CHAPTER-5. Family Disorganization & Woman Desertion by Socioeconomic Background

Transcription

1 CHAPTER-5 Family Disorganization & Woman Desertion by Socioeconomic Background

2 CHAPTER-5 FAMILY DISORGANIZATION AND WOMAN DESERTION BY SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND This chapter examines the part played by the respondents socioeconomic background in influencing woman desertion against the background of family disorganization. To be specific, the better the socioeconomic background, the higher the woman desertion rate when the effect of family disorganization is controlled. The objectives of this chapter are: 1. To know whether there is any relationship between socioeconomic background and woman desertion, 2. To know whether there is any relationship between socioeconomic background and woman desertion, when the effect of the family disorganization is controlled. 5.1 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Woman desertion is a pattern of behaviour. But this pattern of behaviour is the product of one s socioeconomic background. For example, those who are drawn from villages are likely to be relatively ignorant, emotional and sentimental. Such respondents face the problems of adjustment. An individual s socioeconomic background acts as an agent of socialization. It inculcates a set of values, and attitudes. It influences one s personality development, too. This section deals with the relationship between the respondents socioeconomic background and woman desertion.

3 Age: Age is a demographic factor. But it has sociological implications, too. Psychologists divide the span of life into four parts or stages: 1. Childhood (0-14 years); 2. Youth (16-34 years); 3. Adulthood (35-60 years); and 4. Old age (60+) Development of personality depends on how the individual passes through these stages. If a individual is married in his/ her childhood and forced to engage in gainful employment, he/ she is likely to face many problems of adjustment. Table-5.1 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion: Age Age WDR Low High Total No. % No. % No. % Low Moderate High Total % ² = 55.84; df = 2; Significant at 5% level CC =

4 Figure-5.1 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion: Age Low Moderate High Low High Total Data presented in Table-5.1 show that there were 18 per cent in the young age group (16-19 years), while there were 82 per cent in the age group of years. It means the majority of the respondents were young adults. It could be seen further that of the young respondents, 91 per cent had high WDR, while of the older respondents 43, 25 and 32 per cents had high, moderate and low WDRs, respectively. It shows that among the older respondents WDR is not highly pronounced. But older respondents are being affected by WDR. It may be said that there is a certain degree of association between the respondents age and woman desertion. The ² test and CC test show that the two variables are associated with each other. 167

5 5.2 Socioeconomic Status and Woman Desertion: Caste In the following pages, an attempt is made to know whether there is any relationship between the respondents caste and woman desertion. Caste is an integral part of Indian society. It inculcates values of occupation, education, marriage, family and kinship. By and large, Hindu marriage is a sacrament. Dissolution of marriage is prohibited. But desertion is permitted. It is important to know that the caste dimension of marriage in terms of sacraments weighs with the higher than in lower castes. Desertion is relatively has a greater sanction among the lower than among the higher castes. It could also be said that family disorganization is, relatively speaking found more among the lower classes than among the higher classes. Table-5.2 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Caste Caste status WDR Forward Backward Total No. % No. % No. % Low Moderate High Total % ² = 5.37; df = 2; Not significant at 5% level 168

6 Figure-5.2 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Caste Low Moderate High Forward Backward Total The proposed hypothesis is more backward than the forward caste respondents are likely to have high WDR. Data presented in Table 5.2 shows that 70 per cent of the backward as against 30 per cent of the forward castes constituted the sample. The sample constituted more backward than forward castes. The data further show that 54 per cent of the backward as against 46 per cent of the forward castes, have had the higher WDRs. It means a high level of WDR is more pronounced among the backward than among the forward castes. It means more than 50 per cent of the backward caste respondents have had high WDR. While a significant percentage (46%) of the forward castes have had high WDR. It means the forward castes are 169

7 also suffering from the stress and strains of marriage and family. However, the caste element in WDR is found as 34 per cent of them (forward castes) have had low WDR. However, the data are not supported by the statistical tests. Further research is needed to test the hypothesis. 5.3 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion: Education Literacy, understood as the ability to read and write in one s language, has come to be identified as an important instrument of social change. According to Ashirwad (1990), literacy increases people s capacity to cope with the demands of living and working. The part played by literacy in social and economic development has been highlighted by many studies. Toy and Kivilin (1968), in a study of 680 Indian farmers from three states, found that literacy was positively and significantly related to health innovations. It means literacy has its own influence on individual and group behaviour. Literacy and woman desertion are related with each other. Literacy provides scope for tolerance and patience. It provides a wider consciousness of social sanctions of right and wrong. Data presented in Table-5.3 clearly indicate the influence of literacy on WDR as 65 per cent of the illiterate as against 38 per cent of the literate have had high WDR. Literates have lower proportions of WDR than illiterates. The statistical tests support the association between the two variables. 170

8 Table-5.3 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Education Status of Education WDR Literate Illiterate Total No. % No. % No. % Low Moderate High Total % ² = ; df = 2; Significant at 5% level CC=0.33 Figure-5.3 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Education Low Moderate High Literate Illiterate Total 171

9 5.4 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion: Employment This section deals with the effect of employment on woman desertion. Employment means earning and purchasing power. In turn it enhances one s self-perception. Employed women come in contact with a variety of men and women, besides one s kith and kin. In other words, employed woman begins to develop her individual perspective. This tends to develop a conflict between the earner and the family. Sharma and Ogale (2003) have found that employment enabled women to gain control over finances. But this could have a negative impact on their family and its organization. Ramu (1987) observed that women s employment is likely to produce role conflict, role overload and marital stress. However, studies have shown that the extent of negative effects of woman s employment on women, the family and its organization depend upon how the incumbent and family members manage it (Tomy Philip, 2002). It could be seen from the data, as shown in Table-5.4 that there is no clear evidence of the relationship between employment status and woman desertion. For example, 70 per cent of the non-employed, as against 45 per cent of the employed, had high WDR. The reasons for the high WDR among the non-employed were that they were suffering from certain mental and physical ailments. Most of them were also not good looking either. 172

10 Table-5.4 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Employment Employment WDR Employed Unemployed Total No. % No. % No. % Low Moderate High Total % ² = 17.94; df = 2; Significant at 5% level CC = 0.21 Figure-5.4 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Employment Low Moderate High Employed Unemployed Total 173

11 An analysis of the data with regard to employment shows that WDR was not high as expected. Interestingly, 24 and 31 per cents of them had moderate and low WDRs respectively. It was observed that most of them were supported in their domestic chores and child care by their mothers-inlaw and husbands. They stayed in the family for a longer time. But beyond 8-9 years, it was difficult for them to live with the family and finally deserted the family. The data are supported by statistical tests. 5.5 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion: Income In the following paragraphs an attempt is made to know the effect of income on woman desertion. The hypothesis to be tested is the lower the income, the higher the WDR. It has been already pointed out that the economic factor in terms of income is significantly related to disturbance in marriage and family. For example, low income deprives a person of the basic necessities of life. Low income of the respondents may create problems of insecurities. Table-5.5 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Income Income WDR Low High Total No. % No. % No. % Low Moderate High Total % ² = 56.23; df = 2; Significant at 5% level CC =

12 Figure-5.5 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Income Low Moderate High Low High Total Data presented in Table-5.5 show that there is a relationship between the respondents income and woman desertion. For example, 50 per cent of the respondents with low income background, as against 34 per cent of the respondents in the high income bracket, have had high WDR. A smaller proportion of the respondents with lower income have stayed together with the family for a shorter period (WDR: 22% moderate; 28% low). It could be said that income has a significant relationship with WDR. The ² and CC are significant. 175

13 5.6 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion: Rural/ Urban Background An individual s behaviour is the product of his/ her residential background. To be specific, one s residential or rural/ urban background, especially during childhood, plays a great role in shaping one s personality. Studies conducted in Europe and the United States show that those born and/ or brought up in cities differed in their aspirations from those coming from villages and towns. Lipset s (1955) early Oakland, California study argued that urban-reared youth have a broader scope of contact with a heterogeneous range of people, while the rural-reared have with a homogeneous group. Rural individuals are likely to be relatively conservative and traditional. On the other hand, urban people are likely to be rational and modern. Besides, the urban-reared are likely to be impersonal and independent in their attitudes and outlooks. The chances of desertion are more among urban than rural. However, the gap between rural and urban background is changing. With the development of transport and communication, rural people are visiting urban places more frequently than ever before. Most rural people, although born and brought up in rural areas, work in urban areas. Their behaviour patterns are shaped by both rural and urban areas. It is also quite likely that rural women under the impact of modernization may experience the problems of marriage and family. 176

14 Table-5.6 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Rural/ Urban background Rural / Urban Background WDR Rural Urban Total No. % No. % No. % Low Moderate High Total % ² = 18.87; df = 2; Significant at 5% level CC = 0.21 Figure-5.6 Socioeconomic Background and Woman Desertion Rate: Rural/ Urban background Low Moderate High Rural Urban Total 177

15 Data presented in Table-5.6 show that 82 per cent of the respondents belonged to rural areas, while only 18 per cent were from the city. But most respondents had contacts with urban people. As per the data, 75 per cent of the urban, as against 47 per cent from the rural, had high WDR. It is clear that while 75 per cent, a majority of the urban-based, had a high WDR, 47 per cent of high WDR came from rural areas, which is no small proportion. It is clear that rural women are experiencing the problems of woman desertion and family disorganization. It could be said that the institutions of marriage and family are undergoing the process of transition and transformation in modern India. 5.7 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Socioeconomic Background In the preceding part of the chapter, an attempt has been made to examine the part played by the socioeconomic background in influencing woman desertion. In this part, an attempt is made to examine the part played by the socioeconomic background in influencing woman desertion against the background of family disorganization. The chief hypothesis is: the higher the socioeconomic background, the lower the woman desertion rate, when the effect of family disorganization is controlled. 1. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Age This section aims to know whether age in relation to family disorganization plays any significant part in influencing the WDR. The hypothesis is more of younger than older respondents tend to have higher WDR when the effect of family disorganization is controlled. 178

16 It has been already discussed that family disorganization has a demographic dimension. Younger members in the age group of 16-19, are likely to cause confusion, disturbance and disorder in the family. Table-5.7 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Age (percent) Family Disorganization WDR Low High Total Young Old Total Young Old Total Young Old Total Low Moderate High Total % Number ² df Significant at >5% level CC Figure-5.7 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Age (percent) Low Moderate High Low High Total 179

17 It could be seen from Table-5.7 that 91 per cent of the young, as against 43 per cent from the older respondents, had high WDRs. But data with regard to the older respondents sow that the degree of WDR is less, as 25 and 32 per cents of them had moderate and low WDRs, respectively. Data further show that in High Family Disorganization household, 96 per cent of the young had high WDR, as compared to 42 per cent of the older respondents. It could be further seen that WDR is less (moderate = 27; low = 31) in the older respondents. It is clear that in High Family Disorganization households there are differences in WDRs according to age. In Low Family Disorganization households, 80 per cent of the young had high WDR, compared to 45 per cent in the older respondents. The incidence of WDR is less (moderate = 27; low = 34). It means the respondents WDR differs in both family disorganization categories. Statistical tests are significant for both categories of family disorganization. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Caste This section examines the relationship between caste and woman desertion in the context of family disorganization. The hypothesis to be tested is more backward than forward castes are likely to experience the incidence of woman desertion. It has been already pointed out that the caste factor is intimately connected with one s behaviour in India. Forward castes are also forward with regard to education, occupation, income and exposure to mass media. Woman desertion is likely to occur more in forward than in backward castes. However, the backward castes are affected by modern forces such as education, Occupation, rural development schemes, SHGs and reform laws. 180

18 Rural women are becoming conscious of their self-respect and status. It could be observed that backward castes are going through a process of transition. They are not able to make the required adjustment with marriage and family. Table-5.8 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Caste (percent) WDR Family Disorganization Low High Total Total Total Forward Backward Forward Backward Forward Backward Low Moderate High Total Total % Number ² df CC Significant at >5% level Figure-5.8 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Caste (percent) Low Moderate High Low High Total 181

19 Data presented in Table-5.8 show that 54, 22 and 24 per cents of the backward castes had high, moderate and low WDRs, respectively. On the other hand, 46, 20 and 34 percents of the forward castes had high, moderate and low WDRs. It is clear that the backward castes have more WDRs than the forward castes. But the distribution of data are not supported by statistical tests. Data further show that 55, 23 and 22 percents of the high family disorganization households had high, moderate and low WDRs, respectively. On the other hand, 42, 20 and 38 percents of the forward castes had high, moderate and low WDRs, respectively. It is clear that the backward castes have relatively more WDR than the forward castes. The degree of family disorganization does not seem to make any difference to caste and WDR. The statistical tests also do not support. It is further observed that WDR in low family disorganization households is more in backward castes (high=52; moderate=20; low=28). Interestingly, the WDR is more or less the same in forward castes (high=52; moderate=18 and low=30) as well. In conclusion, it may be said that WDR seems to be more among the backward than the forward castes, regardless of the degree of family disorganization. The distributions of the data are justified by statistical tests. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Education This section examines the part played by literacy in influencing woman desertion in relation to family disorganization. Put differently, t is important to know whether literacy/ illiteracy and family disorganization combined together influence woman desertion. The hypothesis is to be 182

20 tested is more illiterate than literate women are likely to experience effect of family disorganization is controlled. Observation of the data presented in Table-5.9 shows that 65 per cent of the illiterate had high WDR. It means a majority of the illiterate have had high WDR. Data suggest that illiterate respondents are not able to adjust to the demands of the changing family structure in India. However, literate respondents have not indicated any clear pattern of WDR, as 34, 28 and 38 per cents of them had low, moderate and high WDRs, respectively. One possible reason is that literacy in India, especially in rural area, is of poor quality. Literacy is understood as the ability to put one s signature. Since literacy does not extend to the ability to read, even a postcard, it may not contribute to the growth of personality. Table-5.9 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Education Family Disorganization WDR Low High Total Total Total Literate Illiterate Literate Illiterate Literate Illiterate Total Low Moderate High Total % Number ² df CC Significant at 5% level 183

21 Figure-5.9 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Education Low Moderate High Low High Total Data further suggest that a majority of the illiterate (65%) in both high and low family disorganization households have had high WDR. Literacy in both samples does not seem to make much difference to the incidence of woman desertion. The distributions of data in both samples are supported by statistical tests. It could be concluded that literacy does not seem to make much difference to the incidence of woman desertion. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Employment This section examines the part played by the respondents employment status in influencing woman desertion in relation to family disorganization. The hypothesis to be tested is more employed women than non-employed are likely to experience a higher degree of WDR when the effect of family disorganization is controlled. 184

22 Table-5.10 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Employment Family Disorganization WDR Low High Total Total Total Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Employed Unemployed Total Low Moderate High Total % Number ² df CC Significant at 5% level Figure-5.10 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Employment Low Moderate High Low High Total 185

23 It has been already pointed out that employment, which gives economic power to women provides a greater degree of power and authority to them. It introduces changes in the relationships between members of the family. An employed woman is more respected and honoured (Reddy, 1986). Employment by itself is neither beneficial nor harmful. Its effects depends on how it is managed. It is likely to be a boon if it is managed well, although it is bound to have negative effects on the family to a certain degree. Data presented in Table-5.10 show that 45 per cent of the employed women have had high WDR. It means employment has created enough WDR, but it is not as serious as may be expected. An overwhelming majority (70%) of the non-employed respondents have had a high WDR. It means, a majority of them left home or deserted their families within a span of 3-4 years after marriage. A probe revealed that most of them, took a hasty step in a mood of anxiety. Data also show that 44 and 48 per cents of employed women from the high and low family disorganization households had high WDRs, respectively. It means employment of woman has its impact irrespective of the extent of family disorganization. The data with regard to the low FD sample are not statistically supported, while the other two samples. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Income In the following paragraphs an attempt is made to analyze the part played by income in influencing the WDR against the background of family disorganization. In this connection, the following questions may be raised: Does low family disorganization along with low income produce low 186

24 WDR? Similarly does high family disorganization along with high income result in high WDR? The hypothesis may be formulated like this: The higher the income, the higher the likelihood of WDR. The lower the income, the lower the likelihood of WDR. It has been stated that like employment, income makes women economically empowered. Earning women tend to feel independent and free. Directly or indirectly, they begin to exhibit their economic power in all walks of life. Therefore, woman s income status has significant implications for family disorganization. Data presented in Table-5.11 show that there is a relationship between high income and high WDR. But the corresponding relationship between low income and low WDR is not clear. Table-5.11 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Income Family Disorganization WDR Low High Total Low High Total Low High Total Low High Total Low Moderate High Total % Number ² df CC Significant at 5% level 187

25 Figure-5.11 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Income Low Moderate High Low High Total Data also show that the high family disorganization sample, high income and high WDR are inter-related. It means family disorganization influences WDR through high income. But the low family disorganization households promote low WDR (40%) via low income. But the high family disorganization sample has promoted high WDR. This is against the proposed assumption. It could be stated that high family disorganization and high income tend to produce high WDR. Except for the general sample, the statistical tests are not significant with regard to other samples. 188

26 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Rural/ Urban Background Family disorganization is intimately related to one s rural/ urban background. Table-5.12 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Rural/ Urban Background Family Disorganization WDR Low High Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Low Moderate High Total % Number ² df CC Not significant Figure-5.12 Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Rural/ Urban Background Low Moderate High Low High Total 189

27 As a matter of fact, rural people are more conservative than urban. On the other hand, urban people who are more exposed to the external world, and are individualistic and flexible, are likely to experience more family disorganization. However, rural society consequent on the impact of modern forces is undergoing significant changes. The rural family is in transition. The rural family, like the urban, is experiencing woman desertion and divorce. Data presented in Table-5.12 reveal that both urban and rural (47%) respondents have had high WDR, respectively. The urban sample as registered a high extent of WDR (75%). But in rural areas, a greater proportion of young desertee women have stayed with the family (28% moderate; 25% low). It means the process of woman desertion is slow and steady. It means more women in rural than in urban areas have slowly separated from the conjugal family. The influence of rural and urban background on WDR in both low and high family disorganization samples is more or less the same. It means the influence of the rural and urban background on WDR is relatively independent of the extent of family disorganization. on WDR. It may be concluded that the rural/ urban background has its impact Summary and Conclusion This chapter has dealt with the part played by the respondents social background influencing woman desertion in the context of family disorganization. The analysis is done at two levels: 1. An attempt is made to analyze the influence of social background on woman desertion, and, 190

28 2. To know the influence of social background on woman desertion in the context of family disorganization. The following hypotheses were tested: 1. There is a close relationship between one s social background and woman desertion, 2. There is a close association between one s social background and woman desertion, when the effect of family disorganization is controlled. Social Background and Woman Desertion Human beings are products of the social conditions in which they are born and brought up. One s socialization, especially during one s childhood, has a deep and lasting impact on one s personality development. Age: Age is a demographic factor. But it has sociological and psychological effects on human personality. It was found that a majority of the young had high WDR, while the older respondents had lower levels of WDR. It was clear that more younger respondents had stayed with the families than the older. Caste: The analysis has shown that more backward than forward castes are being affected by WDR. Education: The incidence of high WDR was found to be more among illiterate than literate women. Employment: Non-employed respondents suffered a higher degree of WDR than employed ones. Income: Respondents with lower income had a higher rate of WDR. Rural/ Urban Background: More rural than urban women had a higher degree of WDR. 191

29 Findings of the second part of the chapter are as follows: An attempt was made to analyze the role of social background in influencing women desertion against the background of family disorganization. 1. Family disorganization and woman desertion by age: Data collected in this regard show that a majority of the young respondents in general had a high WDR. Significantly 43, 25 and 32 per cents of the older respondents had high, moderate and low WDRs. It means more respondents from this sample lived with the family for longer years. It could be further seen that a majority of young from high (96%) and low (80%) family disorganization samples had high WDRs, respectively. Similarly, a sufficient proportion of older respondents in both samples (45%, 42%) had high WDR. Young respondents seem to be more prone to woman desertion than older ones. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Caste Caste values are significantly related to marriage and family. Family disorganization is likely to characterize more backward than forward castes. Obviously, woman desertion is likely to be found more among backward than among forward castes. Data collected in this regard show that woman desertion in both categories of castes is not as big as expected. WDR in general in both caste samples is found in sufficiently degree. But forward castes, compared to backward castes have low levels of WDR. Caste as such does not seem to make much difference to WDR. 192

30 Forward and backward castes in both the low and high family disorganization samples have high enough WDRs. The difference is that forward castes, compared to the backward castes have lower levels of WDR. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Education Analysis of the data revealed that a majority of the illiterate, compared to the literate showed a higher incidence of WDR. Literacy has made a similar impact on WDR, irrespective of the extent of family disorganization. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Employment Data on the influence of employment on WDR show that employed women have lower rates of woman desertion, as compared to employed ones. The impact of employment on WDR is similar in both low and high family disorganization samples. It may be said that employment has an independent influence on WDR. Family Disorganization and Woman Desertion by Income Data collected in this regard show that there are perceptible differences in the influence on WDR. As per the data high income has produced high WDR. It is quite likely that high income has produced situations of marital discord and role conflict. The effect of high income on WDR is uniform in both family disorganization samples. It appears that family disorganization does not seem to play any intervening role in determining WDR. 193

31 Family Disorganization and Woman Disorganization by Rural/ Urban Background Respondents rural/ urban background has a significant influence on WDR. But urban respondents have higher WDR than rural ones. Woman desertion in rural areas is low. Respondents lived longer with the family in rural than in urban background. It appears that besides family disorganization, other forces are operating on woman desertion. 194

32 REFERENCES 1. Ahirwad (1990): Drive Against Illiteracy: Quest for a New Approach, Yojana Dec : pp Lipsets SM (1956): Social Mobility and Urbanization, Rural Sociology, Ramu (1987): Indian Husbands: Their Role Perception and Performance in Single and Dual earner Families, Journal of Marriage and the Family, 49: Reddy (1986): Changing Status of Educated Working Women, New Delhi: BR. 5. Sharma s and Ogale N (2003): Women s Employment and Decision-Making Power in the Family: A Study of Women Workers in the Handloom Industries of Panipat District, Hariyana, Social Change, March Vol. 33; No Tomy Philip (2002): Impact of Women s Employment on Family and Marriage: A Survey of Literature, Social Change, March-June, Vol. 32; No. 1&2. 195