TRIBAL WOMEN AND MATERNAL HEALTH

Book Details

• Author: Arti Kumari

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9788131612446

• Pages: 182

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

Safe motherhood remains a significant challenge across developing nations, and in India, it is a critical concern for policymakers, researchers, and public health administrators. This insightful book delves into the pressing maternal health issues faced by marginalized tribal women, focusing specifically on the Santhal community in Jharkhand. Drawing on intensive fieldwork rooted in the disciplines of sociology and social anthropology, the study provides a vivid portrayal of how tribal mothers experience and navigate maternity within the broader social, cultural, and economic contexts.

Through participant observation, census data, open-ended interviews, and case studies, the author presents an in-depth understanding of Santhal women's traditional birthing practices, the evolving maternal health landscape, and the systemic challenges they face. The book also explores the intersection of cultural traditions and modern healthcare systems, highlighting generational shifts, changing values, and the continued struggle against educational, economic, and social exclusion.

By linking the objective conditions of tribal life with subjective experiences and health-related norms, the book offers a nuanced analysis of maternal deprivation. It brings to light not only the intrinsic cultural resilience of the Santhal women but also the discriminatory structures that limit their access to quality healthcare.

This volume is an essential resource for students and scholars in sociology, anthropology, social work, community medicine, public health, and nursing. It is equally valuable for policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and development professionals working to create inclusive, equitable maternal healthcare systems in India.

Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Theoretical Understanding of Maternal Health

3. Social and Cultural Facets of Maternity

4. Cultural Practices and Maternity

5. Conclusion

About the Author

Dr. Arti Kumari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. A former research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, she has a strong academic background in reproductive health and women's rights. In addition to this book, she has authored numerous scholarly papers that address the socio-cultural dimensions of maternal health among marginalized communities in India.