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Education is a key to social development. Elucidate. 10 marks (UPSC CSE Mains 2024 - Sociology, Paper 2)
- Education is fundamental to our all-round development, material and spiritual. Education fosters social progress through four different but interrelated purposes: humanistic, through the development of individual and collective human virtues to their full extent; civic, by the enhancement of public life and active participation in a democratic society; economic, by providing individuals with intellectual and practical skills that make them productive and enhance their and society’s living conditions; and through fostering social equity and justice.
- Functionalists believe that education equips people to perform different functional roles in society. Émile Durkheim characterized schools as “socialization agencies that teach children how to get along with others and prepare them for adult economic roles”. Education provides upward social mobility. M.N. Srinivas introduced “Sanskritization,” where marginalized groups elevate their social status through practices often facilitated by educational advancement. Mahatma Gandhi’s “Nai Talim” concept emphasized education for self-reliance and community progress.
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- Many social evils prevail in society due to a lack of education and the blind faith of the people. Indian society from ancient times had many social evils for which many great leaders worked, like child marriage, child labour, female infanticide, domestic violence and dowry. Most people, due to illiteracy, get trapped in superstitions.
- Education helps maintain social harmony in society by encouraging social integration and decreasing social disparity. It develops scientific viewpoints in life and teaches social justice and civic responsibility.
- Education can be used as an instrument for social change. Education supports and shows direction for solving problems related to the economy, social issues, etc. Education leads to an increase in the skilled population. The outlook of society can be changed by properly educating it.
- The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on vocationalization and skill development has significant sociological implications for India. It aims to promote social mobility, bridge the skills gap, foster inclusive education, contribute to economic development, and change social perceptions surrounding vocational education.
POSTED ON 07-02-2025 BY ADMIN
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