Rural Women: From Darkness to Light

The male dominance and male preference in our society has resulted in discrimination and humiliating status of females. This is not limited to any particular societal segment, but is almost uniform in all segments—rich/poor, educated/uneducated, rural/urban, upper caste/lower caste, different religions/regions, etc. However, it is less evident in tribal societies and matriarchal/matrilineal societies. The females are subjected to various physical, economic, social and psychological discrimination and torture at workplace, in family and outside. The evolution of Indian society and culture is brightly illuminated with women possessing dignified position along with men in all socio-intellectual activities in spite of the patriarchal nature of the society. Women’s dignity continued for ages till the traditional society—uninterrupted by invasions— functioned to govern the people. The advent of the medieval period in Indian history bore testimony to women subordination. Modern period has witnessed some resurrection, but not enough to restore the lost position of women. The book Rural Women: From Darkness to Light is the outcome of a research project undertaken by the authors at micro level, based on both secondary and primary sources of information to find out the present status of women, especially those who have lived in the rural areas of India for generations together. It will be of immense help to social scientists, planners, policymakers, researchers, administrators and those who are taking interest in changing the face of the society by changing the orthodox idea of unequal treatment and discrimination against mothers and future mothers.