Group Discussion ::: Advantages and Disadvantages of co-education in college

By co-education we mean the participation of students of both the sexes in the learning process. Though co-education is common in foreign countries, it is not so in India. Segregation of the sexes has been in practise in India from very early times. Women were not entertained in certain fields. Certain misconceptions, prejudices and superstitions were against co-education. However, at present co-education is imparted in some educational institutions at the school and college levels.

Co-education has its own advantage in colleges. Since the college students have matured minds co-education will not in any way interfere with their learning efforts. They know their responsibilities. To them the opposite sex is not any more just an object of attraction. On the other hand it will provide them with better opportunities to understand life. Further, the presence of other sex always acts as an incentive. It creates in the students a healthy rivalry to surpass the other. We find women in almost all spheres. Co-education will go a long way to help the weaker sex gain self confidence.

India is a developing country with limited resources. So it cannot afford to have separate college and universities for men and women. As for the disadvantages, opposite sexes always have mutual attraction. The students are passing through a crucial period of their life. They are likely to be sexually attacted. It may affect their learning efforts. There may be one or two elements which would engage in eve teasing, and some acts of false bravado which they see in films. But anti-social and irresposible elements are present everywhere. Untoward incidents in co-educational institutions could be avoided with better administration.