Salient features of Indian Society

Model Answer

Introduction

In India, suicide has become the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29, with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting 164,033 suicides in 2021, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.

Reasons for Rising Suicides

1. Family Problems: Family issues account for nearly one-third of all suicide cases. Changing family structures and a lack of communication lead to insecurity and emotional distress among individuals.
2. Economic and Professional Discontent: A significant factor is dissatisfaction with professional status and economic conditions. The Health Ministry notes that 63.3% of suicides occur among individuals earning less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum, indicating financial strain leads to despair.
3. Illness: Lack of access to medical care and treatment for life-threatening diseases contributes to feelings of hopelessness. Mental health conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, also play a critical role.
4. Unemployment: With an unemployment rate of around 8%, many young individuals face pressure and depression, leading to suicidal thoughts.
5. Substance Abuse: According to the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), over 22% of adults in India suffer from substance use disorders, significantly increasing the risk of suicide.

National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, aiming to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Key focus areas include:

• Surveillance Mechanisms: Establishing effective surveillance for suicide within three years through enhanced leadership and partnerships.
• Psychiatric Services: Implementing psychiatric outpatient departments in all districts within five years to provide suicide prevention services.
• Mental Well-Being Curriculum: Integrating mental health education in schools over the next eight years to foster community resilience and societal support.
• Reducing Access to Means: Phasing out hazardous pesticides to limit means of suicide.
• Stigma Reduction: Creating guidelines for media to report responsibly on suicides, addressing the stigma that hinders individuals from seeking help.
• Data Collection: Strengthening data collection on suicides and attempts to better inform prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The successful implementation of this strategy requires sustained commitment from both central and state governments, aiming to inspire hope and create a supportive environment for mental health.

Model Answer

Introduction

The patriarchal social structure in India significantly impacts the labor market by reinforcing gender-based occupational segregation. In a society where men are traditionally seen as breadwinners and women as caretakers, women face barriers that limit their participation in various sectors, leading to a skewed division of labor.

Dual Burden and Occupational Choices

While women have increasingly joined the workforce since the 1990s, they often bear a dual burden of domestic responsibilities and professional work. The nuclearization of families and rising labor costs force women to balance both household chores and paid employment. This limits their career advancement and forces them into certain “pink-collar” jobs such as teaching, healthcare, customer service, and administrative roles, which are traditionally seen as extensions of their domestic responsibilities.

The Corporate Glass Ceiling

Patriarchal expectations also manifest in the workplace through the “glass ceiling,” a barrier that prevents women from rising to top positions in corporate hierarchies. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. For instance, in 2019, less than 4% of CEOs in India were women. This disparity is linked to societal expectations around childcare and household responsibilities, which often deter women from pursuing higher positions.

Safety Concerns and Gender Bias

The safety of women in public spaces also discourages them from taking up employment, especially jobs that require mobility. Reports like those from the MeToo movement reveal widespread harassment and assault in workplaces, contributing to India’s low female labor force participation. Furthermore, women entering male-dominated sectors face gender bias and stereotypes, which hinder their career progression.

Gender Wage Gap and Education Barriers

The gender wage gap remains a persistent issue. According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2022, India ranks 135 out of 146 countries for wage equality. Women often receive lower wages for the same work due to deep-rooted patriarchal norms. Additionally, limited access to education and vocational training further restricts women’s entry into higher-paying, skill-intensive jobs.

Measures to Address Occupational Segregation

To address these issues, a multi-pronged approach is needed:

• Behavioral Nudges: Policies like paternity leave can encourage shared responsibility for child-rearing, easing the burden on women.
• Gender Sensitization: Education and awareness campaigns at schools, families, and workplaces can challenge traditional gender roles and biases.
• Social Security and Financial Literacy: Formalizing informal jobs and improving financial literacy can provide better security for women workers in sectors like agriculture and domestic work.
• Workplace Safety and Equal Pay: Stronger laws like the Sexual Harassment at Workplaces Act, along with policies for equal pay, can promote safer and more equitable work environments.

Conclusion

Addressing the patriarchal influences on India’s labor market is crucial for achieving gender equality. By removing structural barriers and ensuring equal access to education, career opportunities, and safety at work, India can tap into the full potential of its women workforce, contributing to broader social and economic development.

Model Answer

Introduction

Indian society is a blend of both continuity and change, where certain traditions and structures have remained intact for centuries, while others have evolved due to modern influences. This dynamic interplay of factors has shaped Indian society into what it is today. Understanding these factors of continuity and change provides insight into how Indian society has managed to retain its unique identity despite various challenges and transformations.

Factors of Continuity

Religion: Religion has played a pivotal role in ensuring continuity within Indian society. Major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism have upheld traditional beliefs, rituals, and values, which have remained largely unchanged over time. Practices such as daily prayers, festivals, and pilgrimages continue to be central to Indian life.

Family: The family unit has remained central to Indian society. Despite some structural changes, such as nuclear families becoming more common in urban areas, the extended family model still predominates in rural regions. Family plays a crucial role in socialization and maintaining cultural norms.

Caste System: Although efforts to abolish the caste system have been made, its influence persists in many aspects of social life, including marriage, occupation, and politics. The caste system continues to shape relationships and opportunities for individuals.

Language and Literature: Classical texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics such as the Mahabharata have been central to preserving India’s cultural identity. The continuity of these literary works has provided a link to the past, influencing the moral and philosophical outlook of generations.

Customs: India’s diverse customs, from traditional dances and music to religious rituals and festivals, have been passed down through generations. These customs continue to play a significant role in maintaining social cohesion and cultural identity.

Factors of Change

Globalization and Modernization: In recent decades, globalization has caused significant shifts in social, economic, and cultural patterns. The integration of global markets and the influx of Western ideas have altered traditional practices and values.

Technological Advancements: Technological innovations, especially in communication and transportation, have connected India with the global community. These advancements have exposed society to new ideas, leading to changes in lifestyles, work, and even family structures.

Urbanization: The migration from rural to urban areas has led to the breakdown of traditional social structures. Urbanization has promoted new ways of life, including greater social mobility and changes in family dynamics.

Education: Education has undergone significant transformation. The expansion of formal education, especially for marginalized communities, has contributed to social mobility and created new opportunities for individuals. This has been a driving force behind societal change.

Political System: The adoption of democracy has transformed India’s political landscape. The expansion of voting rights and the increased representation of marginalized groups have led to greater political participation and social justice.

Conclusion

Indian society has managed to strike a balance between continuity and change. While its core values, such as religion, family, and customs, have remained largely consistent, modern forces like globalization, education, and urbanization have induced significant transformations. This unique blend of tradition and modernity continues to define the fabric of Indian society.

Model Answer

Impact of Traditional Joint Families:

1. Limited Autonomy:
   • Children in joint families experience strict discipline, which emphasizes conformity to family norms. This limits individual liberty and personal autonomy.
   • However, it fosters early development of cooperation, sharing, and compromise, helping children learn interdependence and group dynamics.
2. Diminished Individuation:
   • Due to the collective nature of joint families, children often see themselves as “one among the group,” making it harder for them to form a distinct personal identity.
   • Overprotection and a lack of encouragement for separation can inhibit the development of a clearly defined self-image.
3. Multiple Role Models:
   • Multiple family members, such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, are involved in the child’s upbringing, offering diverse role models.
   • Although this may prevent the formation of a clear self-image, it provides children with the ability to navigate complex social interactions and diverse relationships.
4. Restrained Father-Child Relationship:
   • In joint families, the father-child relationship is often more formal, especially in the presence of elders, with less affection and tenderness shown.
   • This formality can lead to a psychological absence of the father, resulting in greater dependence on the mother.

Impact of Nuclear Families:

1. Strong Self-Identity:
   • With fewer adult role models, children in nuclear families tend to form stronger personal bonds with their parents, fostering a clearer sense of self.
   • The intimacy with fewer caregivers allows children to develop a more distinct personal identity.
2. Greater Autonomy:
   • Nuclear families provide a more permissive environment, with less pressure to conform, leading to greater autonomy and personal independence.
   • The father’s role in discipline allows for a more balanced approach to autonomy and authority.
3. Individuation:
   • In nuclear families, especially where both parents work, children often experience early separation, which promotes self-reliance and greater individuation.
   • Children learn to function autonomously, exploring their own identities and abilities.
4. Peer Socialization:
   • As family socialization declines, schools and peer groups play a significant role in shaping a child’s socialization.
   • Exposure to diverse ideas from peers fosters adaptability, helping children develop a broader worldview.

Conclusion:

Both family structures shape children differently. Joint families offer a strong sense of belonging but may limit individual autonomy, while nuclear families encourage independence but lack the extensive kin support system. The balance between these factors influences children’s self-identity and socialization, shaped by cultural, economic, and social contexts.