Destitute Women in Kerala: Psychological resources and psycho ...

Table 3.2 Religious Composition of Inmates in Mahila Mandirs
Sl. No. Religion Number (percent)
1 Hindu 75 (62.5)
2 Christian 28 (23.3)
3 Muslim 17 (14.2)
Total 120 (100.0)
It was found that a large number of inmates had educational qualification of less than SSLC
(Table 3.3). Surprisingly, nearly three percent of them had educational qualification of
graduation or above.
Table 3.3 Distribution of Destitute Inmates Based on Educational Level
Sl. No. Educational Level Number (percent)
1 Below SSLC (including illiterates) 85 (72.5)
2 Above SSLC and below Degree 30 (25.0)
3 Degree or above 3 (2.5)
Total 120 (100.0)
Table 3.4 shows that more than 90 percent of the inmates came from homes of low socioeconomic
status and that none had a background that could be considered high.
Table 3.4 Distribution of Destitute Inmates Based on their Socio-economic Status
Sl. No. S.E.S Number (percent)
1 Low 111 (92.5)
2 Average 9 (7.5)
3 High 0
Total 120 (100.0)
In order to probe the personality variables, emotional maturity, and adjustment ability of the
inmates, we conducted the following psychological tests: (1) personality inventory, (2)
adjustment inventory, and (3) emotional maturity scale.
The psychological tests were administered to each of the inmates individually. As many of
the inmates were not able to read or write, the instructions given in the tests were read out to
each separately. Instructions were explained and doubts cleared. Each statement included in
the psychological test was read out to them and the investigator marked the response to each
of the items. It took about three hours on the average to get the psychological tests completed
for each individual.
Although an attempt was made to collect data from as many inmates as possible, the investigator
could collect data only from 56 inmates. Very old women, children, mentally retarded
individuals, epileptic patients, and mentally ill patients were excluded from the study.
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