Open Access Research Article
FROM SOCIAL CONTROL TO SOCIAL CHANGE: HOW LAW RESHAPES GENDER ROLES IN INDIAN SOCIETY.
Abstract
Law and society are closely
connected because law not only regulates human behaviour
but can also influence social
relationships and bring about social change. This research paper, titled “From
Social Control to Social Change: How Law Reshapes Gender Roles in Indian
Society,” examines the role of law as an instrument of social engineering, with
particular focus on the changing position and roles of women in Indian society.
Gender roles have traditionally been influenced by family structures, cultural practices, customs,
social expectations, and patriarchal
attitudes. Although these factors continue to influence society, legal reforms
have increasingly challenged discriminatory practices and created greater
opportunities for equality, dignity, and individual autonomy.
The study examines how constitutional principles, legislation, and
judicial decisions have contributed to the transformation of traditional gender
roles. The Constitution of India provides the
foundation for gender
equality through principles of equality, non-discrimination, liberty and dignity.
Various laws relating to dowry, domestic violence, child marriage, workplace
sexual harassment and women’s
inheritance rights demonstrate the use of law to address
social inequalities and
protect women’s rights. The study also examines the contribution of landmark
judicial decisions such as Vishaka
v. State of Rajasthan, Shayara
Bano v. Union
of India, Joseph Shine v. Union of India and
Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma, which have strengthened constitutional
principles and challenged discriminatory legal and social practices.
The research further explores how changes in gender
roles are reflected within the family, education, employment, economic
independence, political participation, and public life. It also considers the
influence of media, social media, legal awareness, and education in shaping
contemporary attitudes towards
gender equality. At the same time,
the study recognizes that legal reform alone cannot immediately
change deeply rooted social attitudes. The effectiveness of law depends upon
proper implementation, access to justice, awareness of rights, and acceptance
of constitutional values within society. The research concludes that law can
function both as an instrument of social control and as an instrument of social
change. The transformation of gender roles is therefore a continuing process
requiring cooperation between legal institutions and society. Meaningful gender
equality can be achieved when legal rights are translated into everyday social
practices and women are able to live with equality, dignity, autonomy and equal
opportunity.
Published Paper
Author Details
Authors: CHAITALI SHRAVAN SINGHRegistration ID: 1013364 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13364Year: Oct-2026 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 7 Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, India Page No.: 1213- 1237
Article Information
FROM SOCIAL CONTROL TO SOCIAL CHANGE: HOW LAW RESHAPES GENDER ROLES IN INDIAN SOCIETY.
Authors: CHAITALI SHRAVAN SINGH
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Volume 3
- Issue 7
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- AbbreviationIJLRA
- ISSN2582-6433
- AccessOpen Access
- LicenseCC 4.0
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