GS4 · UPSC Mains
In a southern Indian state, a globally renowned high end mobile manufacturing company advertised job vacancies, attracting many hopeful applicants. Among them were two sisters from a nearby village who applied after seeing advertisements on WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the factory's main gate, a security guard met them and asked a series of questions, including an inquiry about their marital status. After confirming that they were married, they were informed that they could not proceed further. No explanation was provided, leaving them confused and disappointed. Back in their village, the sisters reflected on their experience and felt dismayed at being denied an opportunity without a clear reason. Even the auto-rickshaw driver who took them to the facility had hinted that married women might not be hired, yet they still hoped for a fair chance. Subsequent investigations by a prominent international news agency revealed a pattern at the manufacturing facility where married women were systematically excluded from employment opportunities. This practice was not officially documented but was communicated verbally to recruitment agencies responsible for hiring. The revelations sparked significant media uproar, drawing public attention to the issue. The Union Labour Ministry also took cognizance of the situation and sought a report from the state government regarding these discriminatory hiring practices. Unfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not uncommon in various parts of the world, reflecting broader issues of gender attitudes that persist in many societies. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case study. b. What can be the underlying reasons for discriminatory attitudes toward hiring married women by the company? c. How can organizations promote gender equity in their hiring practices?
GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Attitude — content, structure, function; influence & relation with thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tushar Chauhan | AIR 216 · 2025 | Forumias | p.42 |
| Jitendra | AIR 287 · 2025 | Forumias | p.39 |
| P Vibisha | AIR 320 · 2025 | Forumias | p.39 |
| Harshvardhan Ashok Tidke | — | Forumias | p.20 |
| Yarasi Tusharika | — | Forumias | p.42 |