Abstract

Gender inequality has adverse impacts on development goals and reduces economic growth. Religion has been one of the most significant sources of these cultural definitions of gender roles and religion has been a potent legitimization of these distinctions. The paper concentrates on how culture aids in gender inequalities. Inequalities in gender roles are reflected in a number of cultural practices in India. Women play an important role in the cultural practices of India which pertain to women's mobility, and control of sexuality, for example, child marriage, purdah, sati, and the social death of widows. Moreover, violence against women in the family cuts across all religious and caste groups in India and has its roots in cultural attitudes of male superiority. The impact and influence of patriarchy on gender discrimination is wide-ranging. Additionally, the aim is to explore the implications of the glass ceiling on women's professional opportunities. Ultimately, the paper contends that culture cannot serve as a justification for gender discrimination; rather, it represents an exertion of power that must be constantly re-evaluated in response to evolving social contexts.

Keywords