EDUCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS AMONG GUJJAR PASTORALISTS: A STUDY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF RAJOURI DISTRICT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Abstract

Educational aspirations can be defined as the specific elements of learning that student’s favour, as well as their chosen methods of engaging with these elements (Gasperoni, 2009). However, providing education to those who reside in isolated, remote, and underdeveloped regions remains a constant challenge for educational authorities. The Gujjar Pastoralists are tribal people who spend their entire life in rearing cattle’s (pastoralism) to earn their livelihood. However, the Gujjar pastoralists are living isolated life in tribes from the main stream of the economy. Apart from this, the miserable socio-economic conditions of the Gujjar pastoralists are the main reason for their educational backwardness. In fact, the level of educational aspirations among the Gujjar pastoralist students are low (average and below average). It is mainly that the socio-economic conditions of these students are miserable and they are leaving school at early age to earn some livelihood to support their families. Moreover, the educational level of aspirations among the female students of Gujjar pastoralists are somehow better than male students, but parents are giving less importance to the education of the female students and indulge them into homemade activities. 

Keywords: Gujjar Pastoralists, Educational Backwardness and Educational Aspirations