UPSC Mains 2021 GS2 Q8 — Self Help Groups
Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Explain
- Scope keywords
- vicious cyclegender inequalitypovertymalnutritionmicrofinancingwomen SHGs
- Implicit sub-parts
- The interconnected nature of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition (the nexus).
- Mechanisms by which microfinancing through SHGs breaks each specific link of the cycle.
- Limitations and structural barriers that prevent microfinancing from being a complete solution.
- Specific case studies or examples (like Kudumbashree or Jeevika) that demonstrate success.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on the 'economic' benefits of SHGs while ignoring the 'malnutrition' aspect of the prompt.
- Writing a generic essay on SHGs without addressing the 'vicious cycle' logic specifically.
- Failing to mention that microfinance alone cannot solve structural patriarchy or systemic health issues.
- Neglecting the mention of specific government schemes or regional examples as requested by the 'Explain with examples' directive.
- Dimensions required
- Socio-economicHealth and NutritionFinancial InclusionInstitutional/Structural
- Marks allocation hint
Devote 30 words to defining the cycle, 80 words to how SHGs/microfinance disrupt it (financial empowerment leading to better food security and social status), and 40 words to limitations and specific examples to ensure a balanced 150-word response.
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