A Changing Profile of High School Girls in Rural India - A Positive Shift

Abstract

In the modern age, education provided to girls can bring about a revolution in the society and make them equal stake holders in the socio-economic growth of India. Women have been competing men in different spheres of life. Over a period, it has been observed that girls have started to excel over boys in many areas. 515 girls of high school were assessed on their aptitudes and personality factors as part of a CSR – career counselling project. The objective was to find out if there was any difference in the aptitudes and personality over three years (2010-11 and 2013-14). Significant difference was found 4 aptitudes - clerical, mechanical, reasoning and spatial abilities as measured by the DBDA and in 3 of the personality factors namely - reasoning, assertiveness and perfectionism factors as measured by the HSPQ. It is concluded that - despite various stigmas, stereotypes and limitations for girls in the education, girls showed a significant difference on various areas of aptitude and personality. The findings of the above study hold promise in encouraging the girl child in rural India to pursue higher studies and make proactive career choices.