In the world’s largest democracy, the plight of women remains a pressing and deeply entrenched issue. The question that “Does our Society suffer form a genetic disorder or is it a matter of man’s entitlement to subjugate women?” resonates with the increasing urgency as the country has been witnessing horrifying acts of violence against women on a regular basis. From rape to domestic violence and from workplace harassment to the stifling of women`s voices in their decision-making, Indian society`s treatment of women seems to be rooted in a toxic combination of historical patriarchy and a deeply ingrained sense of man`s superiority.

In a male dominated Indian society whether the man`s entitlement, cultural constructs, and systemic failures in law enforcement contribute to crimes against women. Are these acts committed as a form of dominance, an assertion of manhood, or simply the manifestation of a perverted mindset that views women as objects of desire? The answer is complex, but necessary if India is to ever address and eradicate this social malaise.

To understand the current state of gender violence and man`s entitlement in India, we must first look at the historical and cultural foundations of patriarchy. Historically, Indian society has been male-dominated, with religious and social norms reinforcing the notion that women are subservient to men. Scriptures like the Manusmriti have long dictated that a woman must be under the control of a father, husband, or son at different stages of life, effectively stripping her of autonomy. This cultural programming has persisted through centuries, normalizing the idea that women`s primary role is to serve men. Cultural practices such as dowry, child marriage, and the preference for male children have further perpetuated the view that women are inferior, creating a society where men feel entitled to control women`s bodies, lives, and choices.

This deeply ingrained patriarchy laid the groundwork for man`s entitlement, turning gendered violence into an almost inevitable outcome. As feminist historian Uma Chakraborty once said, “Patriarchy is not just a social system, but a mindset that normalizes the power of men over women.” It is this mindset that must be deconstructed if we are to challenge man`s entitlement. Man`s entitlement in India is often a reflection of toxic masculinity--- and the ideology that equates manhood with aggression, control, and emotional detachment. From childhood, Indian boys in various strata of the society are still raised with the belief that they must dominate women in all aspects of life, whether at work or public or at home. This entitlement manifests in various ways, from denying women equal opportunities in the workplace to exerting control over their lives in personal relationships.

Glass ceilings and harassment are common. Women are objectified, often seen as unfit for leadership roles or worse, sexual objects rather than professionals. A 2021 study by the Indian Journal of Industry`s Relations found that 70% of women in corporate India have experienced some form of gender-based discrimination, with 30% reporting sexual harassment. Public life is no different, with women underrepresented in political spheres and often ridiculed for showing ambition. In personal relationships, male entitlement takes on a more dangerous form. Domestic violence, dowry harassment, and marital rape, which still not yet criminalized in India, are rampant. A National Family Health Survey found that 29% of married women between the ages of 15 and 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence from their spouses. In many cases, this violence is a means for men to assert their dominance and control over women. In all of these domains, men seem to equate domination with masculinity and control with superiority. It is not surprising then that this sense of entitlement can escalate into physical violence, harassment, and even rape.

India`s struggle with crime against women is a manifestation of this deep-rooted man`s entitlement. From gang rapes that shake the conscience of the nation to domestic violence cases that rarely make it to the front pages, women in India are under constant threat of violence from men across socio-economic strata. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India reported 32033 cases of rape in 2021, with many more going unreported due to social stigma and fear of retribution. A study by the Thomas Reuters Foundation ranked India as the most dangerous country for women, citing factors such as sexual violence, human trafficking, and forced labour. What is particularly alarming is the profile of the offenders. While one might assume that these crimes are confined to the uneducated or lower socio-economic classes, the reality is that men from all walks of life, including politicians, police officers, and high-ranking officials, have been involved in crimes against women. For example, in 2017, Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Sinha was accused of raping a minor and his influence over the local administration initially allowed him to evade arrest for months.

One of the most recent and shocking cases involved the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in a medical college in Calcutta. The young woman was on a night duty performing her professional responsibilities, when she was attacked, raped, and murdered in a cold-blooded act of violence. The incident sent shockwaves across the country and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women, even in spaces considered safe like hospitals and educational institutions. The case is emblematic of how pervasive this violence has become, and the sheer audacity of perpetrators who feel emboldened by the knowledge that the legal system often fails to deliver justice in time. Such incidents highlight the horrifying reality that no woman, regardless of her professional standing or location, is safe from the predatory nature of some men. Whether it`s the streets or the workplace, women continue to be seen as objects of desire to be exploited, with man`s entitlement pushing boundaries of decency and human dignity.

A significant part of the problem lies in India`s ambiguous laws and the failure of law enforcement agencies. Indian law still does not recognize marital rape as a crime, and cases of sexual violence are often met with apathy or incompetence by the police. Women who come forward to report rape or harassment are frequently met with victim-blaming attitudes, making it difficult for them to seek justice. Moreover, the investigation process is often flawed, with forensic evidence mishandled or delayed. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, police officers often fail to register complaints of sexual violence, especially when the perpetrator is a person of influence. This failure is compounded by the inefficiency of the judicial system, where court cases drag on for years, allowing the accused to intimidate victims into silence or settlement. In the case of powerful men, justice is often delayed or denied due to political connections.

Former MP Chinmayanand, for example, was accused of sexually exploiting a law student, but despite overwhelming evidence, he remained out on bail, using his political influence to manipulate the legal process. Such incidents erode the public`s faith in the judicial system and send a clear message that men in positions of power are above the law. The objectification of women cuts across socio-economic boundaries. From rural areas to urban cities, from the educated elite to the uneducated masses, women in India are seen as objects of desire. The vulnerability of women is not restricted to any class. Girl children, young girls, married women and elderly women alike are subject to harassment and assault.

Rural women in particular face a double burden of violence, both from men in their own communities and from outside influences. The Hathras case, where a young Dalit woman was brutally raped and murdered by upper-caste men, is an example of how caste and gender intersect to accelerate violence against women. Urban women are not exempt. The daily reality of harassment in public spaces, workplaces and homes creates a suffocating environment where women must constantly navigate the threat of man`s entitlement. The battle against man`s entitlement and violence against women will not be won overnight, but societal movements and public outcry are slowly forcing the nation to confront these issues.

The 2012 Nirbhaya case, where a young woman was brutally gang-raped in Delhi, sparked widespread protest across the country, leading to the introduction of the Criminal Law within bracket Amendment Act 2013, which expanded the definition of rape and increased the punishment for sexual offence. However, while laws have changed, societal attitudes have not, and much more needs to be done. Public awareness campaigns, education and a zero-tolerance attitude towards gender-based violence are essential for changing the mindset of men in India. Initiatives like the #MeToo movement have provided a platform for women to voice their experiences, but without widespread social reform, legal enforcement and gender sensitization, the culture of man`s entitlement continues to thrive.

India stands at a crossroads in its battle against gender-based violence and man`s entitlement. While the problem is deeply entrenched in its social and cultural fabric, there is hope that with stricter laws, faster judicial processes and societal movements towards gender equality may change the attitude towards such crimes. The solution lies in educating the next generation, creating awareness and ensuring that those who commit crimes against women are severely punished. As the feminist scholar Kamala Bhasin said, “Patriarchy is a system that makes us all victims, but by challenging it, we can reclaim our humanity”. The time for silence has passed. It`s time for men to unlearn their entitlement and for society to demand respect and dignity for all women.

{The writer Alok Verma is Founder and Mentor at Newzstreet & NYOOOZ.COM}

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