CIES 2015

Bridging the gap- Is education an equalizer in reducing gender and class inequality in the tribal societies of Arunachal Pradesh, India?

Deepti GuptaNew York University@Deept1Gupta

Washington DCMarch 12, 2015

AGENDA

Introduction

Methodology

Research Questions

Observations and Findings

Discussion: Is Education an equalizer?

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Sulung Tribe (Puroiks)

Credit: Vishal Gupta

Bangni (Nyishi) Tribal Youth

4Credit: Vishal Gupta

Major Tribes

Sulung Tribe (Puroiks) 1

Population: 5,443 Villages: 53 Literacy rate: 2% Hunter-gatherers

Bangani Tribe (Nishis) 2

Population: 53,146 Villages: 400+ Literacy Rate: 38% Swidden farming, Terrace

cultivation

Source: 1 http://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18186 2 http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/dh_st_arunachal.pdf

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Arunachal Pradesh

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Social Learning in the Community

7Credit: Vishal Gupta

Methodology Primary

Field trips in East Kameng Seppa town ChayangTajo Margingla Bana Mebua

Participatory fields methods Semi structured interviews

Secondary Literature Review Longitudinal Studies

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Research Questions Education as a harbinger of social equality, equitable

growth and economic development.

What has been the impact of education in fostering economic development and growth in predominantly tribal Arunachal Pradesh?

Do the formal concepts of education deprecate the indigenous knowledge systems in these tribal societies?

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Education Structure & Programs Informal Learning Institutions

Traditional systems of knowledge Oral history and social  inheritance

Formal Educational Institutions Public school system Private schools Other affiliations

Government Programs and Interventions Federal Gov’t- Sarva Sishka Abhiyan State Gov’t initiatives- VIDYA, Guide

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Private School, Urban

Credit: Stephen Natung

12Credit: Stephen Natung

Teachers... but training needs

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Girl power

Credit: Swapan Dey

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Memoirs of a boy

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Government School, Rural

Credit: Swapan Dey

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Government School, Rural

Credit: Swapan Dey

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Classroom facility

Credit: Swapan Dey

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School Assembly

Credit: Swapan Dey

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Annual Day

Credit: Swapan Dey

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Mid day meal

Credit: Swapan Dey

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A harbinger for social development

Source: Survey, n=12

22Source: Survey, n=12

The tribals have their own traditional knowledge. Do you feel tribal culture and their knowledge systems should become a part of your curriculum?

This is one thing that is lacking in our whole education system. Actually we are all ready late, there are many things that have vanished. Some traditional knowledge of art, craft, sculpting, music must be included in the education curriculum.

We are the people of Arunachal Pradesh and its our duty to make our state proud by having knowledge about our traditional culture, customs etc… we help us to integrate with other states.

Toyir Bagra

Banta Natung

Yes...as there is a saying “Loss of culture is an loss of identity.”

Hofe Dada

Education at Crossroads?  Heterogeneous Population- Remedial Education?

In the Towns clear distinction, with poor kids going to gov’t schools, and rich kids in private

Standardized Curriculum-Is that relevant? English language, kids out of their comfort zone and can’t cope up with

changed face of education. Things beyond comprehension- e.g teaching of 21st century skills, Benefits of

science and technology- can’t comprehend the benefits

Access but Quality  Middle class students- lack electricity, resources Poor Kids- no structured time for studies, help in households Teacher training quality, absenteeism, attitudes

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The Way Ahead

Teacher motivation, training and incentives need to be structured aptly

Remedial education programs to get the rural areas at par with the urban and mainstream

Education Quality- Books, teaching aids and basic facilities to improve student outcomes

Curriculum- Localize curriculum design to include elements of IKS

Leveraging traditions and culture to design development programs

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Thank YouMy Students

Banta Natung Minu Blayu Jimmy Sonam Toyir Bagra Pungnee Roji

Beyong Hofe Dada Aakash singh Lino Thomas Joymoni Beyong Tadung Taku

In Arunachal Pradesh Jose Zacariah Mohan Singh PN Joshi Father Thomas Swapan Dey

At NYU Prof Dana Burde Prof Hua-Yu

Sebastian Cherng25