IJSSER

Title: Intersecting Identities: The Influence of Gender and Caste on Educational Outcomes in India
Authors: Aarna Agarwal
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Aarna Agarwal Welham Girls' School
MLA 8 Agarwal, Aarna. "Intersecting Identities: The Influence of Gender and Caste on Educational Outcomes in India." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 9, no. 10, Oct. 2024, pp. 4892-4899, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2024.v09i10.055. Accessed Oct. 2024. APA 6 Agarwal, A. (2024, October). Intersecting Identities: The Influence of Gender and Caste on Educational Outcomes in India. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 9(10), 4892-4899. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2024.v09i10.055 Chicago Agarwal, Aarna. "Intersecting Identities: The Influence of Gender and Caste on Educational Outcomes in India." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 9, no. 10 (October 2024), 4892-4899. Accessed October, 2024. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2024.v09i10.055.
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ABSTRACT: Since 1947, India has strived to expand access to education. Yet deep-rooted inequalities tied to gender, caste, and social identity persist. This paper explores these inequalities and the ways in which they shape educational outcomes. Despite policy interventions aimed at inclusion, disparities in access, quality, and performance continue to plague the system. The privatization of education and the shift to digital learning, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have further widened this gap, leaving vulnerable populations with limited opportunities for advancement. The paper demonstrates the need to adopt an intersectional framework in educational policy, addressing not only access but also the achievement and outcomes of marginalized students. By highlighting the structural inequalities that persist in India's education system, this research underscores the urgency of rethinking policy interventions to create equitable educational opportunities, particularly for those at the intersection of caste and gender. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions, through which, India can move closer to achieving its universal education goals while ensuring that its most vulnerable populations are not left behind.

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