THE WOMEN IMPORTANT TO SOCIALITY

Within the society, women have important roles to perform. The roles of women are primarily recognized in the social, political, economic, cultural and religious spheres. In these spheres, when they are to possess efficient skills and abilities, so they are able to render their participation in an effectual manner. In addition to the skills and abilities, it is vital for women to generate awareness in terms of the factors influencing their participation. Possessing information regarding these factors also enables them in overcoming the barriers that may arise within the course of performance of roles. When women are performing various types of roles, they need to ensure that they work effectively towards promoting well-being of their family and community. In other words, they need to ensure that their contribution in beneficial to the individuals. The main areas that have been taken into account in this research paper include, significance of roles of women within society, factors influencing the participation of women, types of roles within the society, and roles of women within employment settings.Download full-text PDF Abstract Within the society, women have important roles to perform. The roles of women are primarily recognized in the social, political, economic, cultural and religious spheres. In these spheres, when they are to possess efficient skills and abilities, so they are able to render their participation in an effectual manner. In addition to the skills and abilities, it is vital for women to generate awareness in terms of the factors influencing their participation. Possessing information regarding these factors also enables them in overcoming the barriers that may arise within the course of performance of roles. When women are performing various types of roles, they need to ensure that they work effectively towards promoting well-being of their family and community. In other words, they need to ensure that their contribution in beneficial to the individuals. The main areas that have been taken into account in this research paper include, significance of roles of women within society, factors influencing the participation of women, types of roles within the society, and roles of women within employment settings. ResearchGate Logo Discover the world's researc Content uploaded by Radhika Kapur Author content Content may be subject to copyright. Roles of Women within the SocietyDr. Radhika KapurAbstractWithin the society, women have important roles to perform. The roles of women are primarily recognized in the social, political, economic, cultural and religious spheres. In thesespheres, when they are to possess efficient skills and abilities, so they are able to render their participation in an effectual manner. In addition to the skills and abilities, it is vital for women to generate awareness in terms of the factors influencing their participation. Possessing information regarding these factors also enables them in overcoming the barriers that may arise within the course of performance of roles. When women are performing various types of roles, they need to ensure that they work effectively towards promoting well-being of their family and community. In other words, they need to ensure that their contribution in beneficial to the individuals. The main areas that have been taken into accountin this research paper include, significance of roles of women within society, factors influencing the participation of women, types of roles within the society, and roles of women within employment settings. Keywords: Employment Settings, Individuals, Participation, Roles, Society Individuals are an integral part of the society. When the individuals reach the age of four, they began to realize that outside their home also there is a world, which they have to recognize. Family is regarded as the foundation, from where the growth and development of the individuals takes place, hence, they give preference to their family members. But apart from family members, individuals live within the society, therefore, they have a vital role to play towards the society. The role of women within the society is recognized in various spheres, social, political, economic, religious, and cultural. The role of women within the society is primarily recognized in the ways that promote its well-being. In some cases, their contributions towards promoting well-being of the society is through their employment, such as, when they are employed in schools or higher educational institutions in teaching positions, then they are not only generating a source of income to sustain their livelihoods, but are working for the welfare of the society, by imparting knowledge and generating awareness among the individuals. The contributions of women towards the society is put into operation on an honorary basis as well. Women, belonging to all age groups and backgrounds get engaged into honorary work towards promoting well-being of the individuals. Some of the honorary ways are, providing coaching classes to children, belonging to marginalized and socio-economically backward sections of the society, or making donations of food items, clothing and other items of daily use to poverty stricken individuals and so forth. In India, women are residing in the conditions of poverty, they are illiterate, do not have access to proper health care facilities, are victims of violence, and abuse, are discriminated against, neglected and do not enjoy the rights and opportunities as the male counterparts (Mbogori, 2014). When these factors are observed, some of the women, who are social workers work towards promoting well-being of the communities. Significance of Roles of Women within SocietyThe significance of roles of women within society is being taken into account mainly within their employment settings and when they are involved into other areas, such as, social work and so forth. The major trends in the family structures and transformations that are taking place over the past decades are well-known (Olah, Richter, & Kotowska, 2014). There have been emergence of nuclear families, where women are primarily involved in upbringing of their children. They may or may not get involved in various forms of employment opportunities or establishment of their own business. The major roles of women within the household are dedicated towards transmission of cultural values, principles and beliefs to their children and they tend to implement them throughout their lives (Giuliano, 2014).The roles of women within the society are dedicated towards advocating human development, social justice and are influencing the policy-induced change. In India, the policy-advocacy on women’s issues involves the context-specific challenges due to the politico-religious societies and institutions. Women, who are social workers are challenged bydifferent gendered-roles across the public and the private systems, while promoting gender equality in India. Therefore, policy-advocacy on women’s issues implies the transforming gendered social frameworks and confront a range of entities and institutions, governed by the state policies (Dhaske, 2016). Hence, it can be stated that when participating in any roles towards the society, women need to ensure that they follow the rules and promote well-being of the individuals as well as the community in a well-organized manner. Factors Influencing the Participation of Women When women are to get engaged in various tasks and activities, then their participation is influenced by various factors and these have been stated as follows: Socio-Cultural FactorsIn mainly rural communities, women and girls are required to render a significant participation in the implementation of household responsibilities. When they have to participate in the management of household responsibilities, then they are normally excluded from participation in public life and other activities. In some cases, when they aspire to attendschools and enhance their livelihoods and are discouraged, then they get affected psychologically as well as physically. In this way, women and girls become much more susceptible to gender discrimination. When they undergo these kinds of experiences, then their ability to participate towards well-being of the society also get impeded. Limited access to health care and medical facilities, lack of education and awareness, low life expectancies, remaining confined within the household, are some of the socio-cultural factors that prevent women and girls to participate in social activities. Whereas, in rural as well as in urban communities, women possess certain traditional beliefs and viewpoints. For instance, within the households, when men have their own businesses, when they are adequately meeting the needs and requirements of their family members, then women and girls are normally discouraged from getting engaged in various types of employment opportunities. On the other hand, due to the prevalence of these viewpoints and perspectives, they may not have access to get involved in any honorary work. The social norms that are enforced by the male and female community elders continue to be observed, irrespective of the growing body of legislation enacted to promote and protect the rights of women. Economic FactorsFinancial resources are considered to be of utmost significance, particularly, when women are to get involved in any task or activity on an honorary basis. For instance, when they are to make provision of meals to the poverty stricken individuals, who are experiencing malnutrition, then they need to possess sufficient financial resources. On the other hand, when women are financially not strong, when they have limited income, then too, they believe in making donations or in making use of their skills and abilities towards promoting knowledge and upgrading the skills of the individuals. But when they are financially strong, then they render a significant participation towards promoting goodwill and welfare of the community members. Research has indicated that there are number of children, within the country, who are orphaned, residing in the conditions of poverty and do not have any means of support. The women, who are wholeheartedly dedicated towards promoting welfare of the society, establish organizations. Within these organizations, the children are not only provided with living accommodation, but they are educated, undergo skills development programs, are provided health care facilities, nutritious meals, they get engaged in the production of handicrafts, are trained in terms of various extra-curricular activities, such as, artworks, singing, music, dance, role play and so forth, they get engaged in leisure and recreational activities and are able to bring about improvements in their overall quality of life. Therefore, in order to get this job implemented, finances are regarded as indispensable. Hence, due to the possession of financial resources, women can render an effective contribution towards promoting welfare of the society. Infrastructural FactorsInfrastructural factors are regarded as imperative, when women are to get involved in various tasks and activities, primarily concerning the community. Infrastructure is referred to the structure and the arrangement, through which one builds up the foundation for the work that one has to get engaged in. Broadcasting, radio, transportation, roads, public services, communications, water supplies, power supplies, machinery, technology, tools and equipmentare the various aspects that are included in infrastructure. Research has indicated that number of women, who are social workers, usually conduct research studies on aspects, which they aim to either improve or alleviate. For instance, there are number of individuals in rural as well as in urban communities, who are residing in the conditions of poverty. Therefore, when social work is to get carried out to alleviate the conditions of poverty and backwardness and upgrade the living conditions of the individuals, then social workers may conduct an analysis of the causes of poverty, how these effect the individuals and what measures can be formulated to alleviate these conditions. In order to achieve the objectives of the research study on poverty stricken and underprivileged sections of the society, the individuals may have to make visits to other regions and places. For this purpose, the infrastructural factors matter to a great extent. When the means of transportation, roads, electricity, water supply and other factors will be satisfactory, then women and other individuals, who are involved in social work will be able to achieve their desired goals and objectives. The other aspects that individuals need to make use of are, technology, tools and equipment to facilitate their undertakings. Capacity BuildingCapacity building is regarded as an essential lubricant of development, more important as compared to finance (Mbogori, 2014). When women are engaged in the implementation of various tasks and activities, then it is vital for them to possess the essentialskills and abilities. The term capacity building describes the tasks of leading to enhancement of human as well as institutional capacities. It is regarded as one of the most challenging functions of development (Mbogori, 2014). Learning is regarded as the lifelong activity. It is commonly believed that individuals continue to learn throughout their lives. Therefore, the individuals need to generate awareness in terms of viewpoints and perspectives towards capacity building on a continuous basis. The establishment of individual organizations and associations are instituted to promote capacity development among women, belonging to economically backward sections of the society. Research has indicated that not only in India, but in other countries of the world as well, elderly women, who may live alone or with their family members may get involved in social work, such as, providing coaching to children, belonging to poverty stricken, deprived, marginalized and socio-economically backward sections of the society. For this purpose, it is vital for them to work towards their capacity building, possess the essential skills and abilities, and be knowledgeable in terms of subjects that they are teaching. Teaching is a hard job, which requires the teachers to work diligently and resourcefully. Students feel contented, when they learn from teachers, who possess the essential teaching skills. In other words, when women, providing training would be proficient and ingenious, then they would lead to generation of good academic outcomes among students. Types of Roles within the SocietyWomen, belonging to all age groups and backgrounds feel pleasure and contentment, when they get involved into various roles that are promoting goodwill and progression of the society. The various types of roles that are performed by women have been stated as follows:Providing Coaching Classes – Women, usually make provision of coaching classes to the students, normally belonging to poverty stricken, marginalized and economically weaker sections of the society. These children, migrate to urban communities from rural communities, with the main purpose of acquisition of good education and promoting better livelihoods. These students get enrolled in government schools, where education is provided free of cost. In most cases, their basic literacy skills of reading, writing and arithmetic are not honed and need to be developed. For this purpose, they need to take coaching classes from well-trained individuals. Hence, they get enrolled into coaching classes, provided by some women within their houses, free of cost. The women, who provide free coaching classes, usually develop interest and enthusiasm to keep themselves occupied and to work towards promoting goodwill and better means of support. These women may or may not be from the field of education. Providing Health Care Facilities – When women work towards promoting well-beingof the society, then normally their contributions are based upon their educational qualifications and professions. When women are medical doctors or health care specialists, then they make use of their skills and abilities and provide health care facilities to the individuals, primarily belonging to underprivileged sections of the society. In making provision of health care facilities, women may establish health care centres or clinics within their homes, or they may make visits to the houses of the individuals, if they are ambulatory. Research has indicated that women make visits to the areas, where individuals are affected bycertain natural calamities or disasters, which have imposed detrimental effects upon their health conditions. In some cases, women, make visits to religious places, such as, temples or gurudwaras, may be once or twice a week, where they attend to the medical and health care needs of the individuals. Counselling and Guidance – Counselling and guidance is regarded as an indispensable area that is required by individuals, belonging to all age groups, categories and backgrounds. From the stage of early childhood to old age, individuals need counselling and guidance. These may be regarding various aspects, such as, career counselling, counselling regarding psychological problems, such as, depression, trauma, stress, anxiety, counselling regarding academics and so forth. When women are well-trained in terms of various factors of counselling, then they organize counselling sessions. When they are working as professional counsellors, then they may charge fees from their clients. Whereas, when they may assist individuals, belonging to underprivileged sections of the society, then they may even work on an honorary basis. In the case of counselling and guidance, the major objective of the counsellors is to provide solutions to the problems and challenges experienced by the clients. For the purpose of accomplishing this goal, they need to possess adequate knowledge in terms of problems, particularly concerning their field of specialization. Extra-curricular Activities – Individuals, belonging to all age groups, and backgrounds, in most cases develop interest in extra-curricular activities. The various kinds of extra-curricular activities are, production of artworks, handicrafts, dance, music, singing, sports, physical activities, preparation of certain food items and so forth. Women, normally belonging to middle age groups and the ones, who are senior citizens, normally develop interest in doing something creative. Research has indicated that women are involved in various types of extra-curricular activities. Apart from conducting coaching classes regarding academic subjects, women also conduct classes regarding creative activities. In these cases, they impart knowledge to the students in terms of artworks, handicrafts, singing, playing musical instruments and so forth. On the other hand, when they are skilled in the preparation of food items, then they give them as donations and also sell them. Therefore, through extra-curricular activities, women are engaged in honorary as well as paid work. Making Donations – Within the Indian society, making donations is regarded as crucial. It is regarded as the most convenient ways of promoting well-being of the society. It is stated that all individuals, irrespective of their categories and backgrounds should make donations. If a person is financially not strong, then they may make small donations. On the other hand, wealthy individuals make large donations. Making donations of various items is regarded as common, which women normally make on a regular basis. Their financial position is regarded to be of utmost significance in determining, what donations, they would make and to what extent. The different types of items that are donated include food items, clothing, utensils and other items of daily use. When women have obtained the services from their domestic helpers for a long period of time, then they may even make valuable donationsto them, such as, jewellery, cars, technology, mobile phones or even accommodation. When children are provided free coaching classes, then donations are made to them on a frequent basis, these include, food items, school bags, stationary items, clothing and so forth. Organization of Activities and Functions – Research has indicated that women render a significant contribution towards the society by organizing various social, cultural and religious functions. In these functions, they give invitations to their family members, friends, relatives, and community members. These functions are normally organized in case of certainoccasions or festivals. For instance, in the case of religious functions, they sing hymns, organize a religious procession and then meals are provided. Marriage ceremonies and birthdays are regarded as social functions and cultural functions are organized in case of festivals and so forth. In the organization of these functions, the individuals, make use of skills and abilities. Financial resources are regarded as crucial, as individuals need to plan their budgets adequately. Through the organization of activities and functions, one generates pleasure among other individuals. The reason being, when one participates in them, they feel happy and contented. One cannot carry these out in isolation and need to obtain support, ideas and suggestions from others. Alleviation of Criminal and Violent Acts – Within the Indian society, women and girls are experiencing various forms of criminal and violent acts within as well as outside the home. These include, verbal abuse, physical abuse, s****l harassment, neglect, discriminatory treatment, and financial exploitation. Research has indicated that women domestic helpers, may experience these acts from their family members, particularly their husbands and in-laws. The major causes are poverty, financial problems and inability to sustain their living conditions better. Hence, in such cases, they seek assistance from women and other individuals, particularly in whose homes, they are employed. The contribution of women in the alleviation of criminal and violent acts is recognized primarily by getting engaged in verbal interaction with the males or other family members, who are involved in such acts. The other way is, taking disciplinary action and imposing penalties upon the doers. In the present existence, when individuals are involved in these acts, then severe disciplinary action is taken as well as they are required to pay fines. Alleviating Malnutrition – The problem of malnutrition within the country is severe. Due to this problem, the health conditions of the individuals get affected and there is an increase in the mortality rate. Malnutrition is the state, when the individuals are unable to meet their sufficient dietary requirements. When the intake of food is insufficient, then what is required for effective growth and development, then the individuals are stated to be malnourished. In most cases, when women, residing in urban communities observe the individuals, who are homeless and are living in deprived conditions, generate awareness that they should be provided with nutritious meals. Therefore, in order to alleviate the problem of malnutrition, along with assistance and support from their family members or friends, they make provision of meals to these individuals. Meals are either distributed in the form of packets or they prepare rice and dal, and provide to the homeless and poverty stricken individuals. Taking Care of Elderly Individuals – Throughout the country, there are old age homes,where the elderly individuals reside. In some cases, women make visits to old age homes to check the conditions of the elderly individuals. In old age homes, they also make donations ofvarious items, such as, blankets, shawls or bed covers for the elderly individuals. Furthermore, they get engaged into interaction with them and find out how they feel, living there. Whereas, within the households, women are vested with the responsibility of taking care of the needs and requirements of the elderly individuals. When the male members go to work and children go to school, then women need to ensure that they make provision of nutritious meals, medicines, help the elderly to get engaged in physical activities and so forth.Whereas, when they experience severe health problems and are not ambulatory, then they need to ensure that proper medical facilities are provided to them, which may also include hiring of qualified and trained nurses on a full-time basis. Providing Information and Generating Awareness – When women are well-educated and possess higher educational qualifications, such as, masters or doctoral degrees, then they mostly have this objective of promoting well-being of the society. In the promotion of well-being of the society, they need to make use of their knowledge and skills. When they possess masters or doctoral degrees, then they are mostly employed as professors in educational institutions or even in leadership positions in various organizations. When they are in these positions, then they make provision of information and generate awareness among the individuals, not only in terms of academics, but also prepare them in a well-organized manner. Their main objective is to enable the individuals acquire self-sufficiency, efficiently perform their job duties and accomplish the desired goals and objectives. When the women are in leadership positions, then it is their job duty to ensure that their students as well as the subordinates are carrying out their job duties in a professional manner. In addition, they inculcate the traits of morality and ethics among them. Roles of Women within Employment SettingsEmployment opportunities are acquired by women on the basis of their educational qualifications, skills, abilities, and personality traits. When the women are engaged in varioustypes of employment opportunities, then they have certain roles to perform. Research has indicated that women normally give more preference to their employment than family and household. Several distinct categories of women migrate from rural and remote communities to urban communities, with the main purpose of seeking employment opportunities. They are also regarded as active participants in migration, both within and between countries (2004 World Survey on the Role of Women in Development, 2006). The women differ from each other, usually on the basis of their skills and personality traits. One of the important aspects that need to be taken into consideration regarding employment is, it should be obtained in accordance to ones, skills, abilities, needs and requirements. When one possesses adequate knowledge and information in terms of the job duties, only then they would be able to achieve professional and personal goals. The roles of women within the employment settings are different. Mostly, when women get engaged in employment settings, then they not only just carry out their job duties, for the purpose of generating income, but also they are required to work efficiently towards promoting well-being of the community. The differences are mainly on the basis of organizational goals, job duties, working environmental conditions, other members of the organization, pay and reimbursements, skills and abilities, effective communication processes, managerial functions, decision making and team-work. These have been explainedas follows:Organizational GoalsOrganizational goals are referred to the aims and objectives of the organization. The performance of job duties is not just to obtain pay and incentives, but when the individuals are performing their job duties, then they need to ensure that they are able to accomplish organizational goals. Different organizations have different goals. For instance, educational institutions, such as, nursery schools, formal schools, colleges and universities have goals andobjectives that are different from the other organizations that are engaged in production of goods or services. When the individuals are recruited and selected within the organizations, then they are required to undergo the training and development programs. Within these programs, the first concept that is imparted to them is, information regarding organizational goals. After they have acquired an efficient understanding of the organizational goals, then they are imparted information, regarding the measures and strategies that are required to achieve them. For example, nursery schools have the major goal of putting into practice the teaching-learning methods and instructional strategies in such a manner that the foundation oflearning is built among the students appropriately. The teachers, employed in nursery schools are required to augment their skills and abilities, so they can achieve the organizational goals satisfactorily. Job Duties Job duties are referred to the tasks and activities that the individuals are required to carry out within their jobs. In some of the jobs, the number of job duties are numerous, whereas in others, they are less. For instance, when women are employed in educational institutions, then their job duties are primarily concerned with imparting knowledge and information to the students, so they are able to augment their understanding and career prospects. On the other hand, when women are employed as colleges or universities as professors, then they are required to specialize in a particular subject area. They are required to take lectures as per the schedule. In addition to lectures, they are also required to get involved into research and writing activities. Research and writing are regarded as an integralpart of the job duties of the educationist and a professor. Individuals are normally engaged in writing papers, articles and even books. They present these papers in seminars and conferences or send them to journals for publishing purposes. Job duties are different in otherareas, such as, banks, non-government organizations, manufacturing companies and so forth. To perform one’s job duties well, it is vital for the individuals to possess adequate knowledge and information. Working Environmental ConditionsWithin the working environmental conditions, there are number of aspects, which need to be taken into account. These include, the amenities and facilities available, such as restrooms, clean drinking water, electricity, lighting, heating and cooling equipment in accordance to the weather conditions and so forth. Another aspect is, there should be availability of technology, machines and tools that would enable the workforce to carry out the job duties in a well-organized manner. In most cases, when individuals seek employment opportunities within organizations, it is preferred that they should possess experience, which may be short-term or long-term. When the individuals are experienced, then they possess certain amount of knowledge, regarding the performance of their job duties. The major roles of women employees within the working environment are, they should perform their job duties in a well-organized manner. In some cases, disagreements may take place between twoor more individuals within the workplace, hence, it is vital for the individuals to possess efficient awareness and ensure that conflicting situations get resolved in a peaceful manner. Other Members of the Organization Within the organization, there is a hierarchy. The hierarchy is different in all organizations. For instance, in university departments, the head of the department is at the top-most position, then are the assistant professors and then the administrative staff members. The individuals, who are in the top positions possess leadership skills. They are vested with the authority to direct, control and co-ordinate the functions of the department. Their subordinates are required to obey their authority and when meetings take place, they are allowed to give ideas and suggestions. To achieve the desired goals and objectives, individuals are required to work in co-ordination with each other. When individuals are working at the same level and are colleagues, then they undergo the training and development programs. In these programs, they are provided with the entire information in terms of organization, history, products or services, personnel, departments, goals and the performance of job duties. When the individuals experience challenges and problems in the implementation of job duties, then they usually obtain help from their colleagues. Hence, the major roles are focused upon providing help and support and maintain good terms and relationships with the other members of the organization. Pay and Reimbursementsa Pay and reimbursements are regarded as integral parts of one’s job duties. Individuals aspire to attain employment opportunities, mainly for the purpose of generating income. Reimbursement is an act of compensating someone, out of the pocket expense, by giving them the money is equally.