Gender, Space and Agency in India: Exploring Regional Genderscapes

This volume explores the links between gender, space, and agency in India, offering fresh perspectives and frameworks for analyzing these relationships across diverse geographical contexts. The chapters are based on field studies that demonstrate how agency is gendered, and how gender and agency are shaped by everyday contexts, socio-economic processes, policy interventions, and geographic phenomena. The book will be of interest to researchers, teachers, and practitioners in human geography, social and cultural geography, and those interested in geographies of gender. It will also be helpful for policy makers interested in gender and development in India.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate connections between gender, space, and agency in India, presenting fresh perspectives and frameworks for analyzing these interrelationships across diverse geographical contexts within the country. The chapters in this volume are grounded in extensive field studies that highlight the gendered nature of agency. The volume explores how gender and agency are shaped by a multitude of everyday contexts, socio-economic processes, policy interventions, and geographic phenomena, ultimately manifesting in various aspects of society, including education, decentralization of politics, growing social inequalities, poverty, the Green Revolution, agricultural mechanization, and even drought.

This book holds significant appeal for researchers, educators, and practitioners in the fields of human geography, social and cultural geography, as well as those with an interest in geographies of gender. It provides valuable insights for policy makers who are engaged in addressing gender-related issues and promoting development in India.

Gender, space, and agency in India: A Comprehensive Examination

Gender, space, and agency are interconnected and interdependent aspects of human existence, and their interplay in India presents a complex and multifaceted landscape. This volume aims to explore the intricate relationships between these three elements and their impact on various aspects of Indian society.

The chapters in this volume are based on extensive field studies that shed light on the gendered nature of agency in India. These studies highlight how gender shapes individuals' experiences, opportunities, and constraints in different geographical contexts. The authors examine how gender norms, stereotypes, and power dynamics influence individuals' ability to act, make decisions, and shape their environments.

One of the key themes that emerge from the chapters is the role of geography in shaping gender and agency. The authors argue that geography plays a crucial role in determining access to resources, opportunities, and power, which in turn affects individuals' ability to exercise their agency. For example, rural areas in India often face challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, which can limit women's agency and perpetuate gender inequality.

Similarly, urban areas in India also exhibit distinct gender dynamics and spatial patterns. The authors explore how urbanization, migration, and the development of infrastructure shape gender roles, identities, and relationships. They note how women in urban areas often face unique challenges such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and limited access to resources and opportunities.

Another important theme that emerges from the chapters is the intersectionality of gender, space, and agency. The authors recognize that individuals' experiences and identities are shaped by a multitude of factors, including race, class, religion, and ethnicity. They argue that these intersections create unique challenges and opportunities for individuals and communities, and that understanding and addressing these intersections is essential for promoting gender equality and social justice.

The chapters in this volume also examine the impact of policy interventions and social movements. The authors argue that policy decisions and interventions can have significant effects on gender, space, and agency in India. They highlight how policies such as the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, which aims to promote gender equality and empower girls, have had positive effects on education and social mobility in India. However, they also note that policies such as the Reservation System, which aims to address social and economic inequalities, have had mixed effects on gender and agency in India.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of the links between gender, space, and agency in India. It provides fresh perspectives and frameworks for analyzing these interrelationships across diverse geographical contexts within the country. The chapters in this volume are grounded in extensive field studies that shed light on the gendered nature of agency in India. The authors argue that geography plays a crucial role in shaping gender and agency, and that understanding and addressing these intersections is essential for promoting gender equality and social justice. The volume will be of interest to researchers, educators, and practitioners in the fields of human geography, social and cultural geography, and those with an interest in geographies of gender. It will also be helpful for policy makers interested in the issues of gender and development in India.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367546601