Abstract
Session 08.04-Population ageing and Intergenerational Relation
Title: Empty nesting, living alone or childlessness: Issues of care in old age among the tribals of Maharashtra (India)
While the problem of ageing is now accepted as a major issue in the modern India’s urban society, it is assumed that the aged among the tribals are untouched by the forces of modernisation, resulting in their neglect in the national policy framing.
Present study was planned to explore the situation of the elderly persons in tribal society focusing on their living arrangements; and impact on their care in old age.
A field study was carried out among the elderly population of three tribal groups namely Mahadev Koli, Thakar, and Pardhis of Maharashtra and compared with the Lahaulis of Kullu, visited.
Analysis revealed that one- third of couples lived by themselves (22%). Living alone, mostly women (7%), and with distant or non-relatives (13%) were other kinds of living arrangement now on an increase. A few did not have children (3.4%). Thirty -one percent whose children had passed away and 25 percent of tribals reportedly children migrated, hence were empty nesters.
Plight of the childless, deserted and separated tribal women in old age was quite appalling. Some case studies portraying the same will be discussed.
Title: Empty nesting, living alone or childlessness: Issues of care in old age among the tribals of Maharashtra (India)
While the problem of ageing is now accepted as a major issue in the modern India’s urban society, it is assumed that the aged among the tribals are untouched by the forces of modernisation, resulting in their neglect in the national policy framing.
Present study was planned to explore the situation of the elderly persons in tribal society focusing on their living arrangements; and impact on their care in old age.
A field study was carried out among the elderly population of three tribal groups namely Mahadev Koli, Thakar, and Pardhis of Maharashtra and compared with the Lahaulis of Kullu, visited.
Analysis revealed that one- third of couples lived by themselves (22%). Living alone, mostly women (7%), and with distant or non-relatives (13%) were other kinds of living arrangement now on an increase. A few did not have children (3.4%). Thirty -one percent whose children had passed away and 25 percent of tribals reportedly children migrated, hence were empty nesters.
Plight of the childless, deserted and separated tribal women in old age was quite appalling. Some case studies portraying the same will be discussed.
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Event ID
17
Paper presenter
50 985
Type of Submissions
Regular session only
Language of Presentation
English
First Choice History
Initial First Choice
Initial Second Choice
Weight in Programme
1 000
Status in Programme
1