Gendering of Space Through Indian History: A Geographical Perspective

Access to space is determined by a number of social, cultural, and economic factors. Feminists see gender as a key factor in determining how space can be used. Through much of Indian history, women have been confined to domestic space while men enjoyed freedom of movement in public space. This made the lives of women different from those of men. The close association between the superiority of a caste and the purity of its blood meant that upper-caste women were kept in seclusion in order to control their sexuality. Confinement of women denied them access to education and economic power. In the colonial period, an educated woman came to be seen as a better partner for the westernized male. Consequently, some women gained access to education. Participation in the freedom struggle further expanded their spaces, but the foundations of patriarchy were not challenged. Attitudes toward women and public spaces have changed in recent times. However, women face several obstacles in accessing public spaces, especially after dark. They are now resisting the restraints on their freedom, and are using various forms of protest against the denial of their right to equality.