Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Briefly introduce the concept of how upbringing and societal context shape values. Identify negative values among educated Indians. Discuss the broader implications of these negative values on society. Suggest strategies for overcoming these negative values. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

Upbringing and societal context play a crucial role in shaping an individual's values and attitudes, often subconsciously. Despite academic achievements, many educated Indians carry forward negative values instilled during their formative years, reflecting the deep-seated influence of traditional norms, social structures, and cultural conditioning.

Body

Negative Values Among Educated Indians

• Caste-Based Prejudices:
  • Despite education, caste-based discrimination persists, with many educated individuals continuing to practice or tolerate it.
  • According to Pew Research Centre Report, a large share of Indians (64%) say it is very important to stop women in their community from marrying into other castes.
• Gender Bias:
  • Gender biases remain entrenched among educated Indians, manifesting in the reinforcement of traditional gender roles, limiting opportunities for women, and perpetuating patriarchy in both personal and professional spheres.
  • According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023, India ranks 127th out of 146 countries in gender parity, with a significant gap in economic participation.
• Materialism and Consumerism:
  • The increasing focus on material success among the educated leads to consumerism, where ethical considerations and social responsibilities are often overlooked in favor of personal gain.
  • A 2018 report by KPMG estimated the Indian wedding market to be worth over USD 50 billion.
• Sectarianism and Intolerance:
  • Educated individuals may still hold sectarian views, fostering religious and ideological intolerance, which undermines the pluralistic values essential for a harmonious society.
  • A survey by Pew Research Centre reported nearly two-thirds of Hindus (64%) consider it is very important to be Hindu to be truly Indian.
• Individualism Over Collective Good:
  • The emphasis on personal success often comes at the expense of communal well-being, leading to a decline in civic engagement and responsibility toward societal issues.
  • Urban voter turnout in India is consistently lower than in rural areas, with cities like Mumbai recording just over 50% turnout in the 2024 general elections, reflecting a focus on individualism over collective responsibility.

Broader Implications of Negative Values Among Educated Indians on Society

• Perpetuation of Social Inequality:
  • Caste-based prejudices and gender biases contribute to the ongoing marginalization of certain groups, leading to a society where inequality is entrenched rather than eradicated.
  • This hinders the progress toward a more inclusive and just society.
• Weakening of Social Cohesion:
  • Sectarianism and intolerance foster divisions within society, undermining the pluralistic and secular fabric of the nation.
  • This can lead to communal tensions and conflicts, weakening the sense of national unity.
• Erosion of Democratic Values:
  • When educated individuals prioritize individualism and material success over collective good, it leads to a decline in civic engagement and social responsibility.
  • This erosion of democratic values hampers the functioning of a healthy democracy and diminishes the collective effort needed for societal development.
• Normalization of Discrimination:
  • The persistence of caste, gender, and sectarian biases among the educated can lead to the normalization of discriminatory practices.
  • This normalization perpetuates systemic injustices and obstructs efforts to create an equitable society.
• Hindrance to National Development:
  • Negative values among the educated class can act as barriers to effective governance and social reform.
  • A society that tolerates discrimination, intolerance, and materialism may struggle to achieve the collective progress necessary for national development and modernization.

Conclusion

To address these issues, educational institutions should focus on value-based education that emphasizes inclusivity, equality, and social responsibility. Public awareness campaigns and policy reforms are also essential in promoting positive values and challenging outdated norms. Encouraging critical thinking and ethical reasoning can help individuals reassess and overcome these ingrained attitudes.