Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Womens Studies Syllabus - Mumbai University

About this course

Women’s Studies may be defined as a body of knowledge that has grown out of a felt need for achieving gender equality, and is often considered the “academic arm” of the women’s movement. It is an interdisciplinary study of women and society, a perspective and a discipline from the standpoint of women’s lived experiences. It seeks to explain the historical, socio, cultural, political and economic reasons (stemming out of Patriarchy) for existing gender-based subordination (bias, prejudice stereotypes, myths) and its exacerbation due to intersectionality. Additionally, it provides the understanding of feminist perspectives and suggests measures by which the forms of discrimination may be countered. The relevance of the course is to provide learners an exposure to the terminology and concepts to gain a clarity on the subject and its importance to social work professionals. The theoretical perspectives to critically analyze patriarchy, feminism, gender-based violence is imparted to the students for building a gender perspective to understanding these phenomena that are operating in the social systems of the Indian society. The status of women across ages, the long struggle by women for overcoming the oppression, discrimination and towards realizing their rights, and the emergent approaches (feminist perspectives) which generated material for teaching women’s studies are reflected upon. The subject aims to sensitize learners to the prevailing discriminatory practices in society which prevent women and sexual minorities from realizing their rights and participating fully in the social, political and economic processes in the country. The feminist legislations, initiatives in Indian context are critically discussed to take stock of the current approaches and strategies for attaining the ‘real’ empowerment of women in particular.

Course objectives

• Providing an overall understanding on the basic terms, definitions and concepts in the subject and significance of the subject for social work professionals.
• Critically analyzing the theoretical perspectives related to patriarchy and feminism to develop a clear-cut gender perspective to viewing the issues faced by women.
• Introducing the learner to the status of women, the history of women’s struggle to overcoming gender discrimination and the significance of Women’s Studies in India.
• Critically analyzing the theoretical perspectives that help understand why GBV occurs, forms of GBV and the statistics pointing out to its rampant occurrence and therefore implications.
• Creating awareness and critical analysis in the learner about initiatives of government and civil society organizations for gender equity; applying strategies and approaches to gender empowerment

Learning outcomes

• CO 173 Discuss the status of women, women’s movement, literature on women’s subordination (past to present)
• CO 174 Explain theoretical perspectives on important phenomenon in the subject.
• CO 175 Critically analyse oppression based on gender (intersectionality), gender-based violence, and approaches for gender equity/ empowerment.
• CO 176 Evaluate the legislations, and initiatives by civil society for gender equity

Unit I: Fundamental Concepts in Gender and Relevance of the course for Social Work

• Sex Vs Gender
• Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Gender Spectrum, Sexual Orientation
• Masculinity and Femininity
• Gender Bias, Prejudice and Stereotypes, Women’s Paid and Unpaid Work
• Patriarchy and Feminism- Theoretical Perspectives/ Approaches

Essential readings

• Bhasin, K. (2000). Understanding Gender, Delhi: Kali for Women.
• Bhasin, K. (2004). Exploring Masculinity. New Delhi. Women Unlimited.
• Shefer. T, et al (2007). From Boys to Men: Social Constructions of Masculinity in Contemporary Society. Juta and Company Ltd.
• Risman, J B., et al. (2018). Handbook of Sociology of Gender. Second Edition. Springer.
• Adichie, N.C (2015). We Should All Be Feminists. Anchor.
• Eagleton Mary (2003): A Concise Companion to Feminist Theory. USA. Black Well Publishers.

Unit II: Status of Women, Women’s / Feminist Movement and Women’s Studies in India

• Status of Women from Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary ages
• Phases of Women’s Movement
• Evolution of Women Studies in India

Essential readings

• Jain Devaki & Rajput Pam (2003): Narratives from the Women’s Studies Family: Recreating Knowledge. New Delhi. Sage Publications.
• Sarkar, S., Sarkar, T. (2011). Women and Social Reform in Modern India- Vol 1 & Vol 2. Sarkar Books.
• Patel, V. (2002): Women’s Challenges of the New Millennium, New Delhi.Gyan Publishing House
• John E.M (2008). Women Studies in India: A Reader. Penguin Books

Unit III: Gender Based Violence -

• Concept and Definition- Aggression, Violence Vs Gender Based Violence
• Gender Based Violence- Forms, Cycle, Magnitude and Impact
• GBV against gender minorities
• Perspectives and Approaches to understand Gender based violence-
• Feminist Counseling
• Gender based Violence against Gender Minorities
• Trafficking in Persons

Essential readings

• Djamba, et al. (2015) Gender based Violence. Perspectives from Africa, the Middle East, and India. Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
• Agrawal Anju: Gendered Bodies: The Case of the Third Gender in India.

Unit IV: Initiatives for Gender Equity and Approaches & Strategies for Empowerment

• Feminist Legislations and need for reform.
• Initiatives by the Government and the Civil Society for Gender Equity.
• Defn of Gender Empowerment and Approaches for empowerment in India
• Applying Strategies for Gender Empowerment (Gender mainstreaming, Gender Budgeting, Gender Audit,).

Essential readings

• Singh Surendra & Srivastava S P (2001). Gender Equality through Women’s Empowerment: Strategies and Approaches. Lucknow. Bharat Book Centre.
• Murthy N Linga (2007): Towards Gender Equality: India’s Experience. New Delhi Singh Surendra & Srivastava S P (2001).