Emerging Trends in the Interface Between Socio-Cultural Changes and Education
Back to: Contemporary India and Education – Unit 3
The Indian Constitution is one of the world’s longest constitutions having 12 schedules and 448 articles. The Indian Constitution incorporates several articles inspired by various constitutions worldwide. India is a diverse country and drafting a long Constitution that incorporates many provisions to resolve differences was necessary. The Government of India Act 1935 was the parent document for drafting the Indian Constitution. The incorporation of various provisions to offer special emphasis to States like Assam, Mizoram, and Nagaland was considered to be important by the Constitution makers. Emphasis was laid on the development and welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes too.
After independence, there has been a huge willingness for academic, social, and economic change in the country. Five Year Plans, Commissions, Acts, and several Movements to facilitate the progress of the nation have been developed after independence to achieve the desire to make India a developed nation. Many thinkers have pointed out that education plays an impactful role in creating social changes and it will consequently lead to other changes.
Relation between Education and Socio-Cultural Changes
Education leads to social change
In the absence of education, social change is not possible. Education results in social change. Several reforms have been initiated for progress in social areas but since the people lack education, the reforms tend to have less impact when they are in practice. Hence, education is needed to bridge this gap.
Education alters people’s mindset
Education is the most important agent of alteration and positive change. It is through education that the mindsets, attitudes, and values of people can be altered and a desire for progress can be built in them.
Education increases contemporary knowledge
Education plays a significant role in increasing contemporary knowledge. Through education, the dissemination of current facts, scientific ideas, and other information can be spread among people.
Education leads to employment opportunities
One of the biggest changes brought by education is that many children who come from a poor socioeconomic-cultural background have found a job that has enabled them to earn a living and lead a better life. This has changed the outlook of many people towards education.
Education inculcates positive beliefs
Education trains children to develop a positive attitude towards life and get rid of superstitious beliefs which can be a major cause in impacting the development and progress of a society. Illiteracy and ignorance can be removed and students can be enlightened with better ideas.
Education was mainly created as an instrumental tool to bring social change in India. It was a dynamic plan to bring a positive change in society. Reform movements led by Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, and Christian Missionaries were impactful in bringing social change through education.
