The identity of educated women in India: confluence or divergence?

Abstract

Under the combined effects of commercialisation, urbanisation, migration and employment, significant changes are taking place in India’s process of modernisation. One change is the emergence of a population of women with degrees in higher education. These degrees, and the individuals’ desire to pursue professional positions that relate to their education, may influence the ways in which women perceive their identity. This study explores the situations and circumstances of college‐educated Indian females’ identity and illuminates the complexities and consequences of the university‐educated Indian woman’s life. Twenty‐five women from different parts of India were interviewed. The findings, which emerged by marital status, showed identities of single women appeared to be influenced by their interest to maintain a positive attitude about life, develop cognitive intelligence that relates to an interest, and explore the meanings of and learn independence. The identity of married, divorced and widowed women appeared to be affected by their goal to pursue an interest; need to balance personal interests and family responsibilities; and obligation to live in an extended family. The results are discussed in the context of shifting roles of women and the adoption of multifaceted identities.

Keywords:

• India
• identity
• profession
• university
• women

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Fulbright‐Hays Summer Study Abroad Program for providing the opportunity to conduct this work, and the anonymous reviewers for their useful comments.

Notes

1. We acknowledge additional literature has been published in this field since this article was submitted and accepted for publication, and that it cannot be included herein.

2. Pseudonyms have been used

3. Easy was defined as practices that could be performed relatively stress‐free. Challenging was defined as practices that created stress and tension.

4. The women described themselves as of middle class status.

5. The first author traveled throughout the country and conducted the interviews. The second author received copies of the survey questionnaire forms and interview transcripts throughout the six‐week period. Independent data analyses were conducted by the authors. The authors met in New Delhi in mid August to discuss the results of the analyses.

6. Personal focus group interview at the Cochin University of Science and Technology.

7. Yet another example of the gendered social situation in which women must identify is found in Agarwal’s work, although this is not the primary point made in the piece. Agarwal found that conflicts between the husband and wife are settled, or, at least influenced, by the husband’s parents. This leads one to believe the wife has less input in a solution to a conflict than her in‐laws.