Domesticity and Domination: Power Structures in Manju Kapur's Home

Ruqia Rasool , Prof. (Dr) Rana Zaidi

Gender Inequality, Discrimination, Class Prejudice, Social Disapproval

Women continue to face obstacles in nearly every aspect of life, experiencing gender inequality and discrimination both within the household and in the public sphere. In many cultures, they are traditionally confined to domestic identities as daughters, wives, and mothers, and are placed beneath men in the patriarchal order of authority. Their limited representation in social, economic, and political spaces stems from long standing historical, cultural, and economic conditions that restrict their access to education, financial autonomy, and upward mobility. Patriarchy reinforces the notion that women are naturally suited for caregiving roles, thereby justifying their exclusion from positions of power. Over generations, women have been conditioned to accept these subordinate roles, often due to cultural expectations, fear of social disapproval, and the pressure to uphold family honour over personal aspirations. This internalization is deeply rooted, as women are repeatedly taught to prioritize obedience and familial duty above individual ambition. Within modern Indian literature, Manju Kapur's Home is notable for its insightful portrayal of women's experiences within traditional family and societal frameworks. The novel centers on Nisha, whose life reflects the tensions of living in a joint family and symbolizes the broader struggle between conventional norms and emerging modern values. Through Nisha's pursuit of autonomy and self realization, Kapur highlights the complex interplay between personal desire, family obligations, and societal expectations. The novel also exposes several entrenched social problems--caste discrimination, class prejudice, superstitious practices, the denial of education to girls, and child sexual abuse--revealing how these forces further constrain women's lives. This research paper focuses specifically on the challenges women face within patriarchal structures and examine how Kapur's narrative illuminates the broader realities of gender oppression and the challenges women face within patriarchal society, highlighting how family structures and cultural norms marginalize women and restrict their autonomy and sense of self worth.

Volume 14 Issue 2, February-2026

Pages : a126-a132