Intro to Sociology

MAJOR PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM

There are three (3) major sections in the proposal form. You must complete all three.

This document, filled in with your information, serves as your proposal. “Save As” and rename this file:
Your first name, Your last name SOC Proposal.

Instructions in square brackets can be deleted once reviewed. To state the obvious, the information you
add can make the proposal document longer than its current length.

Ensure all the text you add to this document is your own. You must paraphrase in ways sufficiently
different from the original work AND include your source. Don’t use quotes in this document, except in
the outline for the material you think you will quote in your full essay; identify your source, page
number, and URL (if applicable) when you include a quote.

Your name: Vikas Paul Your student #: n0196090

Table of Contents
SECTION ONE: WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?.................................................................................2
CORE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR ESSAY TOPIC ........................................................................................2
SECTION TWO: WHAT IS THE SCHOLARLY FOUNDATION FOR YOUR
INVESTIGATION?...................................................................................................................................4
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY....................................................................................................................4
SECTION THREE: WHAT WILL THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR ESSAY LOOK LIKE?...........5
OUTLINE...................................................................................................................................................5

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SECTION ONE: WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?

Core Questions about your Essay Topic

1. What is the broad issue you are going to examine? (minimum 100 words)

Domestic and gender-based violence in India will be the overarching topic I will explore in the
research. Women and girls in India have traditionally been targets of public and private acts of
physical, sexual, and emotional violence. The physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of women and
girls has been widely reported to have escalated in frequency and intensity in recent decades,
reflecting a broader trend of rising domestic and gender-based violence. The number of reported
cases remains high despite widespread discussion about the issue. Fear of retaliation, stigma,
humiliation and a lack of access to legal and other types of help all contribute to a significant
underreporting of incidents. There is also a failure to appreciate the breadth and depth of the
problem. Many victims still don't have access to justice or the means to start again after their lives
have been shattered. My study will look at the social, economic, and cultural institutions that sustain
violence against women and girls in India and the support systems in place to help those who have
been victimized.
2. How will you narrow your topic? (minimum 100 words)

In this paper, I shall narrow the discussion topic by concentrating on gendered and domestic violence
in modern India. In doing so, I may learn more about the most recent advancements in this field and
the problems India is now experiencing. The scope of my study will be limited further by my
concentration on the cultural, social, and legal contexts of domestic and gender-based violence in
India. Doing so will help me learn more about the causes of and solutions to the issue of domestic
and gender-based violence in India. I will also discuss the prevalence of domestic and gender-based
violence throughout India and the approaches to address this problem in various parts of the country.
3. What is your research question? (one sentence)
What factors contribute to the prevalence of domestic and gender-based violence in India?
4. Who are the three or four most well-known/influential scholars (i.e., sociologists or those doing
work relevant to sociological analysis) related to your general and/or specific issue? Use the course
text and/or the literature reviews in your scholarly sources. Add extra rows if necessary; delete or
leave rows you don't use.

Foundational Scholars Why relevant in 10 words or less (e.g., concept, area of

study, and/or theory)
1 Emile Durkheim 19th developed functionalist theory
century French sociologist;
2 Karl Marx 19th century Established conflict theory
German philosopher;
3 Ibn Khaldun 14th century founded social change theory
North African philosopher;
Mid- to Late 20th C. Scholars
1 Sudhir Kakar Indian studied Indian gender roles and dynamics
psychoanalyst
2 Uma Narayan Indian studied gender violence in India

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 philosopher;
3 R.K. Mukherjee, Indian Studied cultural influences on gender roles
sociologist.
Contemporary Scholars
1 Kavita Srivastava Indian studied women's rights in India
feminist activist;
2 Raka Ray, Indian sociologist; studied gender and cultural dynamics in India
3 Rajeswari Sunder Rajan Indian studied gender violence in Indian culture
literary theorist

5. What fundamental theories and concepts from the course text have you identified as relevant to your
topic? Identify a minimum of three. (minimum 200 words)

Theory / Concept Theorist(s) Description / Definition Chapter &

Section
Intersectionality Kimberle Kimberlé Crenshaw proposed Chapter 6 of the
Crenshaw this theory to explain how course text,
people's experiences of “Developmental
oppression and discrimination and Social
might vary depending on how Psychology.”
different components of their
identities (gender, race, class,
etc.) interact. Intersectionality is
helpful in the context of
domestic and gender violence in
India. It sheds light on how a
person's many identities might
interact to put them at a greater
risk of being victimized. It's
possible, for instance, that a
woman from a lower
socioeconomic position and a
particular ethnicity is more
likely to be a victim of violence
than women from a better
socioeconomic rank and a
different ethnicity.
Hegemonic R.W Connell’s This is the belief that certain Chapter 6 of the
masculinity types of masculinity are superior course text,
to others and are used to oppress “Developmental
women and lower the status of and Social
other males. Regarding domestic Psychology.”
and gender-based violence in
India, hegemonic masculinity is
essential because it may foster a

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 culture in which violence against
women is normalized and even
celebrated. One way to make
sense of the many cultural and
institutional variables that
contribute to the high rates of
domestic and gender-based
violence in India is to examine
hegemonic masculinity's role in
fostering these problems.
Patriarchy concept Simone de This refers to the belief that a Chapter 6 of the
Beauvoir, culture of male dominance course text,
permeates and is fundamental to “Developmental
every facet of modern life. and Social
Patriarchy is significant in Psychology.”
domestic and gender violence
since it may be an underlying
cause of violence against
women. A society where gender
inequality is normalized and
violence against women is
tolerated may develop when
patriarchal attitudes and
institutions are the norms.

6. Briefly describe the scholarly debate on your issue. (minimum ~200 words)

A wide range of elements is discussed in the academic literature on the nature and extent of domestic
and gender-based violence in India. Some academics have suggested that India's patriarchal culture
and gender norms are to blame for the prevalence of domestic and gender-based violence there.
According to this theory, the imbalance of power between men and women results from the
prevalence of patriarchal gender norms, such as males being the primary breadwinners in their
families. It is said that the caste system, which tends to exclude women from historically lower-caste
families, contributes to this power imbalance by reinforcing it. Cultural values that celebrate
masculinity are also blamed for contributing to the prevalence of violence. Study findings from the
International Center for Research on Women corroborate this view, showing that rigid adherence to
conventional gender roles significantly contributes to the high rates of domestic and gender-based
violence in India.

Some researchers have also linked domestic and gender-based violence in India to socioeconomic
factors such as poverty and low levels of education. They argue that a heightened feeling of
vulnerability may lead to aggressive actions among economically insecure people. Additionally, they
suggest that a greater rate of domestic and gender-based violence might result from a lack of
knowledge that makes people less aware of their rights and safeguards under the law. World
Economic Forum findings corroborate this view, showing a link between low income, lack of
education, and violence against women and girls in India.

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 Finally, some academics claim that India's high rates of domestic violence and other forms of
gender-based violence are due to the country's failure to implement anti-violence legislation
effectively. Despite various laws and regulations to safeguard women in India, they argue that these
measures are seldom implemented. This viewpoint is confirmed by United Nations studies which
indicated that inadequate implementation of laws and regulations contributed significantly to the
high rates of domestic and gender-based violence in India.
6.a. Theoretical Position A: Gender-Based Power Dynamics in Domestic Violence.
According to this theoretical stance, cultural norms and expectations in India strengthen gender-
based power dynamics, contributing to domestic violence. This view argues that the uneven
distribution of power in partnerships stems from entrenched gender norms and stereotypes in Indian
culture, which restrict the independence and freedom of women. Because of this imbalance, males
frequently resort to physical or mental violence to maintain control over their female relationships.
This perspective emphasizes the need to enhance victim support services and bring about changes in
social and cultural norms.

6. b. Theoretical Position B: culturalization of Gender Violence in India

This view holds that the pervasiveness of gender norms and expectations in Indian society shapes
how men and women interact, which may lead to violence against women. It contends that cultural
norms, conventions, and expectations that limit the roles of men and women contribute to and
perpetuate gender violence. As a result of these cultural factors, victims may feel helpless and get
less community support. This view also implies that the failure to implement effective remedies like
education and legal protection contributes to the persistence of gender-based violence.
6. c. Theoretical Position C: Intersectionality-based Approach to Domestic and Gender Violence in
India.
This theoretical stance employs intersectionality to examine the dynamics that give rise to domestic
and gender-based violence in India. In this perspective, we see how gender, caste, class, religion, and
sexual orientation interact to form the complex dynamics of domestic and gendered violence. It
recognizes that males are also victims of domestic and gender-based violence, despite women
bearing the brunt of this issue. Furthermore, this method recognizes that people's social identities
shape their experiences of violence and that these perspectives should be considered when designing
programs to combat the problem. Finally, this strategy aims to identify the underlying factors that
contribute to domestic and gender-based violence and provide long-term, community-specific
remedies.

7. What is your tentative thesis? (one sentence)

In this paper, I argue that domestic and gender-based violence in India is a problem that must be
addressed by raising public awareness, strengthening law enforcement, and providing more resources to
victims.
8. What is your tentative title?
Unveiling the Reality of Domestic and Gender Violence in India.
SECTION TWO: WHAT IS THE SCHOLARLY FOUNDATION FOR YOUR
INVESTIGATION?

Annotated Bibliography

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Unnithan, M., & Srivastava, K. (2020). Gender politics, development, and women's agency in
Rajasthan. In Discourses of development (pp. 157-181). Routledge.
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003136071-7/gender-politics-development-
women-agency-rajasthan-maya-unnithan-kavita-srivastava
This book examines how development in the Indian state of Rajasthan has affected women and men
differently. It looks at how the state government has responded to women's demands and how
development policies have helped to empower women there. The impact of Rajasthan's gender politics
on women's political participation is another topic explored in this book. Discussions about women's
rights and government initiatives to safeguard human rights, in general, are included. Finally, the article
addresses the difficulties women in Rajasthan confront and suggests ways to improve their situation.
Russo, N. F., & Pirlott, A. (2006). Gender‐based violence: concepts, methods, and findings. Annals
of the new york academy of sciences, 1087(1), 178-205.
https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1196/annals.1385.024
This article gives a concise introduction to the issue of gender-based violence, summarizing the many
forms of violence documented so far, as well as the study methods and results that have been gathered to
date. The paper examines the effects of gender-based violence on victims, their loved ones, and their
communities. It stresses the need to address the problem, such as passing new laws or creating new
initiatives. Also, the authors evaluate the present research on gendered forms of violence and highlight
knowledge gaps that should be filled.
Ray, R., & Qayum, S. (2009). Cultures of servitude: Modernity, domesticity, and class in India.
Stanford University Press. https://books.google.com/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=8kagyDaljjQC&oi=fnd&pg=PT5&dq=Raka+Ray,+Indian+sociologist%3B+
+studied+gender+and+cultural+dynamics+in+indians&ots=6H76nGqHGf&sig=FwUzijxkk2SNi_Kmy
BL7SCHAF94
Ray & Qayum (2009) provide insightful analyses of the lives of Indian maids and other domestic
workers. Under the backdrop of India's shifting socioeconomic landscape, it probes the entanglements of
modernity, domesticity, and class. To evaluate the relevance of the sector and its effect on India's class
structure, the authors zero in on the power and bargaining dynamics between Indian employers and
domestic workers. In addition to tracing the evolution of indentured servitude in India, this book also
looks forward to its potential future.
Chowdhry, P. (1997). Enforcing cultural codes: Gender and violence in northern India. Economic
and political weekly, 1019-1028. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4405393
This article by Chowdhry explores the connection between sexism and violence against women in rural
Northern India. Conventional patriarchal ideas, he argues, significantly influence cultural norms in this
region, placing women at a disadvantage and leading to high instances of violence against them. He then
talks about the repercussions of this violence, including the economic cost to communities and the
psychological and bodily harm done to the victims.
Bourgault, S., Peterman, A., & O’Donnell, M. (2021). Violence against women and children
during COVID-19—one year on and 100 papers in. Washington DC: Center for Global
Development. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/resrep30898.pdf
Center for Global Development published research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women
and children a full year after the first WHO warning. The authors did a literature search and found over a
hundred academic articles published on the issue since the pandemic began. A rise in worldwide
violence, particularly against women and children, is discussed, and recommendations for legislative
improvements are made to influential international leaders.

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SECTION THREE: WHAT WILL THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR ESSAY LOOK LIKE?

Outline
I. Introduction
A. Definition of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
B. Overview of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in India

II. Causes of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in India

A. Social Norms
B. Lack of Education
C. Patriarchal Structure of Society
D. Weak Legal System

III. Impacts of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in India

A. Health Impacts
B. Economic Impacts
C. Social Impacts

IV. Strategies to Address Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in India

A. Education
B. Legal Reforms
C. Social Awareness Campaigns

V. Conclusion

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