Navigating Gender Identity in India: Social and Cultural Perspectives on Gender Sustainability

Gender sustainability is a critical area of research within the social sciences, focusing on the ongoing efforts to understand and address the diverse challenges faced by individuals of marginalised gender identities. It involves creating a society where all genders can thrive without facing discrimination or inequality. Navigating Gender Identity in India addresses the significant gap in research by examining the specific problems encountered by female, male, intersex, and other gender-fluid identities in their daily lives in India. By aligning its analysis with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this work underscores the importance of fostering gender equality and reducing inequalities, contributing to the advancement of a more equitable and just society. This edited collection delves into a wide range of gender-related issues, including workplace discrimination, caste and class-based challenges, and the resistance and negotiations of mothers with disabilities. Chapters cover gender-based microaggressions against women, gender-based violence in Northeast India, and the difficulties women face after career breaks. Other topics include gentrification in urban spaces, gender stereotyping and representation in social media, societal reforms and acceptance of queer communities, gender intersectionality, and the impact of religion on urban women. This diverse thematic presentation highlights the contemporary relevance of these issues in Indian society. This collection is an invaluable resource for researchers and students in gender studies and related fields, offering real-life experiences from diverse non-Western settings. It is particularly beneficial for NGOs and policymakers aiming to understand the varied gender challenges across different societies, aiding them in developing new policies and guidelines for global societal betterment.