Gender disparity in Socio-Demographic variables among the Tribals of Eastern India: a case study of the Santals

Abstract

This paper gives a glimpse of the possible gender disparities that can be intimidated through various socio-demographic variables that exist among the tribals of eastern India by gaining insights from the Santals of Jharkhand, India. Data was collected from 1000 ever married women of the Santals, the largest tribal group of eastern India. The data analysis was based on data collected directly from the field using interview schedule and conclusions are based on qualitative analysis.

Gender disparities are evaluated through indicators like age and sex composition, sex ratio, education, occupation, domestic violence, attitude towards female child, decision making, age at marriage and the overall status of women. Women’s work and work experience differs significantly from those of men whilst women are totally excluded from industrial work in some areas. In others, they are segregated by occupations; their average earnings being well below those of men in most forms of employment. Owing to the burden and responsibilities of a woman on the domestic front, they get less time to learn skills and work experience or get educated than men. Hence, the sexual division of labour is a matter of rational choice by the families as part of the household work strategy. Violence faced by women on the domestic front instills a continued sense of insecurity in them keeping them bound to the home, economically exploited and socially depressed.