Factors Affecting Attitude Formation towards Social Problems

A person’s attitude towards social problems is shaped by various factors, including:

1. Family and Upbringing: The values and beliefs instilled by family play a crucial role. For example, if a child grows up in a family that upholds traditional norms, they may develop a conservative attitude towards social issues.
2. Education and Awareness: Education fosters critical thinking and awareness, leading to progressive attitudes. The rise in support for gender equality among the educated youth in India is a testament to this.
3. Social and Peer Influence: A person’s social circle and peer group heavily influence their perspectives. For instance, urban youth often have more liberal views on LGBTQ+ rights compared to their rural counterparts.
4. Media Exposure: Media plays a significant role in shaping attitudes by highlighting certain issues and perspectives. The 2020 Hathras case in India, widely covered by media, influenced public attitudes towards caste-based violence.

Contrasting Attitudes towards the Caste System

In Indian society, contrasting attitudes towards the caste system are prevalent:

1. Traditional vs. Progressive Views: Traditionalists often view the caste system as a cultural heritage that maintains social order, while progressives see it as a discriminatory practice that needs to be eradicated.
2. Rural vs. Urban Perspectives: In rural areas, the caste system is often more rigidly followed, while urban areas, particularly among the educated, tend to be more caste-neutral. The 2023 Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of caste-based reservations reflects the ongoing societal divide on this issue.

Explaining the Existence of Contrasting Attitudes

The existence of contrasting attitudes can be explained by:

1. Historical and Cultural Legacy: The deep-rooted historical and cultural significance of the caste system leads to its continued acceptance among some sections of society.
2. Differing Levels of Education and Awareness: Varying levels of education and awareness across different social strata contribute to diverse perspectives on the caste system.
3. Economic and Social Mobility: The degree of economic and social mobility also affects attitudes. Those benefiting from the caste system may resist change, while those disadvantaged by it push for reforms.

These contrasting attitudes highlight the complex interplay of tradition, modernity, and social dynamics in shaping societal views on the caste system.

Causes of Corruption among People

Corruption is a complex issue that is not confined to poverty; it also pervades among the affluent and powerful. The basic causes of corruption are deeply rooted in human behavior, societal structures, and governance systems.

1. Greed and Desire for Power

Greed and the insatiable desire for more wealth and power often drive individuals to engage in corrupt practices. For example, the Vijay Mallya case is a significant instance where a wealthy businessman engaged in fraudulent financial activities, despite his already substantial wealth.

2. Weak Governance and Lack of Accountability

Inadequate governance structures and lack of accountability create an environment where corruption can thrive. The 2022 Chhattisgarh coal scam highlighted how loopholes in governance allowed powerful individuals to exploit resources unlawfully.

3. Social Acceptance and Cultural Factors

In some societies, corruption is socially accepted or seen as a necessary evil. This cultural acceptance perpetuates corrupt behavior across different social strata. The Telangana liquor scam of 2023 is an example where corruption was normalized in certain business circles.

4. Absence of Strong Legal Frameworks

Corruption often flourishes where there is an absence of strong legal frameworks or ineffective enforcement of existing laws. The Punjab sand mining scam in 2021 revealed how the lack of stringent regulations enabled powerful individuals to bypass the law.

5. Opportunities and Lack of Transparency

The presence of unchecked opportunities and lack of transparency in decision-making processes can lead to corruption. The Commonwealth Games scam in 2010, involving high-profile officials, underscored the role of opaque processes in fostering corruption.

In conclusion, while poverty may contribute to corruption, it is not the sole cause. Greed, weak governance, social acceptance, and the lack of strong legal frameworks are significant factors that lead even the affluent to indulge in corrupt practices.

Trust-Deficit in Society

The widespread trust-deficit in current society has severe implications for both personal and societal well-being. This deficit undermines relationships, hampers collaboration, and fosters a culture of suspicion.

Consequences for Personal Well-being

1. Mental Stress and Anxiety: Lack of trust leads to constant suspicion and fear, increasing stress and anxiety levels.
2. Loneliness and Isolation: Trust-deficit results in broken relationships, leading to loneliness and social isolation.
3. Reduced Opportunities: Individuals are less likely to be offered opportunities, as trust is a crucial factor in personal and professional growth.

Consequences for Societal Well-being

1. Weakened Social Cohesion: A society lacking trust experiences fragmentation, making collective action and cooperation difficult.
2. Erosion of Democratic Values: Trust is essential for the functioning of democratic institutions. A trust-deficit weakens public confidence in governance.
3. Economic Instability: Trust is the foundation of economic transactions; its absence can lead to decreased investments and economic slowdown.

Steps to Build Personal Trustworthiness

1. Integrity and Honesty: Consistently demonstrating integrity in actions and decisions, similar to leaders like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
2. Transparency in Communication: Being open and clear in interactions, as practiced in 2023 by leaders in digital governance to enhance public trust.
3. Reliability and Accountability: Following through on commitments and being accountable for actions.
4. Empathy and Active Listening: Understanding others’ perspectives and responding empathetically.

By embodying these qualities, one can contribute to rebuilding trust in personal relationships and society at large.

Enhancing Ethical Competence in Public Service

Understanding the Ethical Burden: Public servants bear a significant ethical burden due to their power, management of public funds, and the societal and environmental repercussions of their decisions.

Steps for Ethical Competence:
1. Continuous Learning: Engaging in ethical training programs and workshops to understand complex ethical dilemmas.
2. Seeking Guidance: Consulting seniors and mentors for advice on ethical decision-making in challenging situations.
3. Transparency: Maintaining transparency in actions and decisions to uphold accountability and trust.
4. Ethical Reflection: Regularly reflecting on personal values and principles to align actions with ethical standards.

Application of Ethical Competence:
By actively engaging in these steps, I aim to cultivate a strong ethical foundation to navigate the complexities of public service, ensuring integrity, accountability, and transparency in my actions for the greater good of society and the environment.

Inspiring Personality: Mahatma Gandhi

Gist of Teachings: Mahatma Gandhi, a beacon of ethical conduct, emphasized principles like truth, non-violence, and selflessness. His teachings centered on Sarvodaya – the welfare of all. Gandhi believed in Satyagraha – the power of truth and Ahimsa – non-violence as tools for social change.

Application in Ethical Development:
1. Truthfulness: I have adopted honesty in all spheres, even in difficult situations, akin to Gandhi’s resolve during the Salt March against British oppression.
2. Non-violence: Resolving conflicts peacefully, reminiscent of Gandhi’s protests against injustice without resorting to violence, like his role in the Indian independence movement.
3. Selflessness: Volunteering for community service and prioritizing collective well-being, mirroring Gandhi’s life dedicated to the upliftment of society.

Conclusion: Gandhi’s ethical principles serve as a guiding light, shaping my ethical evolution towards a more virtuous and socially responsible life.