I like your point about how dharma is easier for men to uphold in general. Given how Rama treated SIta, I wonder what reason women have to continue to uphold dharma. Obviously their culture and religion is a big part, however one could read this and say "Why should I do what is right? What if I get treated like Sita?"
I agree that what follows dharma and what doesn't is hard to follow in the narrative. In some respects it seems that the story is written to keep women in their place and encourage them to follow dharma, meanwhile men can cheat at dharma.
I agree that what follows dharma and what doesn't is hard to follow in the narrative. In some respects it seems that the story is written to keep women in their place and encourage them to follow dharma, meanwhile men can cheat at dharma.