How Indians View Gender Roles in Families and Society | Pew Research Center

This paper explores the intricate landscape of lifestyle and culture for women in India, highlighting the tension between deep-rooted traditions and modern global influences.

Historically, women in India have occupied paradoxical positions: revered as divine "goddesses" in scripture, yet often marginalized by patriarchal norms in practice. Today, the "New Indian Woman" must navigate a complex landscape where traditional values like Pativratya (devotion to the husband) coexist with aspirations for professional autonomy and global leadership. Core Cultural Pillars