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Patriarchy's Burden: Men & Women Suffer
12 Jul
Summary
- Patriarchy burdens both men and women, impacting those in power.
- Subtle, unwritten norms dictate family roles and compromise.
- Masculinity's restrictive norms contribute to male suicide rates.
A panel discussion on gender equality in families emphasized that patriarchal structures create significant burdens for both men and women. Actor-producer Supriya Yarlagadda pointed out that those in power carry the weight of patriarchal expectations and provision duties, suggesting that true beauty emerges when stereotypical conditions are removed.
Women Safety Wing DG Charu Sinha described inequality in families as subtle, governed by unwritten rules about who compromises or carries emotional loads. She stressed that partners are not dependents and fathers are not guests, advocating for shared responsibilities. Sinha also highlighted how the burden of patriarchy and rigid masculinity contributes significantly to male suicides.
Research scholar Aman Kumar added that boys often absorb violent concepts of masculinity, perceiving kindness as weakness. Professor Dr. K. Suneetha Rani stated that families should nurture, not restrict, emphasizing that 'family is bonding, not bondage.' She observed that society silences women and then uses that silence against them, urging discomfort for change and noting that masculinity is constructed, not innate.
Poornima Deepika noted women's unrecognized multitasking, often assigned rather than chosen, advising self-prioritization. Filmmaker Sashi Kiran Tikka called for men's active participation in these conversations to achieve resolution.
