Rigidly Masculine

Nearly 40.7% of the men in India have been classified as "rigidly masculine," based on their views and beliefs of women. The International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) has classified Indian men into four categories in order to avoid lumping them all into one stereotype. The four classifications are equitable men, flexible behavior men, flexible attitude men, and the rigidly masculine. The rigidly masculine consider women to be inferior to them, and they are very controlling of their wives. These men are three times more likely to physically abuse their wives and almost four times likelier to want a son over a daughter. These conclusions are based on studies taken by the ICRW across seven states. Only 25.6% of the men in these seven states would be considered in the equitable category. The equitable men strongly support women as equals and this translates into sharing of household work and responsibility for contraception. They firmly believe that women are not to be blamed for rape. The rest of the male population ended up between the two ends of the spectrum.

In comparison with the high ratio of rigidly masculine men, nearly 27% of the women surveyed reported violence against themselves within the past year. 34% of the male population admitted to physically abusing their wives ever, but only 31% of the female population admitted to have suffered the violence.

The survey also concluded that 72% of men in the rigidly masculine category have a high son preference versus 19% of the equitable category. This preference can lead to severe health issues for women and a greater gap in the population ratio. The 2001 census reported a drop from 927 girls per 1,000 boys (ages 0 to 9) in 2001 to an all-time low of 914 to 1,000 in 2011.

The results show that men with a secondary or higher education and those living in urban areas are more likely to fall into the equitable category. Economic stress also weighs down on men to create more rigid notions against women. The findings of this survey make it clear that education is the most important solution for this issue. People need to be brought up with the view of men and women as equals. It is also important to set up a change in mindset in adults, especially men who hold these rigid views. Men will be the most direct form of change in this issue.

40% of Indian men are hardcore sexists: Study


Discussion Questions:
1. Which universal human right(s) is/are being denied in this situation?
2. Why do you think a smaller percentage of women admitted to having suffered physical violence as opposed to the 34% of men that admitted to having physically abused their wives?
3. Why do you think better education and urban environment are associated with the equitable category of men in India?