“A Study on Gender Equality and Self-Esteem of Post Graduate Students”

Abstract

The present study entitled “A Study on Gender Equality and Self-Esteem of Post Graduate Students” investigates the intricate relationship between gender equality and self-esteem among students pursuing postgraduate studies at Mysore University. The research is grounded in the recognition that gender equality and self-esteem are fundamental indicators of human development, social progress, and individual well-being. Gender equality, enshrined in the Constitution of India and reinforced through national policies and international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-5), ensures equal rights, opportunities, and responsibilities irrespective of gender. Similarly, self-esteem, defined as an individual’s evaluation of self-worth and personal value, plays a critical role in shaping decision-making, motivation, resilience, and mental health.
The study adopts a descriptive survey design with a sample of 200 postgraduate students drawn through stratified random sampling from different departments of Mysore University. The research employs a researcher-constructed Gender Equality Scale, focusing on domains such as language, family interaction, media, literature, culture, and upbringing, alongside the standardized Self-Esteem Scale developed by Dhar and Dhar (2015). Statistical analyses, including percentage analysis and t-tests, were utilized to assess levels and differences across gender.
Findings reveal that while the majority of students displayed average levels of gender equality and self-esteem, significant gender differences emerged in self-esteem but not in gender equality. Specifically, male and female students were found to hold similar perceptions of gender equality, but female students scored significantly higher in self-esteem compared to their male counterparts. These results highlight the complex interplay between societal norms, gender roles, and individual self-perceptions in shaping the experiences of young adults in higher education.
The study has important educational implications. It underscores the need for equitable classroom opportunities, gender-sensitive curriculum practices, and the promotion of cooperative learning strategies. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of extracurricular engagement, media awareness, and motivational interventions in enhancing self-esteem among students, particularly those with lower levels of self-confidence. Strengthening gender equality and fostering positive self-esteem can create inclusive educational environments that empower students to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
In conclusion, the research reaffirms that sustainable social development is possible only when gender equality and self-esteem are cultivated together. Equal opportunities and recognition of both genders, coupled with efforts to nurture students’ confidence and self-worth, are vital for building a progressive, balanced, and inclusive society.