Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
7. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent in many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes? (250 words)
Reference: Previous year papers GS-IV 2014
Why the question:
The question is based on the topic of attitude and factors contributing to its formation.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in detail the factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems; discuss contrasting attitudes that are prevalent in many social problems with special reference to caste system.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by hinting about formation of attitude in a person.
Body:
A person’s attitude towards other persons or things is determined by various factors such as personality, values, stereotypes, experience, emotional state, intelligence, social background, education, gender etc.
Explain that one’s upbringing, beliefs and practices of their family and close ones, widely prevalent practices in society etc. all affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems. At times, if we witness first hand someone’s societal problems or know someone who has gone through such problems, it helps us relate, sympathize, and develop a deeper understanding of the nature of the social problem.
Our society does exhibit contrasting attitudes towards the complex caste system in india. We do not completely conform to the old ways of strictly adhering to caste identities, but neither are we completely free of caste identities. Though in a majority of activities, caste is of no consequence, it does rear its ugly head at times. Given examples and justify.
Conclusion:
Conclude with need to address and transform such attitudes.
