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The Impact of Education in South Asia pp 53–82Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Family Matters: Understanding Educational Choices and Gendered Science in India

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Part of the book series: Anthropological Studies of Education ((ASE))

Abstract

This chapter explores how educational decisions, especially science-related choices, impact and are impacted by Indian cultural models of family and gender. I draw mainly upon ethnographic and questionnaire data from field research in India (1988–1991). I argue that Indian cultural models of family, gender, and schooling interact with macrostructural features of Indian society (educational, socioeconomic, occupational) to frame the academic decision process, contributing to a gender (and class) stratified scientific community. But I also note the complex interplay of cultural, family, and macrostructural pressures for girls’ schooling and describe some circumstances which lead increasing numbers of girls to pursue science.

The title of this chapter comes from a paper I presented honoring Pauline Kolenda for her contributions to anthropology, especially her pioneering work on Indian families, variations in family formations, and linkages to other phenomenon, including gender dynamics, dowry, widow remarriage (Mukhopadhyay 2015).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA

    Carol C. Mukhopadhyay

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  1. Carol C. Mukhopadhyay
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Correspondence to Carol C. Mukhopadhyay .

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  1. Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Helen E. Ullrich

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Mukhopadhyay, C.C. (2019). Family Matters: Understanding Educational Choices and Gendered Science in India. In: Ullrich, H. (eds) The Impact of Education in South Asia. Anthropological Studies of Education. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96607-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96607-6_4

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