CULTURAL-SOCIAL CONFLICTS IN MODERN EDUCATION: HOW RURAL INDIAN STUDENTS GRAPPLE WITH IDENTITY IN GLOBAL SCHOOLS

Urbanization is transforming India's socio-cultural landscape, with projections indicating that half of the population will be urbanized by 2040. This shift significantly impacts the educational sector, especially in newly urbanized or “rurban” areas where “Global” or “International” schools have emerged in considerable numbers. Marketed as progressive and modern, these schools offer advanced infrastructure and an English-speaking environment, appealing to parents in rural India as a means of providing better opportunities for their children. However, the rapid rise of these institutions creates a unique set of challenges for rural students, who must navigate between the traditional cultural settings of their homes and the cosmopolitan culture promoted in these schools. This study investigates the identity crises faced by these students, examining how they attempt to reconcile the contradictions between their home environments and school culture, particularly concerning social issues, family dynamics, language, gender roles, and traditional values. Through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions with students, parents, and teachers, this study reveals the significant conflicts that these children encounter. Framing the discussion within the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for holistic and inclusive education, this research underscores the need for educational policies that effectively bridge the gap between traditional rural values and the demands of modern schooling.