An Evaluation of Gender Equity Policies and Their Practical Implementation in Academic Institutions: A Sociological Study

  • Unique Paper ID: 191330
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: no
  • PageNo: 1280-1286
  • Abstract:
  • In any democratic society, gender equity in academic institutions is not merely a legal requirement but an essential social value. In India, numerous policies have been formulated through the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) and various UGC guidelines to provide gender diversity and equal opportunities within educational campuses. The primary objective of this research paper is to conduct a sociological evaluation of the gap between the theoretical framework of these policies and their actual social implementation (Policy-Practice Gap). The research observes that despite the existence of formal policies in academic institutions, the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset within the social structure acts as a barrier to effective implementation. This study analyzes the 'Glass Ceiling' effect experienced by female faculty and students, which often prevents them from reaching high-level administrative positions. Furthermore, it highlights serious issues such as gender-based biases at the workplace and the inactivity of Internal Complaint Committees (ICC). From a sociological perspective, this study proves that equality cannot be achieved through administrative orders alone; it requires a fundamental shift in the internal culture and mindset of academic institutions. The research findings suggest that effective implementation of policies is only possible through 'Gender Mainstreaming' and regular 'Gender Audits.' In conclusion, this paper presents practical sociological suggestions for creating a more inclusive and discrimination-free environment in academic institutions.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{191330,
        author = {Mr. Nitin Bhupatbhai Makvana and Dr. Bharat M. Kher},
        title = {An Evaluation of Gender Equity Policies and Their Practical Implementation in Academic Institutions: A Sociological Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {},
        volume = {12},
        number = {no},
        pages = {1280-1286},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=191330},
        abstract = {In any democratic society, gender equity in academic institutions is not merely a legal requirement but an essential social value. In India, numerous policies have been formulated through the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) and various UGC guidelines to provide gender diversity and equal opportunities within educational campuses. The primary objective of this research paper is to conduct a sociological evaluation of the gap between the theoretical framework of these policies and their actual social implementation (Policy-Practice Gap). The research observes that despite the existence of formal policies in academic institutions, the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset within the social structure acts as a barrier to effective implementation. This study analyzes the 'Glass Ceiling' effect experienced by female faculty and students, which often prevents them from reaching high-level administrative positions. Furthermore, it highlights serious issues such as gender-based biases at the workplace and the inactivity of Internal Complaint Committees (ICC). From a sociological perspective, this study proves that equality cannot be achieved through administrative orders alone; it requires a fundamental shift in the internal culture and mindset of academic institutions. The research findings suggest that effective implementation of policies is only possible through 'Gender Mainstreaming' and regular 'Gender Audits.' In conclusion, this paper presents practical sociological suggestions for creating a more inclusive and discrimination-free environment in academic institutions.},
        keywords = {Gender Equity, Academic Institutions, Sociological Analysis, Policy Implementation, Patriarchal Structure, Gender Audit, Glass Ceiling.},
        month = {},
        }

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