GS4 · Topic
Family, Society and Education
The role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values, and what happens when they fail to.
173 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Family, Society and Education that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Civil Service ValuesCrisis Decision Making
“Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.”
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life." Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” Plato
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions. a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational. b. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community? c. How is menstruation related to human rights?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion
Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
You and your friend are living together in a metropolitan city and preparing for civil service examinations. While you manage to meet your daily targets, you sense that your friend is unable to cope up with the pressure of the exam. Fear of not passing the exam and meeting the expectations of his family is stressing him further. You realise that with time your friend is losing interest in everything and often talks about committing suicide if he is unable to meet his goal. He is also missing out on meals and prefers to stay indoors when asked to venture out. When you sought professional help, the doctor diagnosed your friend with clinical depression. Being aware that your friend needs professional counselling and psychiatric care, you reach out to his parents who reside in a rural area. They rebuff you for suggesting counselling and instead reiterate that nothing is wrong with him. They sternly mention that your bringing up the matter will only make people engage in loose talk. They also ignore you when you politely inform them that it is not wise to ignore one's mental health. Your friend's parents see his state as a sign of failure and decide to call him home where he can continue with his preparation. You are aware of the gravity of the situation if your friend goes back to his house. You also know that there is very little awareness about mental health and that the solution is not to ignore it but to take necessary measures to tackle it. 20 (a) As a concerned friend and an aspiring civil servant who can frame policies for the public in the future and has a moral duty towards them, what are the options available to you in such a situation? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Empathy and CompassionCrisis Decision Making
India's abysmal record in sex ratio and gender violence reflects the general attitude of the society towards women. Discuss. In this context, how could an attitudinal change be brought about?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Critically evaluate the role of family and educational institutions in shaping ethical values among civil servants.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsAttitude
Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in Private and Public Life
Students should be taught the importance of "doing what's right" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Technology and EthicsEmotional Intelligence
Educational institutions play a significant role in instilling ethical values among students. In this context, state the importance of promoting extra-curricular activities in educational institutions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Ethics in Private and Public LifeFamily, Society and Education
Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in Private and Public Life
In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceFamily, Society and Education
The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of "cross-dressing" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Empathy and CompassionDimensions of Ethics