HOW EDUCATION HELPS TO THINK ABOUT CAREER PROSPECTS AND AIM OF LIFE: A STUDY OF SLUM GIRLS OF HOOGHLY INDUSTRIAL BELT

Abstract

Education helps an individual to think in the right way. Healthy thinking always needs a healthy mind. Education enables an individual to choose between right and wrong. The present research paper is based on the study of the educational status of girls and its impact on their thinking about their future prospects. This study helps to find out thoughts that are developed due to education. This study is based on the girls residing in the slums of the Hooghly Industrial Belt. To find out the aim and career prospects of these girls. For the present study data on maximum attainment of education, future prospects of career, favorite personalities, role models, favorite book, favorite writer, age of marriage, dowry, participation of women in politics, knowledge of modern technology, women reservation, etc. have been collected. Responses received from girls show the impact of economic conditions and level of education on their views. There are mixed responses on issues like women’s reservation, and participation of women in politics while the majority are of the same opinion on issues like maximum education, marriage, and dowry. This study shows that a girl from a poor economic background wants to complete her education up to the 10th or 12th standard so that she can join any job to help her parents. Marriage is another reason. On the other hand, girls studying at undergraduate and postgraduate levels think about high career prospects. This shows a gap that reflects the impact of education on the thinking of a girl.