Changing Patterns of Women Identity

This paper examines the identity and role taking of Indian women over a period of time. The transition from the agrarian to the industrial/technological era has had a significant impact on the identity patterns of women in India. It has created dilemmas for Indian women in holding the agrarian model of role taking and identity patterns and the emergent new aspirations and choices. Concept of identity consists of four dimensions – meaning making, role taking, action choices and replenishment. These four processes put together, contribute to the emergence of an identity of an individual in a given society. The soci-cultural, familial and organizational influences on women’s identity are highlighted. Three patters have emerged in today’s times – the adjuster, the asserter and the drifter. Further discussions revolve around role of women’s movements and the government. The paper also identifies the barriers to women’s growth and their role taking in establishing a relevant status are analysed. New patterns and spaces for the identity of Indian women are explored with special reference to the professional women. Most women experience terror at crossing the threshold to a space beyond the horizon. This space demands that women take charge of her destiny and her life space with membership in multiple roles and multiple systems. With courage of conviction and manage the pathos of the past and the ethos of the present in an ever changing environment.