Motherhood and Benevolent Patriarchialism

Benevolent patriarchalism is strongly infused in Motherhood. Benevolent Patriarchalism is something encouraging patriarchal system in the means of glorifying stereotypical roles. This arrangement may involve men making decisions on behalf of women and children, based on the belief that they know what is best for their well-being. In Indian society Motherhood is often praised for selfless dedication, sacrifice, giving oneself for her child. It encompasses both the biological aspect of bearing children and the social aspect of raising and nurturing them. Unfortunately, this role is only associated with the women rather than to both of the parents. One incident (picture)which got viral in social media was that a mother who had been affected by Covid 19 wearing oxygen mask was cooking for their family rather taking rest. Our society as a whole enforces and exploits women especially in household in the name of love. Another incident which had eye-opened and struck me was that the tweet of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Mother's day, The self sacrificing mother is a much glorified image. On this mother's day let us welcome our mothers outside the confines of our homes into a wide worlds'. The life of Women has been only completed by giving birth and all are part of insisting conservative stereotypical role on them. Society recognise a Mother as mother who deny their personal growth, advancement in bringing up their child. Being a mother, itself become the hindrance as the whole responsibility of Physical and psychosocial development of child is vested with the women. Sadly, Women are able to come out from these glorification in their ages of 40s. In contemporary times, there is a growing recognition of the need to challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics, and to promote gender equality and women’s rights.

- Swetha U S