“Changing contours of Gender relations amongst tribal communities hin the context of transforming livelihood pattern in Jharkhand, India.”

Several studies have been conducted to understand tribal societies and their socio economic living conditions in India. Post the 1990s; these studies have an intense focus on assessing the impact of development efforts on tribal societies. These studies for northern and eastern regions of India have revealed extensive deprivation, marginalization and land alienation being experienced by tribal societies due the rapid process of industrialization initiated after the 1990s. In addition to these they are also gradually experiencing a shift in the traditional set up which is jeopardizing their culture and identity. These changes bear critical consequences especially for women making them doubly marginalized and vulnerable.

The paper analyzes the nature and dimensions of relationship between men and women and their relationship with institutions in tribal communities in Jharkhand. It also attempts to understand, in the light of their changing engagements in livelihood activities, the varied consequences for tribal women and how the tribal communities perceives and responds to these emerging changes. Several scholars have considered the gender relations in tribal societies to be equitable and that tribal women experiencing ultimate freedom. A culturally more nuanced lens provides the different shades and patterns of gen