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Resilience in the Shadows: Narratives of Educational Challenges and Career Decision-Making Among Slum Students in Kanpur City

Authors

Diksha Dwivedi

Research Scholar, Department of Education, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U.P. (India)

Dr. Alka Dwivedi

Associate Professor, Department of Education, Kalicharan P.G. College, Lucknow, U.P. (India)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100300153

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 10/3 | Page No: 2165-2170

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-03-13

Accepted: 2026-03-18

Published: 2026-03-30

Abstract

This qualitative research examines educational experiences and career aspirations of 20 slum students (aged 14-18) from Kanpur City's Shastri Nagar, Juhi, and Karachhiya slums. Through narrative inquiry and thematic analysis, three themes emerge: educational barriers (leaky infrastructure, teacher absence), resilience sources (family, NGOs), and career gaps (engineering dreams vs. mill work). Findings align with ASER 2024's 40-50% UP slum dropout rates. Recommendations target NEP 2020 via slum coaching hubs and scholarships.

Keywords

Kanpur slums, slum students, educational resilience, career aspirations, narrative inquiry, NEP 2020.

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References

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