Loitering as a Feminist Act: Reclaiming Public Space and Micro Freedoms for Women in Rural India

R. Kumaran, Roopa Hari

Abstract: This paper examines the concept of loitering as a feminist act in rural India. The research emphasises the importance of micro-level freedoms, particularly women's access to public spaces, in the broader discourse on women?s empowerment. While traditional empowerment indicators focus on education, employment, and political participation, this study delves into the everyday freedoms that significantly contribute to women's holistic empowerment. In patriarchal societies like India, women's mobility and presence in public spaces are heavily regulated, often prioritising men's comfort and dominance. This restriction limits women?s agency and denies them the right to leisure and unmonitored existence. Loitering, the seemingly purposeless act of lingering in public spaces, challenges societal expectations that women should only occupy these spaces for legitimate, productivity-driven purposes. The article focuses on the lived experiences of Ph.D. scholars in Tamil Nadu, exploring how they navigate public spaces, resist patriarchal controls, and assert their presence in male-dominated environments. By engaging in loitering, these women reclaim physical spaces and redefine societal perceptions of gender, autonomy, and citizenship. The research highlights the transformative potential of loitering as a feminist act, positioning it within broader discussions on gender, space, and power.

Keywords: Loitering, Feminist act, Public space, Micro freedoms, Women?s empowerment, Patriarchal societies, Mobility, Gender, Autonomy, Citizenship

How to Cite?: R. Kumaran, Roopa Hari, "Loitering as a Feminist Act: Reclaiming Public Space and Micro Freedoms for Women in Rural India", Volume 10 Issue 5, May 2021, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1372-1377, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR21059160411, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR21059160411