If Man's Sacrifice and Responsibility are Underrated in the Modern World

**Page 1** **UPSC** Specimen Booklet For Practice Purpose Only Candidate must adhere to the word limit specified in the question. Any page or portion of the page left blank must be clearly struck off. **Is man's sacrifice and responsibilities are underrated in modern world.** Ram, a middle class man walked out of his home who is in his early thirties before sunrise. His day began with a long commute to his factory job followed by a freelance electrician in his off days at factor to ensure to provide good education to his two children. Despite his body ache and chronic back pain he never mentioned his struggle to his families as he fear that they would feel burdens.

At home, his wife and his children saw him as sole provider unaware of emotional toll he bore who sacrificed his hobbies, leisure time for their happiness. One fine day, his daughter showed him Page --- **Page 2** **UPSC** Specimen Booklet For Practice Purpose Only Candidate must adhere to the word limit specified in the question. Any page or portion of the page left blank must be clearly struck off. her academic trophy which he couldn't able to attend to enjoy such blissful moment for which he toll all day. Ram's story reflects the silence of sacrifice that many men undergo. In upcoming age where we raise voice for mental trauma, emotional support, gender equality men's responsibility and struggle often go unnoticed. - A reality that demands greater recognition. **MEN'S RESPONSIBILITY - A HISTORICAL CONTEXT** Traditionally men have been perceived as providers and protectors - a role which deeply ingrained in the societal structure. They are often expected to give financial stability, defend their families and bear the burden and consequences of the family decisions, and to fulfill the societal expectations. Failure to carry out Page these responsibilities often lead to loss of respect or ostracism in many cultures.

Even in these days, these expectations persists in different way. Despite ~~the~~ gradual deconstruction of rigid gender roles men still suffer from expectation of being a provider and protector. In rapidly changing world where economic pressure is mounting and social strata is evolving these changes can be mind-blogging to men - yet unrecognized. PROFESSIONAL SPHERE SPACE OF MEN Men had traditionally dominated the workforce; working in high pressure environment, warzones, over time to meet the societal pressure. They are often expected to suppress their vulnerability. The career growth often comes at the cost of personal well being, family time and mental well being. For instance, when women suffers from glass ceiling ~~are~~ like men usually blamed for being an opportunistic despite being sincere in his work, men's work in his professional sphere recurringly get ignored. FAMILY AND FATHERHOOD - THE MUTED ALTURISM The modern fatherhood evolved significantly in recent past from taking care of children, household chores, emotional nurturing with addition to traditional practice of being a provider. While this is a positive side of being in parenting it adds a extra burden to him which deserves an appreciation. The sacrifices men's make often goes invisible. The responsibility he carries is immensely huge. They were looked as a superheros who could save his family in distress but realization of his love happens lately seldom never. Society has a stigma of father has to be strength to raise a good family - this idea reflects in the book titled "Strong Father; Strong Daughter" by Dr. Meg Meeker.

THE DOUBLE BIND In contemporary society man faces a unique double bind. He was expected to fit in the square of traditional practices and also in a progressive society. If he choose to be ambitious he is accused of being not look after his family - be it ideal son or husband or father. If he chose his family over his goal he is accused of being unmotivated. In such scenario he is not just being accused, he falls forever into the perpetual paradox of not being the "perfect man" that society creates. who excels in all the sphere. such unrealistic standards overshadow his contribution and efforts he makes for him and his people. UNHERALDED SACRIFICES Beyond men role in families they work in building society often overlooked.

They significantly contributed **Page 1** In dangerous workplace like firefighting, manual scavenging, military. Moreover men also helps in societal building like volunteering, counselling to young people. But they are to receive less appreciation than their female counterpart who involve in same activity; partly due to the assumption of men's role are inherently privileged. **MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH - MISLEADIND TO STOICISM** Societal norms equate masculinity with stoicism, discouraging men from expressing emotions or seeking help. This silence habitualize into long term mental health issues including anxiety, depression and substance abuse. As per the study conducted by WHO --- **Page 2** 26% of men falls in depression in India, while it is three times that of a women. But when we look into NCRB report the suicide by male is 40% more than female primarily due to unemployment, bankruptcy, poverty, property dispute. Despite this mental health campaigns and resources often fail to address the unique challenges men face, further marginalizing their struggles.

**ADDRESSING THE UNDERRATED SACRIFICES** To begin with acknowledging men's sacrifices and responsibilities doesn't diminish women empowerment. Rather it advocates for more inclusive approach to gender disclosure that recognize the struggle of an individual, irrespective of gender. Here are few aspects that we can build retroactively and prospectively. First, social narratives need a shift in recognizing men's efforts and sacrifice Media, educational institutions can play a greater role in recognizing and celebrating the efforts of men. One such great move is 2024 theme of International Men's Day "POSITIVE MALE ROLE MODEL" which foster open conversation with men's contribution, his mental health. Second, mental health support system need to be restructured to encourage man open have heartfelt conversation about his struggle, vulnerability and dismantling the harmful stereotype that been created. Third, the coming off generation must taught their father's love and responsibility that he carries. Lastly, policies and workplace practices must acknowledge the dual role can be play by men also and giving necessary allocation that he wants. Flexible working hours, paternity leave can significantly reduce the pressure on men. CONCLUSION The modern world has made remarkable progress in redefining gender roles and promoting equality. However in the discourse of gender dynamics, the focus often leaned towards understanding and addressing the challenges faced by women, given the historical endurance of being in a patriarchal society and the historical injustice for equality. In such due course the sacrifices and responsibility of men remains in shadow. Based on the image provided, here is the transcription of the handwritten text: **Acknowledging these contributions is not about reinforcing patriarchal norms but fostering a society that values every individual efforts.** **Men like women, navigate a complex web of expectations challenges and struggle. By acknowledging their efforts and sacrifices and supporting them in their responsibilities, society can move more balance and inclusive understanding of gender dynamics help us to uplift as individual, irrespective of their role.**

**ADDRESSING THE UNDERRATED SACRIFICES** To begin with acknowledging men's sacrifices and responsibilities doesn't diminish women empowerment. Rather it advocates for more inclusive approach to gender disclosure that recognize the struggle of an individual, irrespective of gender. Here are few aspects that we can build retroactively and prospectively. First, social narratives need a shift in recognizing men's efforts and sacrifice Media, educational institutions can play a greater role in recognizing and celebrating the efforts of men. One such great move is 2024 theme of International Men's Day "POSITIVE MALE ROLE MODEL" which foster open conversation with men's contribution, his mental health. Second, mental health support system need to be restructured to encourage man open have heartfelt conversation about his struggle, vulnerability and dismantling the harmful stereotype that been created.