Psychoanalytic and Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Women in India: Violence, Safety and Survival

This book explores the experiences of women in India today, highlighting the impact of socio-cultural conventions and stigma on their lives. It examines topics such as motherhood, religion, intimacy, and femininity, and the psychological implications of these issues. The book brings together psychoanalysts, social scientists, scholars, and social activists to provide a comprehensive perspective on gender, mental health, and contemporary Indian society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 116 pages
Publication date: 09 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book serves as a vital bridge between psychoanalytic perspectives and socio-cultural issues, illuminating the experiences of women in India today. It explores the complex interplay between gender positioning, rural-urban divides, class disparities, and caste systems, which have profound implications for women's well-being and security on a global scale, particularly in India. Throughout history, women have faced numerous forms of oppression, including sex-selective abortions, domestic violence, bride burning for dowry, and acid attacks. Unfortunately, these threats to women's security have only intensified in recent years, fueled by progressive polarization and the hardening of socio-political and cultural ideologies.

In order to understand the impact of these social and cultural conventions and stigmas on women's lives, this book assesses the psychological implications of motherhood, religion, intimacy, and femininity. It delves into topics such as the seduction of religion, the challenges of motherhood in contemporary times, the intersection of intimacy and violence, and the emergence of fundamentalist states of mind within the clinical space. While the book maintains a regional specificity, it also reflects a broader global context, where changes in ideological freedom and the concept of inclusivity regarding gender, race, culture, and politics are taking place.

To provide a comprehensive perspective, the book brings together a diverse group of authors, including psychoanalysts, social scientists, scholars from the liberal arts discipline, and social activists. Their collective insights and expertise contribute to a rich and nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women in India and the broader world. This book will be of interest to a wide range of scholars, including gender studies scholars, mental health professionals, and clinicians working in the field. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape women's lives and provides a roadmap for addressing these issues in a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367182830