Learning Outcomes:
- To understand the role of Ethnographic Research in uncovering the plight of marginalised sections
- To illustratively understand the hardships faced by the tribal women in India
- To gain an insight into the key challenges faced by Indian tribal women and learn how to solve them by employing ethnographic research
In the vast and diverse cultural landscape of India, there exists an often overlooked group of individuals – the tribal women. These women, living on the fringes of society, face a multitude of challenges and injustices that go unnoticed by the mainstream. Step into the world of Indian tribal women through the lens of ethnographic studies, where fieldwork unravels their captivating stories and unveils a deeper understanding of their lives. From remote villages nestled in the heart of India to bustling city streets, ethnographers provide us with a unique perspective on the intricacies of tribal societies. Through their rich narratives, we gain insight into the complexities of gender roles, economic struggles, and the powerful bond of community. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the untold stories of these incredible women, and together, let’s empower the marginalized and create lasting change.
The plights faced by Indian tribal women are often hidden from public view, overshadowed by more pressing issues or brushed aside as insignificant. However, it is crucial to shed light on these plights and bring them to the forefront of public discourse. Indian tribal women face unique challenges in the areas of education, healthcare, and employment, which further perpetuate their marginalization and hinder their social and economic progress. By shedding light on these issues, we can spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire action.
One of the key issues faced by Indian tribal women is the lack of access to quality education. Many tribal communities are located in remote areas with limited educational facilities. This, coupled with socio-economic barriers, prevents tribal girls from pursuing their education beyond a certain point. As a result, they are often trapped in a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.
In terms of healthcare, Indian tribal women face numerous challenges, including limited access to healthcare facilities, inadequate maternal and child healthcare services, and high rates of maternal mortality. The cultural and linguistic diversity of tribal communities further exacerbates these challenges, as it often leads to a lack of culturally sensitive healthcare services.
Economic empowerment is another major challenge for Indian tribal women. Many tribal communities rely on subsistence agriculture or traditional occupations, which offer limited income-generating opportunities. Lack of access to credit, markets, and resources further restricts their economic prospects. This economic marginalization not only perpetuates poverty but also limits their ability to assert their rights and make decisions that affect their lives.
Understanding Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic research is a qualitative research method that involves immersing oneself in the culture and daily lives of a particular group to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences. It goes beyond traditional research methods by emphasizing the importance of personal connections and long-term engagement with the community being studied. This approach is particularly valuable when studying marginalized communities such as Indian tribal women, who often face multiple layers of discrimination and exclusion.
Ethnographic research allows us to delve deep into the lives of tribal women, uncovering the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to their marginalization. By spending extended periods living among these communities, researchers can observe and participate in their daily activities, rituals, and interactions. This immersive approach enables researchers to gain insights that may not be apparent through other research methods, such as surveys or interviews conducted in isolation.
Ethnographic research also acknowledges the importance of context in understanding the lives of marginalized communities. It recognizes that individuals are shaped by their social and cultural environments and that their experiences cannot be fully understood without considering the broader social structures and power dynamics at play. By taking this holistic approach, ethnographic research provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Indian tribal women.
Ethnographic research employs a range of methods to study Indian tribal women and gain insights into their lives. These methods are designed to foster trust, build relationships, and capture the nuances of their experiences. Here are some commonly used ethnographic research methods:
- Participant observation: Researchers live among tribal communities, participating in their daily activities and observing their social interactions. This method allows researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural practices, social structures, and power dynamics within the community.
- In-depth interviews: Researchers conduct open-ended interviews with tribal women to explore their experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. These interviews provide valuable insights into the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to navigate their daily lives.
- Focus groups: Researchers facilitate group discussions among tribal women to explore shared experiences, social norms, and collective aspirations. Focus groups provide a platform for women to voice their concerns, share their stories, and collectively identify strategies for empowerment.
- Document analysis: Researchers analyze documents such as government policies, community records, and historical archives to understand the broader socio-political context within which tribal women live. This analysis helps to uncover systemic issues and identify areas for intervention and advocacy.
These ethnographic research methods not only help researchers gain a deep understanding of the lives of Indian tribal women but also empower these women by giving them a voice and agency in shaping the narrative of their own experiences.
Important Case Studies
To truly grasp the challenges faced by Indian tribal women, it is important to delve into specific case studies that highlight their unique experiences. One such case study is that of the Baiga tribes in India done by Amit et al (Pradhan and SONI 2015). The Baiga tribe is economically and educationally disadvantaged, and their geographical isolation has rendered them a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in India. Area of study chosen by researchers includes the Dindori and Anuppur districts of Madhya Pradesh and the Kawardha and Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh.
State-wise Baiga population as per the census of 2011 (Compiled by Amit Soni)
More than half of the Baigas (58%) in the study area were uneducated. In Chhattisgarh, the literacy rate among Baigas is 32.17 %, out of which 62.15 % are males and 37.85 % are females. In Madhya Pradesh, the literacy rate among Baigas is 38.3 %, out of which 59.8 % are males and 40.2 % are females. The literacy rate including women’s literacy rate is very low. Even now, the Baiga are a patrilineal community that engages in polygyny. Baiga women are not permitted to join the traditional Baiga Panchayat or act as village priests or Guniya/ Panda.
Another study was done on the Baiga women of the Mungeli, Bilaspur and Kabirdham districts of Chhattisgarh. highlights the condition of malnutrition and underweight. The study showed that the highest mean BMI was found to be 18.6 kg/m. Almost 73.64% of women were found underweight. The proportion of underweight Baiga women is highest in the 19-24 age group (83.15%) and lowest in the 18-year age group (55.56%). Overall the proportion of underweight (73.64%) is found to be much more than the ideal weight (26.36%) among the women of Chhattisgarh (Mehta and Chakravarty, 2015).
BMI distribution in various age groups
The study conducted to analyze Infant mortality in Baiga tribes shows a horrible picture, each Baiga couple has witnessed the death of at least one infant (Premi, n.d.).
Findings and Insights from the Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic research on Indian tribal women has yielded several key findings and insights that are essential for understanding their plights and developing effective strategies for empowerment.
One major finding is the impact of gender-based discrimination on the lives of tribal women. Ethnographic research has revealed that tribal women face multiple layers of marginalization and discrimination based on their gender. They often bear the burden of domestic work, childcare, and agricultural labour, with little recognition or support. This gendered division of labour limits their opportunities for education, economic empowerment, and decision-making.
Another key insight is the importance of cultural context in understanding the challenges faced by tribal women. Ethnographic research has shown that traditional cultural practices and beliefs can both empower and constrain women within these communities. For example, while certain cultural practices may provide a sense of identity and community support, they can also reinforce gender inequalities and restrict women’s mobility and autonomy. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing interventions that respect and build upon the strengths of the community while challenging harmful norms and practices.
Furthermore, ethnographic research has highlighted the resilience and agency of tribal women. Despite the challenges they face, many tribal women display remarkable strength, resourcefulness, and determination. They often employ innovative strategies to navigate their daily lives and assert their rights. Recognizing and supporting these strengths is essential for empowering tribal women and fostering sustainable change.
Based on the findings from ethnographic research, there are several recommendations that can help empower Indian tribal women and promote their well-being. There is a need for targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by these women. This includes improving access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Secondly, there is a need for policies and programs that promote gender equality and social inclusion. This includes addressing discriminatory practices and attitudes towards tribal women, ensuring their equal participation and representation in decision-making processes, and providing them with legal and social protections.
Thirdly, there is a requirement for increased investment in research and data collection on Indian tribal women.
By filling the gaps in knowledge and understanding, we can develop evidence-based policies and interventions that effectively address their needs. There is a need for collaboration and partnership between government agencies, civil society organizations, and tribal communities themselves. By working together, we can leverage our collective strengths and resources to bring about meaningful change.
Numerous initiatives and organizations are actively working towards the upliftment of Indian tribal women. One such initiative is the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), which aims to promote the economic development of tribal communities through the marketing of their products. TRIFED provides support for entrepreneurship, skill development, and market linkages, enabling tribal women to become self-reliant and economically empowered.
Another organization working towards the empowerment of tribal women is the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). SEWA focuses on organizing and providing support to women in the informal sector, including tribal women. Through its various programs and initiatives, SEWA aims to improve the socio-economic status of tribal women and enhance their bargaining power.
Other initiatives and organizations include the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which safeguards the rights and interests of tribal communities, and the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, which focuses on the holistic development of tribal areas and communities.
These initiatives and organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of Indian tribal women and working towards their empowerment. By supporting their work and raising awareness about their initiatives, we can contribute to the upliftment of these women and the creation of a more inclusive society.
References
Mehta, Sunil K., and Moyna Chakravarty. n.d. “Nutritional Status of Baiga women of Chhattisgarh, India: An Anthropological Insight.” IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jestft/papers/Vol14-Issue7/Series-1/A1407010103.pdf
Pradhan, Ashok, and AMIT SONI. 2015. “CULTURAL CHANGE AMONG THE BAIGA TRIBE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND CHHATTISGARH.” Humankind 11. https://serialsjournals.com/abstract/47432_11.pdf
Premi, Jitendra K. n.d. “RJPT – Incidence of Infant Death among the Baiga Tribe of Chhattisgarh, India.” Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. Accessed June 26, 2023. https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2021-14-6-36
Aman has a curiosity for discovering life’s many facets and is an engineering graduate. He has a strong desire to explore social and institutional structures and attempt to unearth the concealed limitations that the social value system entails.
