Gated Society: Privilege or Plight

The concept of a gated society has gained popularity over the past few decades. The allure of enhanced security, privacy, and better infrastructure has drawn generations to favour living in gated communities. This trend has even expanded to Tier 3 and 4 cities.

When I consider the words “gated” and “society” separately, it’s hard not to think about how deeply our society remains gated in other ways. Judgments, biases, and the treatment of people based on their financial, physical, or marital status persist unabated.

In my interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds—corporate professionals, government employees, daily wage workers, auto drivers, shopkeepers, and more—I find myself questioning: Is this a privilege or a plight?

From an early age, people are socialised to perceive the world through categorical judgments, often shaped by cultural, historical, and familial narratives. These narratives reinforce stereotypes within a gated framework, discouraging logical, non-judgmental thinking. Instead, individuals usually cling to familiar but divisive beliefs.

Gender also plays a significant role in this gated societal experience. Traditional norms push men and women into predefined roles, with females expected to be caregivers and male breadwinners. This binary view enforces rigid expectations, affecting not only those who don’t fit these moulds but also fostering a cycle of judgment where individuals are valued by outdated stereotypes rather than their abilities or aspirations.

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Though I firmly believe in a divine presence, I don’t subscribe to offering food, money, or flowers to a statue. Yet, I’ve often felt scrutinised or excluded from family gatherings for not aligning with such practices, which I see as unnecessary acts of devotion.

Relationship status is yet another battleground within this gated society. Single people may be viewed as lacking something essential, while those in relationships can be scrutinised for how well their partnerships fit societal ideals.

As a single woman, I sometimes find myself resisting the need to justify or conform. Why should others dictate my needs or feel entitled to offer unsolicited favours based on my relationship status?

Judgments based on societal norms around companionship expose the entrenched expectations surrounding personal relationships, breeding a judgmental mindset that hinders proper understanding and acceptance.

Similarly, habits, appearance, and lifestyle choices become gates that divide individuals. Choices around diet, fashion, and other personal preferences frequently invite disparaging judgments, restricting authentic self-expression and discouraging diverse communities from flourishing.

The result of these invisible barriers is a polarised society where judgment eclipses understanding. An absence of logical, non-judgmental thinking means interactions are often defined by preconceptions rather than open dialogue. People cling to their beliefs and are resistant to perspectives that differ from their own, fostering ignorance and fear that create a landscape rife with misunderstanding and conflict.

Dismantling this gated society means recognising people as they are—not filtered through gender, race, relationship status, or appearance. We can replace walls with connections by focusing on individual qualities and bridging divides.

To create a more inclusive future, society must embrace diverse identities, challenge ingrained biases, and commit to fostering compassion and dialogue rather than judgment. Only by breaking down these barriers can we begin to celebrate the rich diversity of humanity.