Impact of Traditional Practices on Domestic Violence among the Women of the East Khasi Hills

Impact of Traditional Practices on Domestic Violence among the Women of the East Khasi Hills

Khasi hills is situated in the northern part of India. Many issues of domestic issues are reported in this area. The reasons, intensity or frequency of domestic violence varies according to the cultural background and socio-economic class. In many societies, women face a lot of issues associated with the culture and traditional practices of that community. According to certain traditional practices followed in societies, women are expected to conduct herself according to what has been taught and practice for generations. Violations of those norms lead to severe consequences. Domestic violence is also an outcome of such norms followed in the society. Therefore, the present study focuses on understanding the traditional practices followed in the Khasi community and its effect on domestic violence. For the study, the researcher selected 150 women from East Khasi Hills Districts. A descriptive research design is used for the study. Convenient sampling method was used along with a close-ended questionnaire for gathering information. Descriptive statistics, Man-Whitney test, Chi-Square, Spearman Correlation were used for analysis of the different traditional practices and type of domestic violence. The research finding indicates that women in the Khasi hills faced physical and psychological violence, in which psychological violence is found to be more prominent. Inheritance is one of the factors that have a significant impact on domestic violence. The traditional practices followed by the Khasi community is a reason for women being abused by their spouse. Effective intervention programme and Capacity Building for different Stakeholders on the different causes and preventive measures on incidence of domestic violence can bring about positive change in matters related to domestic violence towards women in the state of Meghalaya.

DAPHISHA LYNGDOH

Social Work