Review Article
Year: 2023 | Month: July | Volume: 13 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 352-362
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230701
Infertility and Patriarchy in India: Causes and Consequences
Dr. Srishti
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sociology/Women’s Studies, Banasthali Vidyapith, Newai, Tonk, Rajasthan
ABSTRACT
Infertility is a complex issue that affects millions of couples worldwide and its impact is particularly significant in patriarchal societies like India. This paper investigates the causes and implications of infertility in India within the framework of patriarchy. The patriarchal society characterized by male domination and the expectation of procreation, lays a severe burden on women with infertility. Secondary data have been considered for exploring the causes and consequences of infertility among women in patriarchal setup. Results suggest that the causes of infertility are numerous, spanning from biological aspects to sociocultural and economic issues. Infertility has far-reaching implications on women, affecting their families, and society as a whole. Women with infertility are frequently stigmatized, discriminated, and blamed, resulting in lower social status, psychological pain and low self-worth. Addressing the issue of infertility within the context of patriarchy requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts should be made to challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms and gender inequalities that contribute to the stigmatization of infertility. Nevertheless, the cost of the treatment of infertility including the Assisted Reproductive Technology techniques is highly expensive. Hence, there is a need to enhance access to affordable and quality healthcare, including infertility treatments, particularly in rural areas. Government has also launched certain laws and regulations to regulate the practice of surrogacy and In-vitro fertilization; nonetheless, there is a long way to go.
Key words: gender, India, infertility, patriarchy, women, women’s health