Question

Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society.
(a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in Today’s educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants?

Answer 1

Attitude refers to a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular object with some degree of favour or disfavour.Attitudes are the feelings and beliefs that determine the behaviour of the people. Process of socialisation and persuasion are the important factor for formation of attitude.

Undesirable values prevalent in present Society:

1. Caste System: Even after so many years of independence , the Caste system is still prevalent in our Society.Caste based discrimination like honour killing and manual scavenging is still prevalent .
2. Dowry: Many indian women are victims of dowry related crimes. Even many educated youths are demanding dowry.
3. Religious bigotry: Many educated youth, in place of promoting communal harmony promotes the religious bigotry and communal divide.
4. Corruption and Bribe: Even educated youth , in place of promoting transparency in the
5. Society, they promote bribes and corruption in the society.

Ways to change attitudes and values:

1. Changing the cognitive component of attitude - It can be done through proper socialisation and democratic rearing of children.
2. Developing emotional intelligence - To Create compassion, empathy and kindness towards the weaker section of the society.
3. Role modelling – ideas of the great leader should be propagated among youth and encourage them to inculcate these values.