Balancing Home and Livelihood in traditional Meitei Society: A case study of Housewives in Wabagai Village

Abstract

Housewives play a fundamental role in maintaining the stability and well-being of a family. Their responsibilities are extensive, spanning from household duties within the family to active roles in the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres of society. Meitei women hold a central position in the socio-economic landscape of Manipur, making vital contributions to both household stability and community development. Their economic role with various occupations for family sustenance, socio-cultural role for the maintenance of social order, response to crises, custodian to cultural practices, etc. are crucial in shaping the Meitei society. The present study is an analysis of the role and socio-economic conditions of the housewives in Wabagai village in Kakching district of Manipur. Primary data were collected to examine their demographic profile, educational status, occupation and income patterns, participation in community activities and the challenges and the psychological impact they faced during hard times. The findings of the study show that housewives contributes significantly to the socio-economic conditions of the family and society by balancing domestic responsibilities with livelihood activities such as small-scale trade, daily wage earner, weaving, market trade and agricultural work. In hard times such as the COVID-19 lockdown, they contribute greater responsibility in the family and society for which they often encountered psychological strains. The study calls for greater recognition of the role of housewives in family and society and emphasizes the need for gender parity in the working of a family.