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But, such gender inequality is not followed in every family. Many educated families

encourage their girl children for higher studies and good jobs.
Table : sex raTio in inDia : 1901 – 2011

Year Females per thousand males Year Females per thousand males
1901 972 1961 941

1911 964 1971 947
1921 955 1981 930

1931 950 1991 934
1941 945 2001 927

1951 946 2011 940

GenDer role in communiTy

A community is a group whose members have something in common; like language, culture,
religion or work.

A person learns to speak a certain language as a member of his language community. As
part of a cultural community, he or she learns how to behave with other members of the
community and also certain forms of art, music, dance and so on. As part of a religious
community, the same person learns how to pray, where to pray and how to celebrate the
religious festivals of the community. Again, as a part of a professional community, the
person learns the work done by the community.

In many communities, men and women are treated differently. In several language
communities, the ways of referring to men and women are different. In the English
language, for example, some words are classified as masculine and some as feminine. We
use masculine words when we talk of men or boys and feminine words when we talk of
women or girls. Hence, we may say, “The boy loves his school and girl loves her school.”
Similarly, in a cultural or religious community, the roles traditionally given to men and
women may be different and some professional roles are thought to be more suitable for
men, while some others are thought to be more suitable for women. For instance, women
usually do not work as mechanics and men usually do not work as babysitters.

GenDer role in The schools

Schools are the temples of learning. Children gather here to
develop knowledge and various skills. They learn here many
social behaviours, discipline, team spirits, co-operation

following rules and regulations. Though many rules and
regulations are the same for boys and girls, but some rules
are different also. For example, school uniforms. In addition,
text books often represent the gender biased ideology
present in the society. The illustrations given in the books
often reinforce gender biased notions. Teachers give more attention and encouragement
for boys than girls. The choice of subjects taught in school also reinforce traditional rules

Social Studies-7 115