Unknown Women : Aged, Widowed, Tribals and Urbans

Contents: I. Elderly Santal women: a study at village Belkuli, West Bengal: 1. Introduction. 2. Field methodology. 3. Region of study. 4. Village demography. 5. Economic background of the aged santals. 6. Living condition of the aged santals. 7. Health condition of the aged santals. 8. Status, role and family relationship of the aged santals. 9. Role of government for the benefit of the aged with reference to the santal tribe. Summary and conclusion. Case studies. Reference. II. Elderly widows: an ignored silent majority: a study in a CMC Ward of Calcutta: 1. Introduction. 2. Method of study. 3. Socio demography. 4. Economic condition. 5. Family life. 6. Health status and care. 7. Network and contact. 8. Family relationship. Summary and conclusion. Case studies. Reference.

"This book reveals the so far unknown conditions of elderly women residing in rural and urban areas. The elderly santal women residing in a village in Burdwan District of West Bengal and elderly widows residing in the CMC ward 87 (Kalighat) of Kolkata are subjects of study. Several parametres such as socio-demography, economic condition, family life, health care and living condition, network and contact are taken into consideration. The study shows that change in the traditional set up is the main cause for the misery of the elderly women in both the areas. Suitable recommendations are made for the alleviation of their misery on the basis of the research findings."