The Girl Child and the Family: An Action Research Study.

This report describes a nationwide study of female children and the family in rural India. The objectives of the study were to generate data on the situation of female children; to identify the major problems related to their status; to start a series of programs to help remedy those shortcomings; and to assist communities, and women in particular. Demographic data, including family migration, occupation, economic status, government programs received, housing, family structure, education, and occupation, were obtained. Chapter 1 describes the study's rationale, methodology, and conceptual framework. Chapter 2 provides a profile of households. Chapter 3 reports vast gender bias inherent in the socialization of children, including gender expectations, parent-daughter activities, and behavioral restrictions related to gender are reported. Chapter 4 presents data on school attendance, participation in extra-curricular activities, school facilities, dropouts, reasons for not attending school, parental levels of education, birth order and school attendance, and the view of female children's ideal level of education. Chapter 5 includes data on mother's health, immunization, nutrition, health treatment, appearance, and environmental factors. In chapter 6, survey results on menstruation knowledge, puberty rites, taboos, and restrictions are reported. Chapter 7 reports the percentage of female children performing economic activity. Chapter 8 includes six case studies and five brief case profiles. Chapter 9 presents the profiles of the geographical areas involved in this study. Chapter 10 summarizes findings, state policy and programs, and directions for action. (WP)