Gender inequality reflected in Bharati Mukherjee’s novel “Istri”

ABSTRACT

Gender inequality has been a persistent issue throughout social history, with women often receiving unequal and unfair treatment in various aspects of life. This disparity is influenced by cultural differences that undermine women's rights in social competition. Literature, often seen as a reflection of the real world, responds to these social conditions. This research focuses on the novel *Istri* by Bharati Mukherjee to explore gender inequalities, reflecting the spirit of democracy and freedom prevalent today.

The objectives of this study are twofold: to contribute to literary interpretation and to describe gender inequality as related to social rights, women’s subordination, and cultural norms within Indian society, as depicted in *Istri*. Employing a sociocultural approach, the study utilizes gender analysis theories to investigate the sociocultural background of Indian women. It examines the relationships between male and female characters in the novel.

The research identifies three key findings. First, gender inequality in Indian society, which places women in oppressed positions; Second, gender inequality within religion, as reflected in Hindu doctrines concerning women's purity and caste; Third, gender inequality in family dynamics.

It shows men's authority to cut women's education opportunity and widely subordinate position of women in the family. This conclusion is widely supported by many other previous studies.

In the end, this research is still far from being perfect. Therefore the writer expects that there will be another research which is focused on gender problem in another aspect of life which is reflected in another literary work.