Gender inequality is a large issue around the world as many males and females are discriminated against due to gender roles set into place by generational stigmas. In western civilization gender inequality is widely spoken about as society is currently working on ways to allow for an equilibrium between male and female roles in life. This type of equilibrium does not exist prominently in the South Asian community. The term South Asians constitute a diverse group of people who have immigrated from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim (Chokshi, Desai & Adamali, 2009). Within the community culture, gender inequality issues are hardly ever brought to light as many years of cultural views and religious ideals have cemented gender inequality into the foundation of South Asian culture. Specifically South Asian women are under the spotlight as they are highly discriminated against, numerous cases of domestic violence against women are seen every day as women are often seen as second class citizens. Cultural stigmas are still prevalent in South Asian culture even in families that immigrated to western countries. These morals and ideals have carried over and are still relevant in South Asian families who stay with their roots. Domestic violence is a prominent and growing issue in the South Asian community and has severe effects on families, children, and the survivors themselves. Theoretical approaches of gender socialization and identity can help diminish stigmas if such approaches are implemented early on in a woman's life. By implication a positive approach and providing cultural specifically economic, social, and community resources the cycle of abuse can be diminished and South Asian woman can be empowered to create their own positive future.
Domestic Violence occurs “when a person uses physical violence, coercion, threats, indimation, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse to control the other partner in a relationship (Michigan State 2018). Any sort of violence towards the survivor from the abuser is not only a violation of human rights to be healthy, supportive and safe, but is a serious social problem which has underlying negative impacts on both the survivor and the society.
In the South Asian community of North America abuse does not manifest differently than other cultural groups, however the initial cause and elements of the stigma male seeking self help for South Asian woman incredibly difficult. The stigma of being an independent South Asian woman along with collectivism and patriarchy, South Asian women are vulnerable to a prolonged life crises. Although domestic violence is an issue which is not spoken about openly in society. However it is a rampant and prevalent issue which deserves immediate action. Woman of the South Asian culture and silent and vulnerable because of a preventable issue which is neglected. The psychological and emotional damage through domestic violence can lead to lifelong trauma and distress simply because of the cultural stigma in the community (Shreya Bhandari 2018)
A recent study done by the University of Boston conducted an experiment with 160 South Asian from all over the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine the relevancy and prevalence of domestic violence within the South Asian community, most importantly the domestic violence which is not disclosed. The study was done with only married woman or those who were in a hetrosexual relationship. In this study researchers found that 42 % of the participants had been physically and/or sexually abused in some way by their current male partners in their lifetime; 36.9% reported having been victimized in the past year. Over 30% reported having experienced partners physical abuse, and 18.8% report having experienced partners‘ sexual abuse. In total 65.2% of the women reporting physical abuse also reported sexual abuse. Most importantly 72.3 percent of these woman said gender inequality and discrimination has affected their relationships with their partner. This study was a major eye opener for the South Asian community and most importantly the whole society. In such a small select group individuals, over half had experienced domestic violence goes to show the rising and concerning problem this is within the community and more importantly the role that gender inequality plays. (API-GBV 2017)
Gender Inequality plays a significant role in domestic violence and is one of the major underlying causes for South Asian woman. World Health Association notes, “both gender- related behaviour including sexual behavior is influenced by both cultural and social imbalances. Gender imbalances between men and woman both sexualy, verbally, physically, and economically account for many domestic violence cases (Jewkes 2012). Specifically in the lens of South Asian woman many scholars have related domestic violence to the patriarchal culture and gender inequality in families (Agnew 1998) Patriarchal culture means relating to or characteristic of a system of society or government controlled by men, which is evident in the South Asian community. South Asian woman in regards to their male partners and even so family members find themselves in subordinate positions and feel as if they are held lower if they do not play a subservient role in the family. Although a simple solution to domestic violence would be to leave an abusive relationship, both divorce and disclosing abuse is considered a renegade from the culture due to the stigma of abuse in the community and has not been a viable option for many woman.
Gender socialization refers to a learning of attitudes and behaviours that are acceptable for the respected sexes (Unicef, n.d.). Nikola Balvin states that “Adolescence is a critical period in which gender attitudes and behaviours intensify and new gender roles emerge. It is also a period during which the negative outcomes of some gender norms begin to manifest.” (Unicef, n.d.).From birth, males and females are treated differently, both females and males are taken care of by their mothers however, females are treated differently as they take on more domestic roles in the family. On the other hand, males are seen taking on non-domestic roles (Talbani & Hasanali, 2000). In south Asian culture boys are raised to be reliant on themselves and independent, while the females are raised to adopt characteristics such as nurturing, responsible and obedient. For women in south Asian culture it is crucial for them to be obedient wives as it would have a negative effect on their family’s name. This obedience can lead to domestic violence as many women are not allowed arguing with their husbands as it seen as disrespectful. Furthermore, women who do experience domestic violence do not usually report it as would bring shame upon the family and not much would done.
Although, this can be easily diverted if we work to change the attitude and characteristics that are taught to females at a young age. If we teach females the characteristics that are taught to males we can stop issues such as domestic violence as women would be taught to dependent on themselves. As Nikola Balvin said, adolescence is the period where negative effects of gender roles begin to show. In order to prevent negative effects from surfacing we need to start treating females equally empowering them to become self-reliant like we teach men.