Violence against Women in the Patriarchal Society: An Analytical View

Abstract

Literature is a powerful tool for understanding past, present, and future experiences, particularly in patriarchal cultures. Indian women's contemporary fiction, such as Shashi Deshpande, Anita Desai, Githa Hariharan, and Kishwar Desai, expose the horrors of patriarchal societies. Feminism emerged in India in the 19th century to oppose women's low status, family exploitation, and subordination. However, feminist critics argue that literary works can challenge stereotypes about women and humanize society. Modern women writers in India began challenging patriarchal norms in the 1970s, marking the beginning of intellectual freedom for women. They have contributed significantly to the quality of Indian English fiction, incorporating feminist themes and women's viewpoints. They have shifted from theoretical themes to historical and cultural realities, promoting equality and confronting patriarchal aggression. This paper seeks to identify the pervasive misogyny in all spheres and stimulate future investigation into literary representations of men who challenge patriarchy, redefine masculinities, and demonstrate their willingness to alter the dominant structure that oppresses women.