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