Men in Contemporary India: A Sociological Study of Their Changing Status and Role from Authority to Victim

Indian men have privileged authoritative position in Indian society due to patriarchal structure since time immortal. They have been living a life of breadwinner, protector and leader within the family as well in the society. The present paper aims to examine the changing status and role of men from authority to victim in contemporary India. Deeply rooted in patriarchal social structure and system, the Indian society has undergone many changes over the decades. It was found in the present research that the men in contemporary India are facing new challenges in the forms of emotional and mental health issues, familial and societal pressures, victim of domestic violence, fake accusations, lack of legal protection, neglect of their human rights. A men’s movement is under way to draw attention to their problems and recognize their role within the family and society, their rights, their wellbeing, etc. The paper, further, advocates the need of changing social and familial norms and establishing A National Commission for Men in India.