Why Indian Parents and Society Inhibit Risk-Taking: Understanding the Mindset and Culture
To understand why Indian parents and society discourage risk-taking, it is essential to look back at the historical and cultural context. The first few decades of independent India were heavily influenced by the socialist era, which instilled a mindset of job security and comfort through government employment. This legacy continues to shape the expectations of the current generation and has profound implications on their willingness to take risks.
Historical Context: The Socialist Era
Indian parents grew up during a time when the government guaranteed job security and leisure. The best careers were in government-owned enterprises, promising a stable and comfortable life with a pension program. However, this reliance on government jobs is no longer applicable today as the country has moved towards a more market-driven economy. The youth of today face a stark contrast between the promise of security and the reality of a challenging marketplace.
The current generation, born post-1991, faces harsh realities. Government jobs are often low-paying and lack the growth opportunities available in the corporate sector. Corporate jobs, while harsh and demanding, offer potential for growth and higher earnings. The managers in the corporate sector are often criticized for their harsh management styles, which can contribute to a sense of fear and uncertainty.
Influence of Parental Advice
Parents from the previous generation advise cautious approaches due to their own experiences of a secure life through government jobs. They believe that following their footsteps, especially in terms of educational and career choices, guarantees stability. However, the current generation should not be swayed by such advice. The environment and expectations have changed dramatically, and continuing with the old ways may hinder personal and professional growth.
Parents and children alike face the same challenge of navigating a culture that nurture a fear-based mindset. This fear is deeply ingrained, influencing both personal and professional decisions. The fear of failure, the fear of poverty, and the fear of standing out or succeeding are all contributing factors to the risk-averse behavior observed in Indian society today.
Cultural and Social Barriers
In India, the concept of saving money for the extended family is deeply rooted. Unlike in some Western countries, where individuals can often leave their parents behind to follow their dreams, the Indian culture prioritizes family and financial security. Therefore, parents often encourage their children to pursue stable careers, such as engineering or medicine, before allowing them to delve into their dreams.
The education system, judicial system, and society at large have often perpetuated fear and scarcity mindset. This is evident in how failures are punished, which in turn fosters a mentality of perfectionism and risk aversion. Schools and institutions do not teach students how to handle failure or how to learn from mistakes, exacerbating the problem of stagnation and fear-driven decision-making.
Error in the Holistic Learning Process
The irony in this situation is that while success is often celebrated, the process of learning from failure is often penalized in academic and professional settings. This mindset not only hinders personal growth but also stifles creativity and innovation. Instead of encouraging a culture where risk-taking is viewed as a necessary part of the learning process, the current system creates an environment where fear and stagnation prevail.
To overcome this issue, it is imperative to shift the focus towards learning from failure and embracing imperfection. Encouraging a mindset where risks are seen as opportunities for growth, rather than as threats to stability, can help foster a more dynamic and resilient society.
Parents, educators, and society at large must work together to break the cycle of fear and scarcity. By fostering a culture that values learning from mistakes and taking calculated risks, we can empower the younger generation to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to the economic and social development of the country.