Class 7 Social Science Notes Chapter 5 (Women Change The World) – Social and Political Life Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 5, 'Women Change The World' from your Social and Political Life book. This chapter is crucial not just for understanding social dynamics but also frequently features in questions related to social issues in government exams. Pay close attention to the concepts and examples discussed.

Chapter 5: Women Change The World - Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation

Core Theme: This chapter challenges traditional gender stereotypes and explores how women have struggled for and achieved change, particularly through education and collective action (the Women's Movement). It highlights that opportunities are not equally available to men and women, and societal expectations often limit women's potential.

1. Fewer Opportunities and Rigid Expectations:

• Stereotypes: Society often holds fixed ideas about what work women and men can or should do.
  • Examples: Women seen primarily as nurses, teachers, or homemakers; men as engineers, pilots, army officers, etc.
  • These stereotypes limit choices, training, and opportunities for individuals based on gender, not capability.
• Impact: Stereotypes lead to pressure on individuals to conform, discrimination in education and employment, and undervaluing of certain types of work (often work done by women, like caregiving).
• Breaking Stereotypes: The chapter emphasizes that talent and interest, not gender, should determine one's path.
  • Key Example: Laxmi Lakra: Became the first woman engine driver for Northern Railways. She challenged the stereotype that technical jobs like driving trains are only for men. Her story exemplifies determination and breaking barriers. (Remember her name and achievement - potential exam question).

2. Learning for Change: The Power of Education:

• Historical Context: Historically, access to education, especially learning to read and write, was denied to most women. It was believed that education was unnecessary for women or could have negative consequences.
• Education as Empowerment: Gaining literacy and education is presented as a crucial tool for women to improve their lives, gain independence, and challenge inequality.
• Key Examples:
  • Rashsundari Debi (1800-1890): Learned to read and write in secret, against societal norms and family restrictions, in the flickering light of a kitchen lamp. She later wrote her autobiography, 'Amar Jiban' (My Life), the first known autobiography written by an Indian woman. Her story highlights the intense desire for learning and the obstacles women faced.
  • Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880-1932): A strong advocate for women's education. Despite knowing only Urdu, she learned Bangla and English with support from her husband and brother.
    • 'Sultana's Dream' (1905): Wrote a remarkable story depicting 'Ladyland', a feminist utopia where women ruled wisely using technology ('brain power') and men were secluded. This story critiqued patriarchal norms and envisioned a world of equality. (Remember the story name and its theme).
    • Established Schools: Started a school for girls in Bhagalpur (1909) and later in Kolkata (1911), which is still functioning. Her actions directly contributed to increasing educational opportunities for Muslim girls.

3. Schooling and Education Today:

• Progress: Significant increase in the number of girls enrolling in schools compared to the past.
• Persistent Gaps: Despite progress, a gap remains between male and female literacy rates. Girls are still more likely to drop out of school than boys.
• Reasons for Dropout (Especially among marginalized groups):
  • Poverty: Families cannot afford education costs or need children (especially girls) for domestic work or income generation.
  • Lack of Infrastructure: Shortage of schools, teachers, proper toilets (especially for girls), and safe transport, particularly in rural and remote areas.
  • Discrimination: Girls from Dalit, Adivasi, and Muslim communities often face discrimination from teachers and classmates, making the school environment unwelcoming.
  • Preference for Boys' Education: Some families prioritize educating sons over daughters, especially when resources are scarce.
  • Household Responsibilities: Girls are often expected to manage household chores and care for younger siblings, leaving little time for school.

4. The Women's Movement:

• Definition: A collective effort by women (and some men) to bring about changes and fight for gender equality. It's not a single organization but diverse groups and individuals working together.
• Objectives:
  • Challenge gender discrimination and stereotypes.
  • Achieve legal, social, economic, and political equality.
  • Fight against violence and injustice faced by women.
• Strategies Used:
  • Campaigning: To fight discrimination and violence. Campaigns have led to new laws (e.g., law against dowry in 1961, guidelines against sexual harassment at the workplace in 1997, law protecting women from domestic violence in 2006). Campaigns raise public awareness and put pressure on the government.
  • Raising Awareness: Using street plays, songs, public meetings, publications, and discussions to spread messages about women's rights and issues.
  • Protesting: Holding public rallies and demonstrations to draw attention to injustices and demand action when laws or policies are violated or inadequate.
  • Showing Solidarity: Expressing support and unity with other women facing similar struggles, both within the country and internationally (e.g., candlelight vigils, holding hands).

Key Takeaways for Exams:

• Understand the definition and impact of gender stereotypes.
• Know the specific examples: Laxmi Lakra, Rashsundari Debi, Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain ('Sultana's Dream', schools).
• Recognize the historical and contemporary importance of education for women's empowerment.
• Be aware of the reasons for girls' school dropout rates, especially among marginalized communities.
• Understand what the Women's Movement is, its goals, and its various methods (campaigning, awareness, protest, solidarity).
• Remember the key legal changes achieved through the movement (dowry, sexual harassment, domestic violence laws).

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Who was Laxmi Lakra, mentioned in the chapter as someone who broke gender stereotypes?
   a) The first woman pilot in India
   b) The first woman engine driver for Northern Railways
   c) A famous writer who wrote 'Sultana's Dream'
   d) A social reformer who started schools for girls

2. What is the central theme of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain's story 'Sultana's Dream'?
   a) A woman's struggle to get education
   b) A utopian world where women rule and men are secluded
   c) The life story of a woman engine driver
   d) The challenges faced by girls in rural schools

3. Rashsundari Debi is known for:
   a) Leading a major protest against dowry
   b) Becoming the first woman teacher in her village
   c) Secretly learning to read and write and writing the first autobiography by an Indian woman, 'Amar Jiban'
   d) Establishing schools for Muslim girls in Kolkata

4. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a reason for higher dropout rates among girls from school, as discussed in the chapter?
   a) Poverty and the need for girls to do household work
   b) Lack of proper school facilities like toilets
   c) Lack of interest in studies among girls themselves
   d) Discrimination faced by girls from marginalized communities

5. The term 'stereotype' in the context of this chapter refers to:
   a) A legally recognized right for women
   b) A fixed, often unfair and untrue, belief about a particular group of people (e.g., based on gender)
   c) A method used by the women's movement to raise awareness
   d) A government scheme to promote girls' education

6. Which strategy is commonly used by the Women's Movement to achieve its goals?
   a) Campaigning for legal reforms
   b) Raising public awareness through plays and songs
   c) Organizing protests and demonstrations
   d) All of the above

7. Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain actively worked to promote:
   a) Women's participation in politics
   b) Women's education, especially for Muslim girls
   c) Traditional roles for women in society
   d) Higher wages for women in factories

8. The chapter suggests that education is crucial for women primarily because:
   a) It allows them to earn more money than men
   b) It is a constitutional requirement for all citizens
   c) It empowers them, helps challenge inequality, and opens up opportunities
   d) It ensures they become better homemakers

9. Showing solidarity, as a method of the women's movement, means:
   a) Filing court cases against discrimination
   b) Writing articles in newspapers
   c) Expressing support and unity with other women and their struggles
   d) Conducting secret meetings

10. Laws against dowry (1961) and domestic violence (2006) in India are significant achievements resulting largely from:
    a) Government initiatives alone
    b) International pressure
    c) Efforts and campaigns by the Women's Movement
    d) Recommendations from educational institutions

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b
2. b
3. c
4. c
5. b
6. d
7. b
8. c
9. c
10. c

Study these notes thoroughly. Understanding the concepts and remembering the key figures and examples will be very helpful for your exams. Let me know if any part needs further clarification.