Destitute Women in Kerala: Psychological resources and psycho-social needs

Abstract

According to Manusmrithi and other ancient Sanskrit texts, the ideal women are those who do not strive to break the bonds of control and dependency. Indian girls grow up hearing stories of virtuous women like Sita and Savithri considered epitomes of proper wives. A girl child is trained to be modest, kind-hearted, and submissive. She is taught to suppress her feelings and emotions. She is not allowed to have rest, recreation or work of her choice. Besides, cultural devaluation of girls influences their life-long behaviour.