logo
Courses Blog Login

APPSC GROUP-I MAINS ANSWER WRITING SERIES

Sat Apr 12, 2025

Q. Discuss the Ethical role of Educational Institutions in dismantling patriarchal values in society.

Approach:
1. Introduction — Contextual Start with Ethical Focus
•Begin with a relevant real-life Indian example (like Savitribai Phule or Malala Yousafzai).
•Establish the ethical relevance of education in challenging patriarchy.
•Define the key terms: Patriarchy, Educational Institutions, Ethical Responsibility.
•State how education shapes values, justice, and equality.
2. Body — Thematic and Structured Analysis
Use point-wise format with 3 clear elements in each point:
• Explanation (ethical role or responsibility)
•Thinker's View (philosopher or theorist support)/any other substantiation
•Relevant Example (Indian or global real-life application)
Points to Cover:
1. Inclusive Curriculum — challenging gender roles (John Stuart Mill + Andhra Pradesh textbooks)
2. Gender Sensitization & Critical Thinking — developing awareness (Paulo Freire + Gender Clubs in Delhi Schools)
3. Equal Opportunities — ensuring access and dignity (Kant's Ethics + Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao)
4. Safe and Inclusive Environment — harassment-free spaces (Kant + UGC guidelines & ICC Committees)
5. Breaking Gender Stereotypes — reshaping social roles (Simone de Beauvoir + #HeForShe Campaign)
3. Conclusion — Forward-Looking Ethical Vision
• Reaffirm the ethical duty of educational institutions in shaping a gender-just society.
•Use contemporary inspiring examples (Malala Yousafzai / Beti Bachao Beti Padhao).
•Provide a hopeful and transformative outlook — education as the key to dismantling patriarchy.

Introduction:
When Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher, opened schools for girls in 19th-century Maharashtra, She directly challenged patriarchal norms. This highlights the transformative power of education. In modern times, educational institutions carry an ethical duty to dismantle patriarchy by promoting gender equality, justice, and critical thinking in society.

Body:
1. Inclusive Curriculum Challenging Patriarchy
· Educational institutions must adopt a gender-inclusive curriculum that questions traditional gender roles and promotes equality.
· John Stuart Mill, in The Subjection of Women, stated that gender subordination is unjust and hinders social progress.
· For instance, the Andhra Pradesh Education Ministry revised textbooks to depict men cooking and women in professional roles, challenging patriarchal stereotypes.
2. Gender Sensitization and Critical Thinking
· Education must develop critical awareness to help students question patriarchal practices like Witch-hunting, Female feticide, Child marriage and injustice in society.
· Paulo Freire, in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, emphasized education as "a practice of freedom", enabling learners to challenge oppression.
· Delhi government schools have launched Gender Clubs to discuss gender discrimination and promote equality.
3. Ensuring Equal Opportunities
· Educational institutions must ensure equal access to resources, leadership, and educational participation for all genders.
· The principle of constitutional morality, as upheld by the Indian Constitution, stresses equality, justice, and dignity for every individual, irrespective of gender (Articles 14, 15, and 21).
· Schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao promote girls' education and empowerment across India.
4. Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments
· Schools and colleges must create harassment-free and safe spaces that protect students' dignity.
· Kantian ethics advocates protecting individual rights and respect for persons.
· Under UGC guidelines, universities have Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) to handle harassment cases fairly.
· Initiatives like Adult Education programmes in schools like KV’s & Navodaya schools help in improving gender sensitization. 5. Breaking Gender Stereotypes
· Education must break gender stereotypes, encouraging students to pursue diverse roles like Women in STEM & also beyond, furthering social expectations.
· Simone de Beauvoir, in The Second Sex, stated that gender roles are socially constructed and can be dismantled through education.
· Campaigns like #HeForShe promote boys as allies in achieving gender equality.

Conclusion:
Inspired by Malala Yousafzai’s fight for girls’ education and India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, educational institutions must lead to social change. By promoting gender equality, critical thinking, and safe spaces, they can shape future generations committed to dismantling patriarchy and building a just and inclusive society.