Statement: “Policies, programmes, and seminars cannot change the status of women; what is needed is an attitudinal change in society towards working women.” — View of Mr. X Assumptions I & II: I. It is possible to change society’s attitude towards working women. II. The current status of working women is not satisfactory. Select the option that correctly identifies the implicit assumption(s).

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both I and II are implicit.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The statement contrasts formal interventions (policies, programmes, seminars) with “attitudinal change,” implying that social perceptions and norms are the binding constraint on women’s status, especially for working women.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I. Attitudes can be changed (through advocacy, education, socialization, etc.).
  • II. The current status of working women is inadequate and needs improvement.


Concept / Approach:
For the recommendation to be meaningful, the suggested lever (attitudes) must be malleable, and the target variable (status) must be suboptimal.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) By saying policies and seminars “cannot change status,” the speaker shifts emphasis to attitudes, presupposing that attitudes are changeable and causally relevant (I).2) Calling for change indicates dissatisfaction with the current status of working women (II).3) Therefore, both I and II underpin the recommendation.


Verification / Alternative check:
If attitudes were immutable, the prescription would be pointless. If status were already satisfactory, change would be unnecessary. Hence both assumptions must hold.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only one: incomplete rationale. Either: both needed. Neither: contradicts the call for attitudinal reform.


Common Pitfalls:
Reading the claim as dismissing all policy value; the point is relative emphasis—attitude change is seen as the binding lever.


Final Answer:
Both I and II are implicit.

More Questions from Statement and Assumption

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion