Toward a feminist politics : the Indian Women's Movement in historical perspective

Abstract

The women's movement in India progressed during the period of high nationalism and the freedom struggle, both of which shaped its contours. Among the movement's many achievements, the most significant were the constitutional guarantees of equal rights for women and universal adult suffrage. However, these guarantees did little to bring about social and material change in the lives of most Indian women. A New Women's movement, articulated to mass and popular politics, emerged in the 1970s. But, patriarchy remains deeply entrenched in India, influencing the structure of its political and social institutions and determining the opportunities open to women and men. The negotiation and conflict between patriarchy and the women's movement are central to the constitution of the nation-state. This paper explores these issues by examining two debates that have rocked the women's movement and Indian society: over the Uniform Civil Code and the proposed reservation for women of seats in legislative bodies. These controversies have contributed to and bear the mark of deep cleavages within the women's movement-cleavages due to caste, class, and community. To understand the full implications of these controversies and their divisive consequences, it is essential to understand their long-term historical roots. The discussion here draws out various positions within the women's movement and arguments advanced by the government, the media, and others.

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