Gender Dynamics Of Recession
20 Mar 2009
20 Mar 2009
The global economic recession has taken its toll on the Indian economy, hitting businesses, exports and recruitments. And if the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) report is anything to go by, men in western countries have been hit harder than women by the crisis.
So, are our desi men any better off than their western counterparts? Apparently, they are not.
Says Kumar, a team leader with a BPO, “The stakes are much higher for Indian men. It is because their egos are associated with their jobs and one can’t change the belief that men are considered to be the bread-winners for their families.”
“The sectors badly hit by the recession include IT, automobiles, real estate and export-oriented businesses, all of which employ more men than women,” says Raja, a communications manager.
Agreeing with him is Sasi, a media professional who says that traditional jobs like teaching and nursing are still in demand. He also cites a media report which states that more people are turning to such jobs these days.
With a note of dissent, Sudha, an HR professional with an IT firm says, “Women are also affected by recession. But their approach to the issue differs. While men attach too much importance to the workplace, women’s self-esteem depends on a variety of factors such as relationships.”
Saras Bhaskar, counselling psychologist agrees with Sudha and says, “For most men, jobs are vanity and if they are threatened, it affects them mentally, emotionally, and financially. It has a ripple effect on relationships as well. Men sulk and attempt to mask their emotions, while women prefer to talk about it.”
Raja says, “Flaunting the latest gadgets is part of men’s lifestyle. When there is uncertainty about income, it upsets men as they feel that they have lost their worth.”
Sudha points out that in many households, a woman’s income is secondary and her job loss may not have a big impact. However, not everybody agrees with Sudha.
Says Saras Bhaskar, “If a woman has to repay loans, then certainly she is also going to be affected.”
Srinivas, a marketing consultant says, “Gender roles are flexible and many people are adjusting the boundaries in the today’s context. But a financial provider for a family will see job loss through a different lens than a single person with no dependents.”
He adds, “One has to deal with two issues simultaneously. Even if your spouse and family understand the situation, society does not approve of stay-at-home dads. This puts extra pressure on the male psyche.”
“Adjusting to circumstances comes naturally to women and in times of recession, women either adjust to the new environment or branch out to do other jobs, even though the jobs may not be fiscally rewarding,” claims Geetha, a teacher.
So, it all depends on how you take it and what support system you have. As Saras puts it, “Everything depends on the support system. Instead of feeling depressed, talk to your partner and plan on cutting corners. Chalk out an action plan to manage the hard times,” she adds.
So, are our desi men any better off than their western counterparts? Apparently, they are not.
Says Kumar, a team leader with a BPO, “The stakes are much higher for Indian men. It is because their egos are associated with their jobs and one can’t change the belief that men are considered to be the bread-winners for their families.”
“The sectors badly hit by the recession include IT, automobiles, real estate and export-oriented businesses, all of which employ more men than women,” says Raja, a communications manager.
Agreeing with him is Sasi, a media professional who says that traditional jobs like teaching and nursing are still in demand. He also cites a media report which states that more people are turning to such jobs these days.
With a note of dissent, Sudha, an HR professional with an IT firm says, “Women are also affected by recession. But their approach to the issue differs. While men attach too much importance to the workplace, women’s self-esteem depends on a variety of factors such as relationships.”
Saras Bhaskar, counselling psychologist agrees with Sudha and says, “For most men, jobs are vanity and if they are threatened, it affects them mentally, emotionally, and financially. It has a ripple effect on relationships as well. Men sulk and attempt to mask their emotions, while women prefer to talk about it.”
Raja says, “Flaunting the latest gadgets is part of men’s lifestyle. When there is uncertainty about income, it upsets men as they feel that they have lost their worth.”
Sudha points out that in many households, a woman’s income is secondary and her job loss may not have a big impact. However, not everybody agrees with Sudha.
Says Saras Bhaskar, “If a woman has to repay loans, then certainly she is also going to be affected.”
Srinivas, a marketing consultant says, “Gender roles are flexible and many people are adjusting the boundaries in the today’s context. But a financial provider for a family will see job loss through a different lens than a single person with no dependents.”
He adds, “One has to deal with two issues simultaneously. Even if your spouse and family understand the situation, society does not approve of stay-at-home dads. This puts extra pressure on the male psyche.”
“Adjusting to circumstances comes naturally to women and in times of recession, women either adjust to the new environment or branch out to do other jobs, even though the jobs may not be fiscally rewarding,” claims Geetha, a teacher.
So, it all depends on how you take it and what support system you have. As Saras puts it, “Everything depends on the support system. Instead of feeling depressed, talk to your partner and plan on cutting corners. Chalk out an action plan to manage the hard times,” she adds.
