Inequalities between men and women in nutrition and family welfare services: an in-depth enquiry in an Indian village
Khan, M.E.; Anker, S.; Dastidar, S.K.G.; Bairathi, S.
Social Action New Delhi 38(4): 398-417
1988
Document Number: 556891
A study was undertaken of women's access to nutritious food and medical care in 3 villages of Uttar Pradesh, India. Women were found to be discriminated against in childhood, adulthood, on marriage and at old age. Although all household members ate the same basic meals, males (adults and children) received most of the nutritious food such as ghee, milk and buttermilk available to the family as they were considered to be the 'bread winners' (present or future). Sons were also breast fed more intensively and for longer than girls. In sickness, daughters and sons in the sample were treated differently, with the neglect in the health care of daughters positively associated with the number of daughters in the households. Among adult women, married women are relatively more privileged than unmarried women. Although health treatment is usually delayed for all women, this delay is much shorter for a married woman as the family often cannot afford to have her indisposed. In pregnancy, unless there are complications, women do not got check-ups or immunization. In most cases, deliveries take place at home with the assistence of a traditional dai and family members. This neglect is explained in part by the general lack of knowledge about preventive care measures and the low level of health consciousness of the masses. Old age is a period of suffering for both men and women. For an older woman, the most important factor in her situation is the relationship she has with her son(s) and daughter(s)-in-law.