Project Neowave: Comparative Analysis of Conservatism and Gender Impacting Women in USA and India

Abstract

This study examines the impact of conservative ideologies on gender dynamics in the USA and India since 2010. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, it explores how conservative movements, policies, and cultural norms influence gender roles and expectations. An extensive literature review and policy analysis reveal how conservatism—defined in both countries with its emphasis on profit, output, and traditional gender roles—has shaped systemic oppression and social structures. The research traces conservatism's historical evolution, highlighting factors like religion, post-colonialism, male dominance, economics, and cultural influences. It discusses significant events affecting gender equality, focusing on the BJP's policies in India and the Republican Party’s influence during the Trump administration in the USA. The study evaluates these parties’ impacts on women’s representation, economic opportunities, and social norms. Central to the analysis is Project NeoWave, the fifth wave of feminism, which advocates nuanced rights for women, systemic reforms, and new approaches to gender equity. The study compares conservatism’s political, social, and economic effects in both countries, examining employment, wage gaps, societal expectations, and the role of traditional values. It also evaluates policies addressing gender and minority development, proposing recommendations that integrate Project NeoWave's principles with conservative frameworks. By advancing the discourse on conservatism and gender dynamics, the study offers insights for policymakers and advocates, aiming to foster an equitable society through tailored strategies that balance progressive and conservative values.