Understanding gender

by Kamla Bhasin

This useful booklet about the concept of 'gender' in feminism discourse deals with such difficult questions as the relationship between 'gender' and 'woman'; the difference between 'women and development' and 'gender and development'; gender and patriarchy; and how religion, caste and class affect gender relations. A must read for those involved in gender training and in women's studies.

Genres: Gender, Feminism, India, Womens, Nonfiction

86 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1999

Reviews

[harshali · Rating 3 out of 5]

completed readings assigned by debashree ma'am a whole semester later

[Hibis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how easy it is. I can suggest it to any light-minded misogynist for the sake of retrospection on their behalf. The starting point gives us very general postmodernist points, and based on that, Bhasin pointed out that even in development and schemes, it is important for a woman-focused development; otherwise, the privileged will walk all over the available opportunities.
it is just a simple introduction to feminism and all that is needed to understand the cause, except for being too repetitive as though she's trying to speak slowly for all to understand the matter as such writing gets too lengthy and painful at times for I have to go through few uninteresting to find some new applicability that is relevant for me or just anyone.

[Saurabh Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this booklet very useful. First of all, it's very simple and digestible. Everyone can easily go through its contents as they're presented as dialogue and often as inquiries in this domain; its criticism and its openness to debate are establishing its credibility.
The book, loosely speaking, is more like a meditation of gender and its effects in the 'modern world' or how the idea of 'sex' and 'gender' evolved in the modern world.

[Sadiq Bhanbhro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has been published in 2000 but it is relevant today ever before. Everyone women, men, girls & boys; wherever they are north, south, east & west should read this book. This is very easy to read & the author has superbly explained all the complex concept in plain language.

[Lalit Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There might not be an absolute conceivable truth but we must try to perceive reality as near to that truth as possible. I'm grateful to Kamla Bhasin for opening doors of perception that were there but hidden by the shadows casted by patriarchy. This is enlightening. Liberating.

[Ojaswini · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book is based on exploration of the word ‘Gender’ and its distinction with ‘Sex’ and other parallel terms in South Asia. My edition is 2003 published by Women Unlimited. It includes explanation of basic concepts of the inter-related concepts of gender and issues, interests in lives of people. The facts given by author are also supported by eminent women feminists belonging to Asia itself and even Europe.

It takes semi-literate or illiterate person – regarding gender and explains them concepts, terms used WITH and FOR gender within our surrounding and outside.


Read the whole review here:
https://ojaswbooks.wordpress.com/2020...

[Madhura Gurav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enlightening reading material on Gender.
And most importantly, anyone can understand the text. It is not academic and jargony, rather, the concepts are explained in simple and lucid language.

[Rahat Mustafiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a primary basic book on Gender. Well written. I must recommend to read.

[Keshav Tiwari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given that I have read about the central ideas of modern feminism this book added little to my knowledge. What put me off was that while the book talks about the life of South-Asian people the references and quotations are mostly western. There is an attempt to push socialist solutions many times which is another setback for me

[Sunita Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is an excellent book

[Nupur Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for beginners. Gives immense clarity..