SOP Sample for MS in Gender Studies - India Academia Profile

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The socio-cultural ethics in India and its varying standards pose unique challenges to the application of universal ethical principles. I have always been interested in how the literature of an era is a simultaneous commentary on the world and at the same time shapes the psyche of the society. I believe my readings both in and out of my curriculum have made me realize that my special interest lies in the ever-evolving role 'Gender' plays in society and its literature. My bachelor's degree in English Literature introduced me to the course of 'Women's Studies', and reading the works of women from around the world made a huge impact on me as a feminist thinker and helped in discovering and shaping myself as a student of Literature. Ever since my childhood, I have been well aware of the social and gender disparities prevailing in our community and I plan to take every action to help address these issues. I understand that this field is not bound by any limitations and will always allow me to solve such complex and challenging problems with more ease. Along with the changing faces of Gender and Culture all across the world, one needs to have a strong educational background and international exposure. Ardent passion and a strong desire to excel drive me to the field of Gender Studies so that I will be suitably equipped to create awareness in people about the importance of Gender Studies and its applications.

Although I hail from a country where gender disparity is prevalent to a degree that makes me visibly uncomfortable, a Master's in Gender and Women's Studies is not yet available nor considered important enough to be made available. Ever since I realized that Gender and Women's studies are the niche that I want to pursue in my academics, career and research, I have been keenly following Master's Degree courses of the same, and I believe that immersing myself in such a course will help me to recognize a gap in the current research and will allow me to pursue the same and contribute to further the scope of Gender Studies as a subject of the hour. A Master's Degree I believe will help me establish a solid foundation in every aspect of my areas of interest - Gender, Race and Sexuality.

I have completed my bachelor's and master's degrees under the broad spectrum of English Language and Literature from prestigious universities and have played my part in imparting my knowledge and understanding in the subject to students in the college where I am currently working for the past two years. But there is a voice inside me telling me that I have not yet answered my calling, which is to further my knowledge in Women and Gender Studies, which is, unfortunately, not available as a Graduate course in India. My studies as well as my experience as an Assistant Professor in English have confirmed that research and teaching are my passions and I am assured that the subject of Gender and Women's Studies is where I see myself doing my research and hopefully make a long-term career.

During academics, I was also a part of many cultural fests where I represented my school and college in various dance and literary events. Having led a literary and culturally enriching life throughout school and college also came with its share of deadlines and multitasking. So, juggling assignments and dance rehearsals while managing time effectively has always been an important part of who I am. Whether it was learning a new language or celebrating a new festival, I have always found joy and listened to new stories everywhere I go. My years in the teaching industry have left me open to new challenges every day and helped me remain flexible and multi-task between work life and home while still finding time for my own passions - books, travels and dance.

I have been blessed to grow up in a culturally rich family, around people who always appreciated art and literary forms. My fondest memories relate back to stealing my grandfathers' prized possessions and reading them in the dark ever since I could read and understand the words. It was my life's goal at the time to one day own and read as many books as he has had. I believe I am on the path to fulfilling his dream which he subconsciously passed down to me - amass knowledge and light a flame in others. I was never very keen on science although I could score very well in social sciences and practical sciences as I could effectively create stories in each chapter which helped me remember my lessons. I was naturally gifted in the languages and the arts which credited me many prizes in the cultural fests conducted all throughout my school life. These skills developed in the early ages helped for a smooth transition into college as well, which was also a hub for literary and cultural talent. During my final year of graduation, my research thesis on "Radical Feminism in [BOOK TITLE]" was awarded the most well-structured work in my batch and the years spent during my Master's Degree in [CITY] - a hub of literary minds from across the world, helped my re-discover my childhood passion for stories and experiences from new cultures and societies, thus deepening my resolve for furthering my studies in this field. Time spent with women and girls - as part of a student-run organization whose goal was to educate the lower strata of the society like the street vendor and the house help, made me realize the importance of equality and urged me to further my passion for Gender studies and Feminism.

For the past two years, I have been working in a college as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, teaching subjects like General English, English as a Second Language, Linguistics, Critical Reasoning, Writing, and Presentation skills. I was recently offered the Gender Studies course to a batch of students when the department realized my natural knack for the subject and this rekindled my passion to read and research on the subject once more. Ever since then, I have felt more alive, teaching and learning once again a subject that will pave a path into my future research as well. I also take online tuitions in English, volunteer on the weekends in teaching underprivileged children around my residence and try to educate the women in need about their rights and help them find ways to receive justice at home and at work. I am sure that this Master's Degree will help to provide me with a promising career by further developing my knowledge and skills along with much-needed international exposure. After completing the course, I would like to experience the real world to gain a better understanding of the effects of patriarchy in the lives of Women and other Genders and contribute to spread awareness and create effective solutions for those in need by imparting my knowledge to the masses. With this, I present my candidature to your prestigious university and look forward to being a part of the institution.

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