow women to seek employment or pursue interests outside of domestic life is a reflection of deep-seated gender biases. This attitude denies women the opportunity to grow, even when they have proven their ability to balance multiple roles. It is crucial for society to recognize and support women’s efforts to contribute professionally, as this benefits both the family and the broader economy.
What Men Stand to Gain by Hindering Women’s Growth
When men resist women’s growth, they stand to maintain their traditional roles of authority and privilege. By limiting women’s opportunities, men can preserve the existing power structure, which benefits them economically and socially. For example, in the workplace, men may fear that women’s advancement will lead to increased competition for jobs, promotions, or pay raises. In domestic settings, they may resist women’s financial independence to maintain control over household decisions.
Moreover, men benefit from the unpaid labor that women provide in the form of childcare, eldercare, and household work. According to a 2019 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), women perform more than three-quarters of unpaid care work globally, while men perform only one-quarter. This disproportionate burden allows men to pursue careers and leisure activities without the same responsibilities, reinforcing the unequal distribution of labor in both public and private spheres.
What Needs to Change?
To overcome this resistance to women’s growth, society must challenge the deep-rooted beliefs and structures that support male chauvinism. Education is key, not just for women but for men as well. Gender equality must be taught from a young age, with boys and men learning that women’s success does not threaten their own. Governments and organizations should also implement policies that promote gender parity, such as equal pay, parental leave, and support for women in leadership positions.
In India, changing traditional gender norms requires concerted efforts at multiple levels—legal, social, and educational. Laws protecting women from domestic violence and discrimination must be enforced, and women must be encouraged to participate in decision-making processes at home and in the workplace.
The resistance to women’s growth is a reflection of the long-standing gender imbalance that has benefited men for centuries. Male chauvinism and patriarchal systems continue to hinder women’s progress globally and in India. However, this resistance harms not just women but society as a whole. By embracing women’s growth, men stand to gain a more equitable, prosperous, and just world where everyone can thrive. Change is possible, but it requires a collective effort to challenge the status quo and dismantle the barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential.
To overcome this challenge, women need to stand up for their rights and challenge these limiting norms. Often, without asserting their desires and needs, women may remain confined to traditional roles.
In this context, the saying “only a crying baby gets the milk” is relevant, as it underscores the importance of self-advocacy. Women should not feel guilty for wanting more than just domestic fulfillment, and they must push against the resistance they face. Only by challenging these outdated expectations can women carve out space for their growth, not only for themselves but also for future generations.
By Shilpa Katrela
