CHANGING GENDER ROLES IN RURAL HOUSEHOLDS A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY
Abstract
Gender roles in rural India have traditionally been structured within a deeply entrenched
patriarchal framework, assigning men the role of primary breadwinners and women the
responsibility of domestic and caregiving duties. However, in recent decades, rural regions of
Maharashtra have experienced notable socio-economic transformations that are gradually
reshaping these conventional roles. This review paper examines the changing dynamics of
gender roles within rural households in Maharashtra by synthesizing existing literature,
government reports, and sociological studies. It highlights key factors driving these changes,
including increased access to education, male out-migration, state-led development programs,
and expanding participation of women in economic activities such as agriculture and self-help
groups. While these developments have contributed to greater visibility and agency of rural
women, the persistence of patriarchal norms, wage inequality, and the double burden of work
continue to limit the extent of transformation. The paper concludes that gender roles in rural
Maharashtra are in a transitional phase, characterized by both continuity and change, and
emphasizes the need for sustained policy interventions to achieve substantive gender equality.
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