Caste and Gender Identity in 21st Century

This study attempts to address how the multi-dimensional socio-cultural identity of caste and gender exists in the broader structure of society and what influences it has on a child¿s life in the schooling process. In this regard, this study explores the schooling life of children. The study has examined three aspects of the schooling process. Firstly, it explores the teacher¿s interactions with children in the school's different physical and inner spaces. Secondly, it explores the peer group interaction. This includes mainly the peer group relation between children to understand gender and caste identity. Thirdly, it analyses the parent¿s perceptions about the education of children and their construction of gender and caste identity. Observation and interviews are the main sources of data collection for this study. The findings of the study reflect a strong linkage between school and home life in shaping the gender and caste identity of a child. The child learns cultural values of caste and gender at home which are transmitted to her/his schooling life.