PANEL ORGAN - KIIT University

ABSTRACTS 

APPROVED PANELS 

PANEL-01: TEACHING INDIGENOUS CHILDREN 

26 th November, 2012 Time: 14.00-16.30hrs Hall No.: 

PANEL ORGANIZER 

ERASMUS, Piet, University of the Free State, Bloemfontien, South Africa, E-mail: 

 

PANEL ABSTRACT 

There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in Africa, the Americas, Asia, 

Europe and the Pacific. They belong to minority groups likely to be the poor and the 

vulnerable in majority-oriented societies. Belonging to the 'majority' means, on the one 

hand, ready access to education and the production of knowledge, and, on the other 

hand, the possibility to choose an education system that best serves their needs. By 

contrast, indigenous children experience not only a serious backlog regarding the 

production of knowledge, but their status in society dictates that they have to deal with 

systems of education that do not necessarily address their specific needs. In fact, it was 

exactly due to these education-related issues that indigenous people from across the 

world held a convention in 1993 and demanded "the establishment of systems of 

education which reflect, respect and embrace indigenous cultural values, philosophies 

and ideologies” (Coolangatta Statement 1.3.2). The purpose of this session is to respond, 

in part, to this appeal by presenting salient and deserving case studies, by making 

theoretical and methodological advancements, by rethinking basic assumptions, and by 

finding alternative ways to deal with these issues. Topics include but are not limited to: 

• Dealing with cultural conflict, e.g. language issues; 

• Models of Indigenous Educational Practice; 

• Motivating cultural responsiveness towards Indigenous Education; 

• Partnering mainstream Western Education and traditional Indigenous 

Education; 

• Direct outcomes of Indigenous Education; and 

• Research-based examples of good practices 

PAPER PRESENTERS 

ERASMUS, Piet, University of the Free State, South Africa, P.O. Box339, Bloemfontein 

9300, South Africa, E-mail: 

Expectations of the Role / Influence that a Khoekhoe and San Early Learning Centre 

would have in the Promotion of Awareness in Indigenous Matters 

The Khoekhoe and San are the indigenous peoples of South Africa. In 2010, the 

Department of Anthropology at the University of the Free State launched a Khoekhoe and 

San Early Learning Centre (KSELC) in Heidedal. The main objectives of the KSELC are to 

assist indigenous people who wish to revitalise and develop their Khoekhoe language 

skills, and to create a teaching environment that will respect the Khoekhoe and the San’s 

heritage and culture. Before the opening of the KSELC, research was conducted in terms 

of a pre-testing and post-testing research design. This was done through a survey of inter

alia the expectations of the role or influence the KSELC would have in the promotion of 

awareness in indigenous matters. The data obtained during the survey will be presented 

and interpreted in this contribution. 

DINERO, Steven C, Human Geography, College of Science, Health and the Liberal Arts, 

Philadelphia University School House Lane & Henry Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144 USA 

215-951-2608, E-mail: 

Education and Youth Development in an Alaska Native Community: Costs and Benefits 

The Khoekhoe and San are the indigenous peoples of South Africa. In 2010, the 

Department of Anthropology at the University of the Free State launched a Khoekhoe and 

San Early Learning Centre (KSELC) in Heidedal. The main objectives of the KSELC are to 

assist indigenous people who wish to revitalise and develop their Khoekhoe language skills, 

and to create a teaching environment that will respect the Khoekhoe and the San’s 

heritage and culture. Before the opening of the KSELC, research was conducted in terms 

of a pre-testing and post-testing research design. This was done through a survey of inter 

alia the expectations of the role or influence the KSELC would have in the promotion of 

awareness in indigenous matters. The data obtained during the survey will be presented 

and interpreted in this contribution. 

RADAELLI, Isabella, Anthropology of Contemporary Milano Bicocca University, Italy, 

Education Programs for Chinese Ethnic Minorities, E-mail: 

From Theories to Practices - A Case Study among the Mosuo Matrilineal Society 

The Gwich’in Indians of northeast Alaska are undergoing a period of transition. The youth 

differ greatly from the previous generations in terms of values and behaviors. An inability 

to speak Gwich’in, interest in material goods, and consumption of fewer country foods are 

now common among the younger generations. At the same time formal education rates 

are on the rise. Using primary data collected from 1999 to 2012 in one community, Arctic 

Village, this paper will address how education benefits as well as undermines Indigenous 

values and culture. While education is crucial in empowering young community members, 

enabling many to eventually enter wage labor, improving their ability to afford the costly 

monetary inputs now needed to hunt, fish and gather, many, once educated, leave the 

community in search of opportunities in urban centers. Thus formal education of Gwich’in 

youth is a double-edged sword, essential to the community’s future well-being yet also 

posing a potential threat to its long-term viability 

ANITHA, J., Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed University, Gandhigram-624302, Dindigul 

District, Tamil Nadu, India, E-mail: 

Educating the Paliya Tribe on the Lower Palni Hills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu 

The Chinese Government has recently put great efforts into improving the educational 

conditions of the Country, trying to bring a better learning environment also to areas of 

ethnic minorities. Thanks to the education policies and programs, most ethnic 

autonomous regions have been authorized to develop special curriculum focusing on their 

own ethnic languages and customs. Benefits for rural education were increased, allowing 

more families to send their children to school. Despite the promotion of the ‘two basics’, 

consisting of a nine-year compulsory education program (six years of primary school and 

three years of middle school) and the eradication of illiteracy among youth and middleaged 

people, Governmental efforts have not succeeded in implementing a universal 

primary education or a qualified teaching environment to rural areas. In this paper I will 

first try to outline the education policies of different ethnic minority groups in the Yunnan 

area; I will then focus on the case of Mosuo people, a small ethnic group living in

mountains and agricultural sites, basing mostly on my recent ethnographic fieldwork in 

Southwest China. Drawing on formal and informal meetings with local teachers and 

students in primary and middle schools, I will give a general overview of the formal 

education context, full of Han nationalist values and strict learning models. The familial 

education provided to children in the traditional matrilineal households of Mosuo people, 

the values of harmony and equality promoted in their society are in contrast with pressure 

and competition students have to face in the scholar context. I will try to show the 

contradictions between the standard education system and the local familial education, 

and also the difficulties in teaching the same state curriculum among students with 

different backgrounds and belonging to different ethnic groups. I will finally propose a 

reflection on the incompatibilities between the formal and the informal systems: the 

teaching of ethnic minority contents promote the conservation of ethnic values and 

traditions, but at the same time it will deviate from the Chinese standard curriculum with 

students being less prepared to pass high school and university entry examinations 

BAG, Minaketan, Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur Univesity, Odisha, India 

E-mail: 

Free and Compulsory Education: Just to Literate Not to Educate the Indigenous 

Children 

The Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Act came into force from April 1, 

2010 in order to bring the marginalized groups into the mainstream. The Prime Minister 

Dr. Manmohan Singh has emphasized that if the children are given right education, India’s 

future will be strong and prosperous. But does the ‘Free and Compulsory Education Policy’ 

include the indigenous children Inclusive education means the education of allchildren, in 

spite of differences, difficulties and problems, and to maintain a vision of common school 

for all. Such a school accepts all children, understands their individuality and responds to 

their individual needs: a school for all is a place where every child can develop according 

to his/her abilities, skills and talents. Without quality and sustainable education there can 

be no sustainable development of Indigenous communities. The standard of education and 

infrastructural facilities offered in government run school is too low in comparison to 

private run school. The conflicts with the right to free and reasonably priced education for 

all, as well as threatening the integrity and independence of educational curricula. 

Against the backdrop the paper tries to make a humble attempt to analyze the situation of 

government school and the huddles to obtain quality education. 

DAS, Susmita, City Women’s College, Siripur, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India 

E-mail: 

Pre-School Education its Impact on Children’s Holistic Development of Luxmipur Block: 

an Exploratory Study 

Children are the most precious assets of every nation, as we have started the 21st century 

with the visionary challenges for the children to protect the right .The Universal 

declaration of human right recognize the fact that the children are entitle to special care 

and protection. It is stated in article of the declaration that’’ every child regards less of 

his /her race color, sex, language, religion, ethnic or social origin, property or birth, 

disability, the right to such measures of protection are required by his status as a minor, 

on the part of his family, society, and the state’’. The author of this proposal has special 

weakness for these tribal villages of Luxmipur block in Korapurt district. The selected 

Villages are Santipadar, Uskavatta, Diasili, Podasankudi and Dumuripadar. The district is 

remote in the terms of communication, transportation and electrification. As we live in a 

metropolitan developed city enjoying with every comfort in life cannot think beyond about 

these remote places. But Pre-school education brought revolutionary changes in terms of

social-Cultural-personality development moreover holistic development in their lives 

which greatly affect the family and the society as well. With reference to pre-school 

education it reflects their living style, food habit, hygiene aspects and cultural beliefs. 

Apart from that most of the people (90%) are from different tribal groups. They need 

motivation along with great patience to make them convince for the pre-school education 

and make them to understand the importance and the need of education for the 

betterment in their community life. 

PANEL-02(A): CHILDREN IN PATRILINEAL AND MATRILINEAL SOCIETIES 



RANJAN, Geetika, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India, E-mail: 

 


The system of inheritance, descent and succession plays a dominant role in determining 

the attitude of a family and society at large towards its children. Certain studies have 

shown that in patrilineal societies the male children are mostly given a preferential 

treatment. For instance, in many patrilineal societies in India the birth of a male child is 

desperately prayed for as the boys are taken as retainers and transmitters of the family 

name and such an approach eventually leaves shadows over the other rights of the girl 

child in such societies such as quality of education being imparted to her, her nutritional 

requirements etc. In matrilineal societies the descent and inheritance is traced in female 

line. In communities like the Khasi of Meghalaya the youngest daughter inherits the major 

share of the parents’ property. The proposed panel shall attempt to unravel the position 

of children – male and female in matrilineal and patrilineal societies and their 

socialization under the two different canopies. It shall also explore the pertinent realities 

which lie between the general assumptions of girls calling the shots and boys being on the 

receiving end, in case of matrilineal societies and vice versa in the case of patrilineal 

societies. 


NASIR, Rosina, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, School of 

Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, AP, India, E-mail: 

 

Descent: Conceptual and Operational View 

Radical feminists invariably accuse patriarchal structure and ingrained element of 

inheritance of property which is aligned with patrilineality for the social evils against 

women in society. It is needed to address the debate on the edifice of social structure 

wherein predominant space has been allocated to patrilineal descent instead of any other 

descent. Question arises that why and who has designed the social structure in favor of 

the dominant position of male thereby neglecting other biological variations. Would it be 

possible to assume a descent contributing the social structure which is being neutral in 

character in every aspect, left alone the biology This article represents an endeavor to 

comprehend the conceptual base for the shift from matrilineal to patrilineal descent, if it 

has been so and how this shift is aligned with benign social change ascertaining equitable 

position of women. Apart from conceptual review of the descent, in the present study an

attempt has been made to understand the operating concept of descent(s) among the 

Muslims and the Hindus of North India and associated pros and cons with it. 

MARAK, Q, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, School of Social 

Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, AP, India, E-mail: 

 

The Gendered Paradoxes of the First Born: A Study of a Matrilineal Society 

The Garos are a group of people inhabiting the north-eastern parts of India and across the 

political divide the northern parts of Bangladesh. Theirs is a definitive matrilineal society 

where lineage, succession and inheritance are in the female line, i.e, passing from the 

mother to the daughter. In such a society it is imperative that every family has at least a 

daughter though which all the traditional norms and practices will succeed. In such a 

scenario, the female first born is expected to play a vital role. On the other hand, in such 

a society a son too is required in order to fulfill certain roles. Again, among all the sons it 

is the first born who is expected to take a pivotal responsibility in his sister’s family in 

later stages of life. The present paper will attempt to look into the paradoxes involved in 

the role and status of the first born among the Garos. It will also try and look at the 

differences, if any, in the upbringing of a first born daughter versus a son, and the first 

born versus the others. Finally it will try to look for answers for such an existent paradox 

in the society. 

RANJAN, Malvika, Department of History, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India, 

E-mail: 

Feminist Challenge to Patriarchal Culture in 19th Century India 

India is a predominantly patriarchal society, in which males as fathers or husbands are 

assumed to be in charge and the official heads of household. The descent and inheritance 

are traced through the male line, known as a patriarchal system, and they are generally in 

control of the distribution of family resources.Indian women negotiate struggle for survival 

through an array of oppressive patriarchal family structures- ordinal status, relationship to 

men through family of origin, marriage and procreation as well as patriarchal attributesdowry, 

kinship, caste, community etc. Child marriage gradually became a rule rather than 

an exception, eroding childhood from the child.It was in the latter half of the 19th century 

that many patriarchal features such as child marriage, sati were questioned by male social 

reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and others. This paper 

is an attempt to revisit and review this first phase of feminism in India which challenged 

the evils of patriarchy such as child marriage, female infanticide, heralding a new era for 

women and children in particular. 

PANEL-02(B): CHILDREN IN PATRILINEAL AND MATRILINEAL SOCIETIES 



RANJAN, Geetika, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India, E-mail: 

 


SRIVASTAVA, Rashmi, S.P. Degree College, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, UP, India,

E-mail: 

Gender Bias in Health and Nutrition Care in Patrilineal Societies in India 

Inequities, driven by overwhelming poverty, affect both male and female in developing 

world. Yet cultural traditions, scant economic resources and limited opportunities often 

marginalize females all over the world. Males have better across to health care, nutrition 

and education. Gender bias has spread throughout as men retain economic and political 

power. Women’s health issues have traditionally been ignored in patriarchal systems. 

Many Indian women go through life in a state of nutritional stress, with little control over 

their own fertility and reproductive health, and face violence inside and outside the 

family. In many households across the country, boys generally enjoy preference over girls 

in matter of health care. Mortality and morbidity rates are apparently higher, and severe 

clinical forms of protein calorie malnutrition like kwashiorkor more prevalent in girls than 

in boys. The prevailing distortion in population sex ratio in all the states of India, 

excepting Kerala, is in line with these findings. 

DKHAR, Dr. Valerie, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India, E-mail: 

 

The Effect of Socio-Cultural Factors on Gender Preference in Khasi Society 

The relative value of male and female children is the outcome of many economic, social, 

cultural and demographic factors as well as the role assigned to sexes by the society. The 

preference of a female child in matrilineal societies is indicative of the kind of social 

structure that exists in these societies, since descent and inheritance is traced through the 

female line. Due to the very nature of matriliny, it becomes imperative to beget a female 

child in order to ensure the succession of the clan. This leads to a preference for a female 

child. This paper, however, seeks to explore whether families of the Khasi matrilineal 

society in Meghalaya are still deeply rooted in this tradition or with time, changing their 

perspective due to certain factors like education, modernization and globalization and the 

impact thereof on the children. 

NONGKYNRIH, Deigracia, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalay, India, E-mail: 

 

Girl Child Labour in Patrilineal and Matrilineal Societies: A Case study of Shillong City 

Child labour is a phenomenon largely exemplified in under-developed and developing 

countries. Literature suggests that the treatment meted out to boys and girls differ 

according to the prevalent social and cultural customs and traditions. Under patrilineal 

societies it is a well known fact that preference is being given to a boy as opposed to a girl 

child; while under the matrilineal societies, equal treatment of both sexes is generally an 

observable fact. The only exception under the matrilineal society is the system of 

inheritance that is traced through the women. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to 

examine the extent of girl child labour in a matrilineal set up and whether there are any 

differences in the treatment towards the girl child under the prevailing customary 

practices of the society. 

PANEL-03: GLOBALIZATION AND CHILDHOOD 


PANEL ORGANIZER

DE CASTRO, Lucia Rabello, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL, E-mail: 

 


Globalization, in its far-reaching and invisible economic and cultural aspects, has 

impacted children’s lives and their relationships with adults. As a seemingly unavoidable 

phenomenon, globalization has imposed new sets of ‘universal’ values which compete and 

often disarticulate former normative social arrangements between generations. As part of 

the transformed worlds in which children now live, stand the ideals of individual formation 

and realization whose strides are oriented towards the construction and the fulfillment of 

a ‘life of one’s own’. The era of consumerism and material realization of late capitalism 

has provided the means whereby the individualized subjectivity has been able to respond 

to the demands of self-construction and achievement. The experience of growing up in the 

21st century has been caught under the sway of individualism, consumerism and 

materialism, tenets of a globalized capitalistic world. On the other hand, it has been not. 

Globalization, in its overwhelming impact on people’s and nations’ trajectories, may strike 

as an irresistible and an all encompassing phenomenon, one that stands on its own 

mandatory principles leaving the impression of a truly globalized world for which there are 

no alternatives. Children’s lives and doings, especially in some parts of the world, show 

the multifarious ways whereby ‘being a child’ can be lived out. This poses the problem of 

conceptualizing such diversity other than as a deviance or a pre-stage of the univocal path 

set by globalization. The purpose of this panel rests on examining ‘other children’ and 

‘other childhoods’ so that present theories and concepts of childhood can be 

problematized in their ‘globalized’ assumptions. The tension between particularizing and 

universalizing childhood, the relevance and the domain of the social category of children 

itself in relation to other social categories, the question of children’s rights and the issue 

of intergenerational relationships can be considered key topics for a critical appreciation 

of globalization effects on childhoods and children. 


FRESNOZA-FLOT, Asuncion, Germany, Unité de Recherche ‘Migrations et Société’ 

Université Paris Diderot – Paris 7, Case courier 7027, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, E-mail: 

 

Growing Global between Two Societies: Filipino “1.5ers” in France and their Caring 

Grandmothers in the Philippines 

The migration of Filipino mothers is one of the effects of the globalisation of Third World 

economies. It has led to an increasing number of children left behind, generally under the 

care of a female kin. During family reunification, caregiving arrangements change again, 

which entails emotional adjustments for the child and for his former caregiver. Examining 

the case of 1.5-generation Filipinos in France (i.e. migrants who were born in the 

Philippines but immigrated to France before the age of 18), this presentation explores 

their early life experiences and their relationships with their caregivinggrandmothers. 

Results of ethnographic fieldwork conducted in France and in the Philippines show that 

these migrants grew up managing the pain of family separation with the help of their 

grandmothers. After moving to France they became even emotionally closer to their 

grandmothers, who idealize their past and hope to be reunited with them in the future’ 

CAVAGNOUD, Robin, IFEA, Av. Hernando Siles no 5290, Esquina calle 7 de Obrajes, La 

Paz, Bolivia, French Institute of Andean Studies (UMIFRE 17 CNRS-MAEE), E-mail: 

Andean Children as Cultural Actors and Global Issue: An Example of ‘Corporate Social 

Responsibility’ (CSR) Intervention in Rural Peru 

In the Andean area of Peru, children’s participation in agricultural activities in the family 

framework is linked to their involvement in rituals of thanks for earth – the Pachamama – 

and for products supplied to household. This association gives them a cultural identity very 

different from other parts of the country where children’s economic participation is highly 

stigmatized. Meanwhile, since 2001, a Spanish telecommunications company implements 

in the framework of its “corporate social responsibility” (CSR) a social program called 

Proniño aiming to eradicate all forms of child labor in the country, including in rural areas 

where children’s participation in farming and cultural activities is predominant. Based on 

an ethnographic fieldwork, this communication proposes to analyze “other” childhood 

instrumentalization by the institutional logic of CSR, and the emergence of a new form of 

ethno and adultocentrism, related to globalization and the seeking of new markets by 

multinational companies. 

SHARMA, Minushree, Doctoral Candidate Singapore, National University of Singapore 

AS103-06 11 Arts Link Singapore-117570 / Block 352, #03-113, Clementi Avenue 2, 

Singapore-120352, E-mail: 

The Challenges of doing Participatory Research among Street and Slum Children of 

KolKata, India 

This paper is based on conceptual and practical lessons learnt from experiences of 

Nabadisha programme for street and slum children of Kolkata, India. The programme is 

primarily dedicated to the education of street and slum children by providing them with 

preparatory schooling before mainstreaming them into formal schools. In recognition that 

children are social actors in their own right, whose views and perceptions need to be 

understood, this paper gives space for children’s own experiences and perceptions about 

their everyday life, dreams and aspirations, and also discusses the approaches employed 

to gather information and the role of ethics in doing child-oriented research. I argue that 

listening to children’s views and perspectives is particularly important if we wish to gain a 

greater understanding of the similarities and differences between different children’s 

lives. In planning programmes and policies for children, it is important to recognize the 

diversity among children’s life experiences, and to respond to children within their local 

community context. During my fieldwork I have observed that street children spend more 

time in the school as compared to the children coming from the slum. For street children 

school is not merely for education, but also acts as a space for friendship and an escape 

from living in public all the time. It is important to adopt a reflexive methodology in order 

to do participatory research with children. Children respond differently based on the 

researcher’s approach. In my case this involves my position as an adult and also as a 

volunteer for an NGO, maintaining confidentiality which is highly valued by children and 

providing adequate information about the research. 

DE CASTRO, Lucia Rabello, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Av. Rui Barbosa 

40 apto. 902 Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22250 020, Brazil, E-mail: 

Children’s Autonomy in Educational Settings in Brazil: Changes and Challenges 

Children’s autonomy has stood as a main goal in the process of educational relationships 

conducive to an increasing capacity on children’s part to share the normative encodings of 

social life purported by the self’s rational choice and decision. Deep changes in the 

material basis of societies and cultural dominants have affected the nature of the social 

bond that secures children’s internalization of norms and identification with societal 

values. This paper re-visits the concept of autonomy in order to examine present 

dilemmas and difficulties of intergenerational relationships in educational settings in

Brazil. Based on an empirical project where children are invited to take part in a school 

calendar of festivities, the paper seeks to highlight the affective/aesthetic basis of 

decisions and choices and their collective construction. In this vein, the paper is set to 

problematize the type of children’s autonomy that they need in today’s world and how 

adults should contribute to this goal. 

BISWAL, Madan, MSW Programme,Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur University, 

Odisha, India, E-mail: 

Impact of Globalization on Food Habits of Children: Study from a City of West Odisha 

Globalization has intruded into the life of all age groups particularly children. A child 

when goes to the market never misses to go for fast foods and soft drinks. Children prefer 

to sit in front of the T.V. munching chips, choco-bars and wafers rather than to take food 

on dining table. The paper highlights how globalization has created interest among 

children of Sambalpur city of Odisha, India for frozen, packed, cooked, semi-cooked, 

processed and ready to be served food items instead of the traditional healthy diet. It also 

analyses the brand-choice decision making among the children. Data and information have 

been collected from the children of six different schools in Sambalpur city. It is observed 

that fast foods and soft drinks are considered more prestigious and image-promoting than 

the traditional foods. The growing consumption of fast foods among children has resulted 

in making the children fall easy prey to hazardous diseases. 

PANEL-04: ETHICS AND ETHNOGRAPHY WITH CHILDREN: WHAT CAN ANTHROPOLOGY 

OFFER 

26 th November, 2012 Time: 14.00-16.30hrs Hall No.: 04 


RAZY, Elodie, University of Liege, Institute of Human and Social Sciences Boulevard du 

Rectorat, 7 – B31, 4000 Liège, Belgium, E-mail: 


As a social and historical notion and a product of a globalized world, ethics has various 

senses, each evoking polysemous meanings. It is gaining more and more space through the 

growing importance of Minority Rights and the Rights of the Child. Nowadays, ethical 

dimensions of research with children are taken for granted in academic and intervention 

programs set up either by NGOs or international institutions. Nevertheless, it is necessary 

to question accepted wisdom on the issue of ethics in certain ethnographic situations. This 

panel will consider the unique challenges and contributions anthropology offers to the 

discussion of ethical practices in work with children. This panel aims to tackle some of the 

ethical challenges which ethnographic fieldwork with/among children (including the 

youngest of them) emphasizes from a variety of social actors’ points of view. A discussion 

of various issues in different geographical areas should provide some recommendations for 

ethical practices by anthropologists studying children. 


LUITHLE-HARDENBERG, Andrea, Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies (AOI), Department of 

Indology and Comparative Religion, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen Gartenstr. 19, 

72074 Tuebingen, Germany, E-mail: 

Jaina Bal Munis: Controversies on Ascetic Children in Western India

Out of an estimated number of 11,000 -13, 000 Jaina monks and nuns 5 to 20 per cent of 

ordinations involve persons between the age of 8 and 18. In order to push their spiritual 

progress, the child ascetics as well as their adult counterparts are in a constant wandering 

condition, consume a strictly vegetarian diet and are focused on studying sacred 

scriptures, meditation, and performing liturgical rituals. Alerted by the strictness of the 

ascetic discipline, the traditional practice of child ordination was recently put into 

question by Indian child protection as according to their opinion, the life of an ascetic 

infringes the rights of children, which are listed in the Juvenile Justice Act of 2000. On the 

other hand, proponents of child ordination claim it to be a fundamental religious right, 

granted in article 25 of the Indian Constitution. According to them, the inner urge to 

renounce the world (vairagya) is not age dependant and completely uncontrollable by 

legal procedures. Based on ethnographic data as well as on historical and contemporary 

sources the presentation will deal with the following questions: What does it actually 

mean for the affected children to be an ascetic 

CHENEY, Kristen, International Institute of Social Studies, of Erasmus University 

Rotterdam, P.O. Box-29776, 2502 LT, The Hague, Netherlands, E-mail: 

Children as Ethnographers: Reflections on the Importance of Participatory Research in 

Assessing Orphans’ Needs 

Critiques of child participation within aid programming suggest that it is superficial and in 

substantive for the fulfillment of children’s rights. By employing former child research 

participants as youth research assistants, the collaborative research design developed for 

my research project on the survival strategies of African orphans and vulnerable children 

(OVC) has yielded insights with implications for policy and practice that could not be 

gained without the extended ethnographic inclusion of children, as both participants and 

researchers. In this article, I share my reflections on doing participatory ethnography with 

children and youth to demonstrate that ethnographic research is appropriate to the tasks 

of increasing both children’s participation and the effectiveness of children’s rights — 

especially when it models children’s participation in its own research design. Further, I 

argue that involving young people in research can yield greater ownership of 

organizational practice and become transformative of young people and their relationships 

with their communities. 

SUREMAIN (DE), Charles-Edouard, Institute of Research for Development (IRD), UMR 208 

PaLoC - 57, rue Cuvier 75005 Paris, France, E-mail: 

Ethics in Practice With, For and By Children: Ethnographic Figures from Latin America 

In a growing context of media coverage and legislation on children, the particularity of 

fieldwork with children in developing countries implies some kind of proximity which 

requires particular precautions. How do anthropologists who work with, for and amongst 

children concretely face the situation In this paper, I will lean on four different 

“ethnographic scenario” in which complicity, wait-and-see attitude and interventionism 

are mobilized. The paper concludes on the necessity to lead some critical reflection based 

on grounded research. 

RANJAN, Geetika, Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong- 

793022, Meghalaya, India, Email: / 

 

Research Ethics in Studying Children: Fieldwork Experience amongst the Bhoksa 

Tribals

Bhoksa is a tribe in the state of Uttaranchal, India. The present paper proposes that a 

researcher should understand culture specific scenario in order to accordingly mould 

his/her ways of doing research on children. Bhoksa, a Primitive Tribal Group 

(constitutional term) lives side by side with its non Bhoksa neighbors. The Bhoksas stay in 

awe of the non Bhoksas who call the shots in the area. This state of fear is also found 

amongst the Bhoksa children. A large section of the non Bhokasa including the school 

teachers and the local police look down upon the Bhoksas for being “tribal‟. In such a 

scenario the researcher was on guard regarding her attitude and behavior towards both 

Bhoksa and non Bhoksa children. The paper shall focus on research ethics involved in 

understanding gender discrimination amongst children, their access to education, their 

perception of the tribal and non tribal divide etc. and also how they perceive the 

“correct” and the “incorrect”. 

FILIOD, Jean-Paul, Université de Lyon, Centre Max Weber (CNRS, UMR 5283), 11 rue du 

Progrès, 69100 Villeurbanne, France, E-mail: 

Doing Ethnography in Nursery Schools (France), The Researcher confronted with the 

Challenges of Using Picture 

Taking pictures and filming is often a part of the ethnographic work in order to seize in 

detail the motives of action. Referred to childhood and education, this part of the 

methodology is useful to study adult(s)-child(ren) or child(ren)-child(ren) relationships. 

But «private life» and «child protection» as legal issues lead the anthropologist to take 

into account strong regulations about taking and disseminating pictures. Based on 

fieldwork on a program of artistic education in nursery schools (Lyons, France), this paper 

will discuss the problem of using pictures, which are paradoxical objects because of their 

both ordinary and potentially delictuous status. Considering research as a democratic 

process the aim is to build a «fieldwork politics» settled as conciliation between ethic and 

methodological positions and to take into account trusting relationships with the actors, 

both adults and children. 

PANEL-05: RESEARCH ON CHILDREN'S PLAY AND TOYS IN NON-WESTERN OR NON- 

INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY AND 

ETHNOLOGY 



NAGAR, Deeksha and Amrit Pratibha, 5/530, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow-226022, UP, INDIA, E- 

mail: 


The topic of this panel refers not only to what is generally called children’s play and toy 

worlds but to all playful activities including music, singing, dancing and performing. The 

aim is to develop a line of thought and reflection on non-western or non-industrial 

children's play, leisure and toy cultures and its contribution to anthropology and 

ethnology. Research fields that surely relate to children’s playful activities are among 

others material, ecological, cultural, social, economic, educational, psychological and 

aesthetical anthropology. In their presentation participants should link their research to 

ethnographical, methodological, theoretical and/or ethical aspects and to possible 

activities within the sphere of applied anthropology. It is the explicit intention that this 

panel should not remain a onetime event but will start a continuous reflection on the 

proposed panel theme.


NAGAR, Deeksha, Folklorist/Independent Researcher, Amrit Pratibha, 5/530 Vikas Nagar, 

Lucknow-226022, UP, India, E-mail: 

Creativity, Performance and Culture Change, Understanding Children’s World through 

Wedding of the Doll Role-Play 

This paper will highlight the importance and complexity of doing research on children’s 

role-play by examining a popular Indian children’s game called the Wedding of the Doll. 

This theme offers a potent framework for analyzing the social, cultural, and economic 

relationships of children as articulated in their real life and make-believe worlds. It also 

reveals an active inter-generational dialogue because children must consult and seek 

assistance from adults to teach about rituals and traditions to accurately perform the 

wedding of their dolls. Decades ago, children, especially girls learned about all the 

complex caste-based rituals and specific tasks connected with the weddings by planning 

and carrying out the wedding of their dolls. My presentation will show how the Wedding of 

the Doll game has changed over time. My conclusions will illustrate some new theoretical and 

methodological approaches to the study of children’s play and open new vistas to understand 

children’s worldviews. 

REMORINI*, Carolina, and Micaela Rende**, 46 1344, LA PLATA. CP. 1900, BUENOS AIRES, 

National University of La Plata, Argentina, E-mail: / 

 

Play and Child Development: Some Considerations from an Ethnographic Research in 

Two Rural Argentinean Communities 

*My conclusion will illuminate notions connected with childhood in non-western society – 

how a child must be and how should they conform to their gender-roles to develop into 

adults. It will illustrate ways in which children learn through play and by participating in 

every-day life. The examination of children’s everyday life will demonstrate that children 

need experiences, activities and knowledge that provides them with opportunities to 

become part of the community. 

**We present the preliminary results of an ongoing ethnographic research on child rearing 

practices and child development among two rural Argentinean populations: an indigenous 

population (Mbya Guarani) located in Misiones Province (northeast rainforest) and a Creole 

population (Molinos) located in the highlands and semiarid areas in the northwest (Salta 

Province). 

From a methodological point of view we use different observation techniques and 

photographs and videotapes as complementary recording devices. We also interview 

caregivers about local authorities related to child rearing, growth and development. We 

are working on a model for observation and recording information about child rearing 

practices at the domestic level that includes a section on play and games. The used 

method facilitates the recognition of ecological factors characterizing children's play and 

also the comparison of both communities. In relation to the theme of this panel we will try 

to point out how this research can contribute to an interdisciplinary study of play and to 

some sub-disciplines in anthropology and ethnology. 

PANEL-06(A): ETHNOGRAPHY WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A COMPARATIVE 

ANALYSIS ACROSS STUDIES AND CONTEXTS 



DANTAS-WHITNEY, Maria, Western Oregon University, USA, E-mail: 


Our panel brings together ethnographic studies that describe how children and adolescents 

become involved in social, educational, political and cultural dynamics. These studies are 

being conducted in our particular contexts: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the U.K. 

and the U.S. We will seek to provide a comparative analysis across studies and contexts, 

particularly emphasizing the consideration of children and adolescents as individuals in the 

center of inter-subjective relations between us (adults), and the others (children and 

adolescents). Notably, the concept of agency will be highlighted, considering both how 

children propose alternative possibilities for the transformation of their identities and 

their everyday lives as well as its implications for methodology and the epistemology of 

ethnography. 


BORGES, Antonádia, University of Brasilia, Brazil, Colina bloco H apto 508, 70904-108, 

Brasilia, Brasil, E-mail: 

Born in the Promised Land: Youth and the Politics of Belonging in Brasilia, Brazil 

The paper is based on a research done in 6 different cities around Brasilia. Since 2008 to a 

group of around 100 young students attending public schools have been engaged as junior 

researchers in a project about the specificity of their own identity building and social 

belonging in the modernist social landscape. The collective research led the group to 

produce a book and short-films on the local history of each town rejecting the modernist 

history they are taught in school. The discussion on racial and social exclusion experienced 

by those living on the outskirts of Brasilia and the workshops on writing, artisanal 

photography and video techniques gave them tools to produce their own narrative on the 

experiences young people have in this particular urban Brazilian metropolitan area. Our 

aim is to discuss how anthropology has a role to play in understanding social dynamics by 

promoting new forms of knowledge production. 

CARPENA-MENDEZ, Fina, Oregon State University, USA, 212 Waldo Hall, OSU, Corvallis, 

OR 97331, U.S.A., E-mail: 

Children’s Lifeworlds in New Migrant-sending Areas: Sustaining the Everyday in 

Neoliberal Mexico 

Drawing on fieldwork with children and youth in Nahua communities in Mexico, recently 

incorporated into transnational migrant circuits to Philadelphia, this paper explores the 

methodological and epistemological implications of an ethnographic enquiry into 

children’s lives in the context of the profound transformations of the social existence in 

the countryside. First, this paper consist the challenges of employing participatory 

research techniques with children in Gerontocratic communities broken by power struggles 

between generations in the context of youth circular migration to the US. Second, the 

paper challenges current conceptualizations of the children left behind in transnational 

migration as passive dependents of remittances in transnational care-giving arrangements. 

This article argues for the crucial role children play in sustaining the everyday in a context 

where a constellation of neoliberal policies, reshaping the condition of life and promoting 

transnational migrations, have failed to provide rural communities with alternative or 

sustainable livelihoods. 

CLEMENTE, Angeles, State University of Oaxaca, Mexico, A.P. 742 Centro, C.P. 68000, 

Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico E-mail:

Relocalization and borders: Children visiting a Prison in Oaxaca, Mexico 

This paper will illustrate the way children, when they visitied their parents and relatives, 

relocalize their social practices (Pennycook, 2010) within the context of the state prison in 

Ixcotel, Oaxaca. This context represents to them the possibility of comparing the outside 

world with the one where they are spending part of their childhood while they visit their 

relatives. In spite of being in a border situation (Mignolo, 2000) defined by hegemonically 

well-delimited binaries (good/bad, illegal/legal, freedom/incarceration, etc.), these 

children reflect the fluidity (Moita Lopes y Cabral Bastos, 2010) with which they are 

constructing, reconstructing and deconstructing their identities according to their current 

local situation and history. I will analyze the activities and productions of these children 

during the summer courses that are offered at the Ixcotel State Prison in Oaxaca, Mexico, 

where I have being carrying out a long-term ethnographic study for the last four years. 

DANTAS-WHITNEY, Maria, Western Oregon University, USA, 345 N. Monmouth Avenue, 

Monmouth, OR 97361, U.S.A., E-mail: 

Exploring Bilingual Identities: Children’s Social, Cultural and Emotional Investments in 

an Elementary Classroom 

In the U.S., current educational reforms emphasize highly centralized policies through 

mandatory curricula and standardized tests. Within this climate, bilingual learners are 

particularly disadvantaged because of an intensified hostility toward immigration and an 

ideology of “language-as-a-problem,” which rejects multiculturalism, vilifies students and 

families, and views bilingual education as “remedial.”This paper presents an ethnographic 

study conducted with first grade children of immigrant farm worker Latino families 

attending a school in rural Oregon. Against the backdrop of the current macro-level 

educational environment, these children are affected by micro-level ideologies at the 

district and school, which attribute poor academic performance solely to students’ 

linguistic differences and socio-economic backgrounds. In particular, this paper focuses on 

the children’s development of bilingual identities as they engage in literacy practices in 

and out of the classroom. Their ways of talking, acting and socializing reflect a constant 

negotiation between their own cultural capital and the larger educational climate. 

PANEL-06(B): ETHNOGRAPHY WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A COMPARATIVE 

ANALYSIS ACROSS STUDIES AND CONTEXTS 



DANTAS-WHITNEY, Maria, Western Oregon University, USA, E-mail: 


GUERRERO, Alba-Lucy, La Salle University, Bogota, Colombia. E-mail 

Children´s Narratives of Displacement: Practices of Resistance and Social Agency 

The escalation of armed conflicts in Colombia has produced massive displacement of 

civilian populations. Although children are disproportionately affected by this 

phenomenon, their voices are rarely heard. Drawing from socio-cultural theories of 

identity that emphasize the interplay between structural factors and agency and the role 

of discourse as a mediating tool in the construction of identities, this study examines the

ways internally displaced children create and recreate the meanings of their physical and 

cultural worlds. Socio-cultural constructionist theories of identity share the notion that 

meaning emerges in the interplay between individuals acting in social contexts and its 

mediators such as language, tools, activity structures, signs, and symbol systems. From 

this perspective, the transformation of our experience into stories, and the way we carry 

it out, is thus a way to show the salience of particular aspects of our identities. Placed in 

their socio-political and cultural contexts, the stories of displaced children in Colombia 

provide insights into the ways they reconfigure and transform their displacement 

experiences. 

LOPEZ-GOPAR, Mario, State University of Oaxaca, Av. Universidad s/n, Ex-Hacienda de 5 

Señores, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico 68120, E-mail: 

Mexican Indigenous Children as Agents of Change and Literacy Brokers 

This paper presents findings of a qualitative study documenting the non-school and school 

related literacy practices of Indigenous children whose parents are alphabeticallyilliterate 

or have low-levels of formal education. This study draws on theories that view 

literacy as a social, cultural and historically-framed practice (Barton, 1994; The New 

London Group, 2006; Street, 2003) as its theoretical framework. The data collection 

consisted of three semi-structured interviews with twenty indigenous children from two 

different schools. The data was complemented by classroom observations, teachers’ 

interviews and students’ grades and work samples. Based on the triangulation and 

iterative analysis of the data, this presentation will focus on three main themes: 1) 

students’ non-school related literacy practices overall; 2) two students’ non-school related 

literacy practices and their connections to these students’ success and failure in school; 

and 3) learning about children’s “real” literacy practices equals preparing students for the 

“real” world. 

MILLSTEIN, Diana, National University of Comahue, Neuquén, Argentina, Irigoyen 2000. 

Cipolletti (8324) Río Negro, Argentina, E-mail: 

About Neighborhoods and Primary Schools in Argentina: Researching with Children 

This paper arises from two ethnographic research studies in Argentina. The first was 

conducted from 2004 to 2006 in a neighborhood located in Greater Buenos Aires. The 

second is being conducted since 2010, in a neighborhood of the city of Neuquén, 

Patagonian region. Both studies inquire into the unprecedented politicization processes 

that have arisen in State primary schools during the last two decades. These research 

studies involved the incorporation of children as co-researchers. Fieldwork and texts 

written with children gave us access to certain manners of arrangement, classification and 

assessment of places in the local community, according to social groups and institutions, 

giving rise to what De Certeau referred as “place-making.” Frequently, these manners 

were far from the classifications made by schools and other state-run institutions. Thus, a 

rich categorization arose which showed how social groups interweave, how they relate 

with local institutions and particularly with schools. 

RICHARDS, Sarah, University Campus Suffolk, England, University Campus Suffolk, School 

of Applied Social Sciences, Division of CYPE, Waterfront Building, IP4 1QJ, E-mail: 

 

The Illusion of Autonomy in Research with Children 

“Child centered” methodologies have shifted the position of children from passive 

subjects to active agents within the research process. However, the emphasis on hearing 

the child’s “voice” often denies the power relations through which these voices are heard. 

My research explores the narratives of belonging within families with adopted children

from China. Within an ethnographic approach I explore the identity stories of the children 

and their families. Using examples from this research, I argue that current ethical 

principles built upon autonomy can inhibit the capacity for a broader approach 

encompassed by the notion of an ethic of care. The pursuit of autonomy inhibits 

recognition of interdependencies and complex social relations in which children are not 

only situated but successfully negotiate. My proposed approach moves researchers beyond 

compliance with abstract principles and requires us to accommodate the context specific 

relationships in the locations in which we seek to hear children’s voices. 

PANEL-07(A): GROWING UP: HOW GENDER PRAXIS PLAYS A ROLE 



MARAK, Quinbala R, Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong- 

793022, Meghalaya, INDIA, E-mail: 


Not only does the sex of an unborn child an event of great anticipation to parents, 

relatives and society at large, but also leads to many gendered situations in the postdelivery 

and growing-up years. Once the amorphous fetus gains the status of either gender 

(or the third), societal customs take place. These are unwritten and many times unspoken 

norms and a result of socialization. Studies have revealed that a son in many societies 

enjoys preferential treatment in upbringing and in later life in comparison to a daughter. 

In dominant patriarchal societies a daughter is neglected on several occasions. A couple of 

studies in matrilineal societies show a slight variation from the above situation. 


DAS, Mitoo, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India, E-mail: 

 

The Politics of Socialization at Menarche 

My paper looks into the girl child in Assamese Hindu society from the context of 

menstruation as a social construct. In Assam, the biological process of menarche is taken 

over by the complex cultural performance of rituals, rules and restrictions, the moment a 

girl attains it. In this discussion I attempt to look into the process of socialization of the 

girl child which creates a gendered identity via the sociological interpretation of 

menarche. Through this process, a young girl child is ingrained with ideas of how she is to 

proceed through different stages of life, the admission to menstrual rituals, being one of 

them, where her feminine consciousness is built. With the help of specific examples, I 

delve into how this unique socialization process as a complete training programme in the 

expected subtleties of femininity produces many subtle distinctions, the main being a 

separate and inferior identity from that of a man. 

SEWA, Utpala, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India, E-mail: 

 

Traditional versus Contemporary Societal Influence on the Gurung Girl-child’s Self 

Image and Role Expectation 

Gender is as much a societal construct as it is biologically determined. Many influences 

operate on the minor girl-child to inculcate and develop a sense of self and her role in 

the family and the society. My paper will make a comparative study of two very different

societal influences and circumstances on the minor Gurung girl-child in an effort to 

delineate the difference in the outcomes in terms of self-image and awareness of what are 

significantly differing role-expectations. Though born into the same community, the 

Gurungs of Nepal and the Gurungs of India provide different visible and invisible societal 

influences that affect the evolution of the girl’s awareness of her identity and what family 

and society expect of her. The stricter adherence to brahmanical religious code amongst 

the Gurungs of India will be discussed as being an important contribution vis-a-vis the 

tribal identity and its more democratic attitude towards gender differences in the Gurungs 

of Nepal. The existence of the traditional Gurung institution of Rodhighar in Nepal, the 

conglomeration of large numbers of Gurungs in specific areas of Nepal will be examined in 

this context. 

DEVI, Oinam Hemlata, Ambedkar University, Delhi, India, E-mail: 

Childhood Experiences and Discourses: An Interpretation 

There is a ceaseless relationship between the process of socialization and the ideology of a 

society /community. Every community embraces change from time to time which makes 

their tradition alive. Family structure and kinship ties play important role in shaping an 

individual’s personality and position in the society. Manipur is a state where, patrilineal 

ideology prevails and most of the people have different sense of values, accorded to male 

and female children as social norms justifying it with various rituals and practices 

attached to the myths and legends of the area. Females work at the domestic as well as 

the public domain to share the economic brunt with their male counterparts. However, 

there always exists a silence as well as imbalance from the onset of the socialization 

process between the two which needs to be understood for a better society, making the 

conscious effort of constructing gender successful. This paper tries to delineate the 

experiences of childhood process and its associated trajectories of understanding gender. 

SAHNI, Rohini, University of Pune, Maharashtra, India, E-mail: 

/ 

Growing Up as a Sex Worker’s Child – What Does it Mean 

This paper explores the deeper anxieties of being a sex worker’s child; both from the 

perspective of the child as well as the mother. Considering the stigma associated with sex 

work, how do sex workers relate to their children Are children aware of their mother’s 

occupation From the child’s perspective, what kind of apprehensions is brought forth by 

this knowledge of their mother’s work status How does this alter the child’s interaction 

with others in their immediate surroundings, in the locality where they live, in the school 

that they study Is there a gender based difference in terms of perceptions and responses 

among children 

SAMAL, Swagatika, MSW Programme, Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur University, 

Sambalpur, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

India and its Unbalanced Sex Ratio: A Socio-Cultural Contemplation 

Over the years India is witnessing a steady fall in its sex ratio. Indicating a continuing 

preference for boys in society, the child sex ratio in India has dropped to 914 females 

against 1,000 males - the lowest since Independence - 2011 Census reports. Despite a slew 

of laws to prevent female foeticide and schemes to encourage families to have girl child, 

the ratio has declined from 927 females against 1,000 males in 2001 to 914 in 2011. This 

fall in ratio is definitely adverse to girls. The 1991 census had reported child sex ratio of 

945 girls per 1000 boys, which signifies that a decade later the child sex ratio has

worsened further by 18 points. Prior to the 1991 census, this ratio had fallen from 976 in 

1961 to 964 in 1971 and 962 in 1981. A stage may soon come when it would become 

extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make up for the missing girls. The declining child 

sex ratio has already started showing its ramifications in states like Punjab, Haryana, 

Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharastra, Tamilnadu and Himachal Pradesh. In states like 

Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat, this ratio has declined to less than 800 girls per 1000 boys. 

In Punjab itself the declining sex ratio has been resulted in practicing polyandry kind of 

practices which further aggravates the vulnerability of Indian women. This is a true 

picture of discrimination against girl child. Until and unless the missing numbers and the 

resulting imbalance is checked, it will be destroying the social and human fabric. The 

paper aims to have reflections on the socio-cultural factors contributing to the diminishing 

ratio of girl child in India. The analysis will be made based on review of research literature 

and census report from a regional perspective. 

PANEL-07(B): GROWING UP: HOW GENDER PRAXIS PLAYS A ROLE 



MARAK, Quinbala R, Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong- 

793022, Meghalaya, INDIA, E-mail: 


HASAN, Rameeza 

Madhab Choudhury College, Barpeta, Assam, India.Email: 

Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief among Children 

Although man is a mortal being, as the maxim states, fundamentally, emotionally man is 

afraid of death. The fact that death is the greatest shock is deeply rooted in human 

consciousness. The fears, hopes, and orientations people have towards it are not 

instinctive, but rather are learned through the process of socialization. Every culture has a 

coherent system of beliefs whose explanations and reactions to death are so thoroughly 

ingrained that they are believed to be right by its members. Like all cultures the Assamese 

Muslims inhabiting the state of Assam also exhibit gender stereotyping of grief as both 

men and women are saddled with certain stereotypes. Men are expected to be tough, 

confident, rational and in control, not only of themselves but of situations as well while 

women, who have been socialized to be more open with their feelings tend to be intuitive 

mourners. Death and the events surrounding it are understood differently depending on a 

child's age and developmental stage. When someone dies; they will not experience or 

express their reactions in the same way. A child’s responses will depend on the knowledge 

and skills available to them at the time of the loss where the process of socialization will 

play a vital role. In view of the aforesaid traits a study has been conducted among the 

Assamese Muslim children who had experienced the death of a significant other (parent, 

sibling, close relation, or peer). This study provides an anthropological insight into the role 

of gender as an important influence on the death socialization of children and their 

involvement in the various rituals related to death. 

DOISIAMMOI, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India, E-mail: 

 

The Past & the Present: The Case of Vaiphei Child Rearing Practices

The Vaiphei are one of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes that are grouped under the broad Tibeto- 

Burman linguistic group of people, living in Churachandpur District, Manipur. A Vaiphei 

child, whether a boy or a girl is considered the biggest asset for parents. Therefore, it is 

seen that parents invest time and energy towards their upbringing. Many times this occurs 

through certain institutions such as the sawm, dormitory for boys as in the past, and 

Sunday schools in the present. Therefore, this paper will look into the socio-cultural 

aspects in bringing up a child in a society. The paper will throw light into how a child is 

being brought up taking into account the past and present scenario and bring out the 

issues and problems in the process. 

ZAMAN, Rukshana, Faculty of Anthropology, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New 

Delhi, India, E-mail: , 

Growing up as a Mahari 

Orissa the abode of Lord Jagannath is famous for its rich culture and art forms. Odissi one 

of the Indian classical dance forms has its roots in this land. The dance form initially 

dedicated to the worship of Lord Jagannath was a temple dance practiced solely by the 

Maharis (female temple dancers commonly known as Devadasis in southern parts of India). 

This work based on the life history of a surviving mahari, explores the mahari’s childhood 

days growing up in the temple vicinity. It will bring forth the influence of the temple on 

the formative years of the mahari’s life. The paper would also seek to present the 

upbringing of the Gotipua (male acolytes, dressed as females) dancers and try to explore 

the differences in the upbringing of the mahari and the gotipua dancers. 

MARAK, Quinbala, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya, India, Email: 

 

Keeping House and Herding Cows: Games Played by Garo Children 

Children learn many aspects of their own societies through the process of socialization, of 

which games are an integral part. Studies have revealed that the kind of games children 

play and the way they play them discloses not only the psychological constructs of 

children themselves but also the unwritten societal norms. This paper will discuss the 

games that children in Garo society play, and how much of a social reality it portrays. It 

will discuss two important situations – the imitations of elders by children in the form of 

games, and mild rebuke by elders when children play games. The paper will try and see 

how far these two situations go in upholding the societal genderedness. Finally, it will 

analyze whether the matrilineal social structure, that Garos follow, play any role in such a 

socialization process, and if so to what extent. 

PANEL-8(A): CHILDREN AND YOUTH LIVING IN VIOLENT FAMILIES 


PANEL ORGANIZERS 

(1) CHOWDHURY, Aparajita, Department of Home Science, Berhampur University, 

Odisha, INDIA, E-mail: 

(2) PATNAIK, Manoj Manjari, Berhampur University, Odisha, INDIA, E-mail: 

 

PANEL ABSTRACT

As many as 275 million children worldwide are exposed to violence in the HOME. Violence 

against children is a violation of their human rights – a disturbing reality of every society. 

It can never be justified whether for disciplinary reasons or cultural tradition. Children 

who live with and are aware of violence in the home face many challenges and risks that 

can last throughout their lives. The impact of witnessing family violence on children 

seems to extend beyond their social, emotional and behavioral problems to more general 

aspects of their health and all round development. Child abuse and family violence are 

inextricably interwoven and violets each and every part of CRC both by the parents and 

state to which the children belong to. Only a small proportion of acts of violence against 

children is reported and investigated, and few perpetrators held to account. In many parts 

of the world there are no systems responsible for recording, or thoroughly investigating, 

reports of violence against children, especially within family. Yet, very little is known 

regarding the cost of family violence against children and youth in specific socio-cultural 

context. This panel will try to understand the various issues involved in violence against 

children and youth within families and develop basic theoretical approaches for suggesting 

interventions. Topics include but are not limited to: 

• Exposure to parental fights; 

• Witnessing or experiencing abuse and/or violence within family; 

• Child abuse and neglect within family; 

• Physical punishment. 

• Sibling Violence; 

• Teenage violence/aggression against parents; 

• Violation of Child Right within Family; 

• Victimization and Policy Response; 

• Victimization and Human Rights initiative 


SEKHAR, Chitra ,Adjunct Professor, Inter Disciplinary Studies, Carleton University, 

Ottawa, Canada, E-mail:

abuse and exploitation of minors will be discussed so that participants will be able to 

recognize trauma "signs and symptoms". In addition, they will explore the roles of various 

professionals and sectors of society (from small communities on up) in educating families 

about sexual abuse, preventing its occurrence, and enhancing family resilience. Finally, 

an overview of the importance and types of counseling for children, parents, marriages 

and families where sexual abuse has occurred or has been a factor (and the role of 

appropriate extended family members in treatment) will be provided. 

JANIF, Jennifer Khan, International Development Officer, Auckland, New Zealand, 

E-mail: 

SILENCE: The Impact of Family Violence on Children/Youth in Indian Communities in 

New Zealand 

The violence against a girl child has become a regular phenomenon. Violence against a girl 

child includes the actions causing physical, biological and psychological harm or injury to 

her modesty. Family members are as much responsible for this as outsiders. This violence 

against a girl child has come to be recognized as a human rights violation. The common 

and well known violent acts against girl child are beating, torture, physical abuse, rape, 

incest, trafficking, mental, physical harassment and customary Jogini system etc. A new 

study led by researchers at the Harvard school of public health (HSPH) revealed that the 

deaths of 1.8 million female children in India over the past 20 years are related to 

domestic violence against their mothers. The researchers found that husband’s violence 

against wife increased the risk of death among female children, but not male children. 

This paper is an attempt to present varied violent actions against girl child and dearth of 

effective legislations and offer suggestions to strengthen the existing laws and bring new 

legislations to prevent violence against girl child. 

SHEYKHI, Mohammad Taghi, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, E-mail: 

Decreasing Children vs. Future Prosperity: A Sociological Study of Children in Iran 

The paper investigates how decrease in the number of children is in process in Iran, and 

what motivates families to take the initiative. Though multiple factors play role in this 

process, but the main aim is to build a prosperous future for the children. The baby-boom 

of 1980s has created an atmosphere in which a large number of the present youth remain 

unemployed. At the same time, and as a positive step, many of children born in 1980s 

have found the opportunity to be graduates and post-graduates of universities. These 

quality youth prefer to have fewer and the least number of children, with the hope that 

their children could face bright prosperous future. However, education-specific fertility 

rates, or better to say; total fertility rate (TFR) in Iran has fallen from over 6 children in 

1980s to about 1.8 in 2010. The paper finds out how education matters for human 

development. The author attempts to represent the quality dimension of children within 

the present families in Iran. In the present paper some 400 children were interviewed in 

their families. 

TAILLIEU, Tamara L. Department of Family Social Sciences,University of Manitoba, 

Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2, E-mail: 

Corporal Punishment and Psychological Aggression: The Long Term Impact of 

Aggressive Parental Disciplinary Strategies 

Parental use of aggressive discipline, specifically corporal punishment (cp) and 

psychological aggression (pa), has been shown to increase the risk for a number of

problem behaviors in children and adolescents. How cp and pa experienced in childhood 

contribute to adverse developmental outcomes in adulthood remains to be understood. 

Survey data collected from university of manitoba students (n = 1133) was used to assess 

the effects of childhood experiences of cp and pa on externalizing (i.e., intimate partner 

violence, criminality, alcohol abuse) and internalizing (i.e., depression, anxiety, and low 

self-esteem) problems in early adulthood. Because aggressive disciplinary techniques do 

not occur in isolation, a number of protective factors were also considered in analyses. 

Both cp and pa were associated with lower levels of parental warmth/support and 

responsiveness, and more inconsistency in discipline. However, highly inductive parents 

tended to use cp and pa more frequently than less inductive parents. Hierarchical 

regression analyses indicated that childhood cp predicted later intimate partner violence, 

and childhood pa predicted anxiety and lower self-esteem in adulthood, even after the 

effects of positive parenting were taken into account. These findings suggest that not 

only do cp and pa tend to occur within environments that are less conducive to positive 

development, but also predict problematic developmental outcomes in adulthood even 

after the effects of protective factors are taken into account. 

PANEL-8(B): CHILDREN AND YOUTH LIVING IN VIOLENT FAMILIES 






 


KHAN, SairaRahman, School of Law, BRAC University, Bangladesh, E-mail: 

 

Acid Violence and Adolescent Girls: Socio-Legal Implications 

The crime of acid violence involves the throwing of acid or any other corrosive substance 

on the body of another. This heinous act is common enough in Bangladesh to warrant a 

separate law, the acid crime control act, 2002 to punish perpetrators of this crime. The 

main targets of this crime are young women and girls between the ages of 13 – 20, who are 

more visible due to their daily routine of going to school or college and work. The main 

perpetrators are young men, usually those who have been rejected by the victim or her 

family as potential grooms or whose offers of love have been ignored. A majority of this 

crime occurs in the rural areas and small towns of Bangladesh, where the control of the 

sale of acid (as per the acid control act 2002) is lax and where employment rates are low. 

Treatment is expensive and the scars are permanently disfiguring. This paper highlights 

some of the social reasons why acid violence occurs in Bangladesh and the social and legal 

consequences of such crime. It is based on data and cases obtained from five years of 

study of acid violence in various areas of Bangladesh and highlight not only the position of 

the victim and her family, but also why such crime continues. 

CHOUDHURY, Reeta, Shailabala Women’s College, Cuttack, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

Adolescent Girls Experiencing and Witnessing Domestic Violence: An Exploratory Study 

in Cuttack District of Odisha 

Violence is a growing problem worldwide and a leading public health issue based on 

gender victimizing female group of the population particularly-children, adolescents, and 

the elderly. The proposed study is an exploratory one conducted to investigate the 

prevalence and demographic characteristics of witnesses, victims, and perpetrators of 

violence among adolescent girls in the age group of 15 to 18 years studying higher 

secondary class in the Cuttack district of Odisha. The study revealed a marked 

manifestation of gender based violence, and is profoundly prevalent in Indian families 

today. The psychosocial adjustment of the victims were also examined which is 

detrimental to their overall growth and development. Early identification and intervention 

is extremely vital for the welfare of the future generation to come. 

PANDA, Bhavani Prasad, Berhampur University, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 

Child and Adolescent Delinquents: Victimization and Policy Response in India 

‘Child & adolescent delinquents’ in this paper refer to ‘juvenile in conflict with law’ and 

‘young adult offenders’ below the age category of 21 years respectively. The national 

policy relating to child and adolescent delinquents have undergone manifold changes in 

post-independent India. The resultant law is still in experimental stage. The change in 

policy adjustments and legislative framework in consonance to the international dictums 

have impacted in several ways on the marginalized group of children and youthful 

offenders leading to untold victimization. Welfare state is supposed to play the role of 

parenspatrae but contrary to the great expectations the state policy has become ricochet. 

In the light of the above an attempt will be made in this paper to critically examine the 

state aberrations leading to victimization of ‘juvenile in conflict with law’ and adolescent 

offenders’ in the process of correctional administration. 

ANJANEYULU, M., Acharya Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh, E-mail: 

 

Child Victimization in Early Marriage 

Children are made to suffer violence and exploitation not only by society, but also by their 

own family members. Child marriage exposes the child to marital abuses, violence, rape, 

etc. It is estimated that over 60 million children are exposed to such victimization. 

Illiteracy, dowry system, penury, indiscipline, lack of control, customs, and incest along 

with the changing family structure are the reasons for aggravation of the problem. Weak 

legislations and apathetic governmental approach to the problem further contributed to 

the situation. The role played by the judiciary has minimal effect in arresting the child 

marriages. In this paper, an attempt will be made to highlight the issues relating to 

victimization of child through child marriages. 

SINGH, Kavita, West Bengal National University Juridical Sciences, West Bengal, Kolkata, 

India, Email: 

Child Sexual Abuse: Investigation, Prosecution and Conviction 

In 2009 total number of reported cases of rape is 21397 in comparisons to 2010 total 

number of reported cases are 22172. Out of 21566 cases reported in 2010 , 288 cases 

offenders were parents or close family members, 1344 were relatives, 7816 were

neighbors and remaining 12118 were unknown persons. Rape victims, mostly women and 

children, report their rapes to police. Special characteristics of child sexual abuse are as 

follows: it brings shame and social stigma attached to victim. Victim is treated with 

suspicion and almost as an accomplice. Indian penal code defines rape and requires 

proving peno-vaginal penetration. Cases of sexual abuse if an external object is used that 

is not covered under the rape laws. These cases boil down to the law of criminal 

intimidation or outraging of the modesty. For these offences the punishments are very 

less. Penal code provides for higher punishment for child rape and also has provision of 

mandatory sentence, but courts always do not give higher punishment. The researcher in 

this theme paper would study the various laws relating child sexual abuse, lacunae in the 

law, procedure of trial, Supreme Court guidelines and guidelines given by other 

commissions and finally give suggestion for reform. 

PANEL-8(C): CHILDREN AND YOUTH LIVING IN VIOLENT FAMILIES 






 


CHOWDHURY, Aparajita, Professor, Post Graduate Department of Home Science, 

Berhampur University, Odisha – 760007, India, E-mail: 

Home Truth: Child Maltreatment and Abuse within Family 

Child maltreatment and abuse within family is shrouded with secrecy in every society. 

Present study is an honest attempt to search for meaningful understanding of child 

maltreatment and abuse within family in Indian socio-cultural context. Based on the 

National Study on Child Abuse in India (2007) and a sample study conducted in Odisha, this 

investigation indicate the prevalence of child maltreatment and abuse within family by 

their own parents and care takers. The principal causative factor was found to be the 

greater parental stress and strain, marital conflict, financial deficiencies and ignorance 

about child care and protection. 

CHALIHA, Deepa Hazarika, DCB Girls’ College, Jorhat, Assam, E-mail: 

 

Alcoholism: A Cause of Domestic Violence among the Tea Tribes: A Case Study of 

Upper Assam 

Alcoholism is a common practice among the tea tribes of Assam. The problem of 

alcoholism at present is considered not only as a moral problem and a sign of social 

irresponsibility, but also has been viewed as an illegal act. The tea tribes of Upper Assam 

adopt alcoholism mostly as a part of enjoyment and also to find respite temporarily from 

anxiety. But, it takes a serious turn in the families. It, on one hand leads to family tension 

and violence and on the other hand causes heavily on the family budget, health etc. 

thereby making life miserable. The children brought up under such a situation are greatly 

affected and as a result the children resort to measures such as running away from homes

and adopting unfair means. Ethnological reasons urge them to tread the path of their 

parents and elders. They too adopt alcoholism and the same story goes on and on, 

generation after generation. Although of late, child of a tea tribe family is given ample 

opportunities by the garden authority as well as the government, it has not yet produced 

fruitful results for psychological reasons. Across the state of Assam, the tea tribes face 

deprivation which has their root in the historic exclusion and denial of proper status. 

Therefore, it can be assumed that as long as frustration among the tea tribe families 

arising out of poverty, injustice and demeaning of their labor is not removed, alcoholism 

will persist leading to multiplication of instances of violence. It is only by providing their 

due in the society that alcoholism can be removed which will lead to a better tomorrow 

for the children of such families. 

RAJKUMARI, Sumati, G.P. Women College Affiliated to Manipur University, Imphal, 

Manipur, E-mail: 

Impact of Home Environment on Values of Adolescent in the Changing Trends 

Adolescence refers to a period in which a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult, 

a period of rapid growth and a time of extensive personality reorganization. It is a time of 

considerable changes in physical stature, physiological and endocrine changes, changes in 

patterns of thinking, attitude, relationships and moral standard, a time of acquiring new 

skills, attaining mastery over environment, learning to handle new responsibilities and 

gaining control over emotions and thoughts. The future of societies depends on their 

success in providing pathways whereby young people develop and prepare themselves to 

be contributing adults to their communities. When these pathways are well-marked, 

stable, supported by the family and community and inviting to adolescents, a society can 

be confident that new generations will join the ranks of adulthood well-prepared. When 

these paths are hazardous, unpredictable, uninviting or ill-fitted to the actions and 

demands of adulthood in the society, the future is insecure, both for adolescents and for 

society. 

SWAIN, Meera, Central University of Odisha, Koraput, Odisha, E-mail: 

 

Violence against Children within Family: A Comparative Study in Bhubaneswar and 

Koraput of Odisha, India 

The present study is carried out in the capital city Bhubaneswar and Koraput district 

headquarter having contrasting socio-economic settings. Violence against children within 

the family in these two setting is studied to explore the causes and impact. The children 

are under pressure due to competitive study atmosphere, severe workloads in schools and 

colleges, and above all the expectations of the parents to have a professional and 

rewarding career. This pressure minimizes the creativity. However, in the slum and rural 

areas, the scenario is different as the children often squander time and indulge in bad 

habits while their parents are busy in earning their livelihoods. Often they engage 

themselves in child labor and are subjected to violence and abuse. The children in joint 

families are also abused and subjected to violence mainly because of unequal income of 

their parents. The gender discrimination between the children is another sphere of 

concern. 

PATNAIK, Manoj Manjari, Berhampur University, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 

Human Rights Issues and Implications of Vulnerable Children in Indian Families

Childhood is a complex phase of life with plethora of vulnerabilities. Families are supposed 

to provide protective umbrella for growth and overall development to their children. 

Statistics and studies reveal that there are predators within the family and relatives who 

put the children to turmoil. The children within India families, in recent days due to 

globalization are facing newer typed of wrath. It is not to say that the violence against 

children is a post-globalization phenomenon, but the Indian family system has been 

diluted greatly due to alternate-family, nucleus family model etc in distinctions to old 

family bondages. This state of affairs culminated into newer type of situational exposure 

of the children to dangers at the hands of their own family members. In such difficult 

changing composition of family, the only amelioration appears is to understand, imbibe 

and practice human rights ethics within the family. An effort will be made in this paper to 

reflect the human rights issues and deduce the implications of child violence within 

family. 

PANEL-8(D): CHILDREN AND YOUTH LIVING IN VIOLENT FAMILIES 






 


DEVI. V, Hemalatha, Faculty of Law, IFHE, Hyderabad, E-mail : 

Violations and Protection of Child Rights in Families in India 

Children are most precious in family, but the state of affairs give rise to their vulnerability 

to physical, mental & emotional abuse. The United Nations convention on rights of the 

child, 1989 is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full 

range of human rights civil, cultural, economic, social and political. The child has many 

rights like to be born, parental care, adequate standard of living, health care, safe and 

clean environment , education, services, basic needs, recreation etc., and freedom of 

speech, from exploitation, non-discrimination etc., in the present day society, in spite of 

international conventions, Indian constitution, legislations and judicial protection, 

children face widespread deprivation, discrimination, abuse and domestic violence. This 

paper for panel discussion covers various rights of children, violations and protective 

measures. 

JAYASREE, Lakkaraju, Acharya Nagarjuna University, AP, India, E-mail: 

 

Violence against Girl Child and Legislative Inertia 

The violence against a girl child has become a regular phenomenon. Violence against a girl 

child includes the actions causing physical, biological and psychological harm or injury to 

her modesty. Family members are as much responsible for this as outsiders. This violence 

against a girl child has come to be recognized as a human rights violation. The common

and well known violent acts against girl child are beating, torture, physical abuse, rape, 

incest, trafficking, mental, physical harassment and customary jogini system etc. A new 

study led by researchers at the harvard school of public health (hsph) revealed that the 

deaths of 1.8 million female children in India over the past 20 years are related to 

domestic violence against their mothers. The researchers found that husband’s violence 

against wife increased the risk of death among female children, but not male children. 

This paper is an attempt to present varied violent actions against girl child and dearth of 

effective legislations and offer suggestions to strengthen the existing laws and bring new 

legislations to prevent violence against girl child. 

DHINGRA, Rajani, Jammu & Kashmir University, Jammu Tawi, India, Email: 

 

Witnessing Violence against Family Members: Children’s Self-acceptance facing Armed 

Conflict in Kashmir 

The present research assessed the effect caused due to traumatic experiences on the 

knowledge related to self among children. The level of self-acceptance among children 

affected by armed conflict was also studied. The sample for the study comprised of a 

group of 100 children [50 militancy affected (MA) and 50 non-militancy affected (NMA)] 

selected for detailed study from a residential institution. The children were between 6-12 

years of age at the time of study. Institutional authorities (Director, Mothers, Counselors 

and Teachers) were also included in the sample. Raven’s Progressive Matrics, Self Concept 

Check list (SCL). Interview guides, Observations, were used as tools for study. The data 

revealed that MA group children had realistic knowledge of their self. They were aware of 

their positive and negative personality traits. However, Due to the exposure to the 

violence and losses suffered by MA children, they hardly appear to have focused their 

attention on the aesthetic aspects of their life. MA children were found to be more 

realistic in their approach towards life when compared to the reference group. They had 

reasonable desires as they appeared to be aware of where they were and where they have 

to reach rationally. The MA group children were unable to feel and reflect positively about 

their past lives. Lesser discrepancy (as compared to NMA group) between ideal-perceived 

self and ideal-real self among MA group children indicated self-acceptance. The desire for 

changes reported by them showed their need for enhancing their life skills for the benefit 

of society. The discrepancy between perceived-real self of MA group was found to be more 

than that of NMA group. It was observed that core group children were unable to furnish 

information about their emotions. This discrepancy reveals that the MA children were 

having emotional problems at a latent level but were trying not to let it be manifested 

outwardly. The findings of the research indicate strong need for supportive therapies for 

children in armed conflict. 

PANEL-9(A): STUDIES OF CHILDREN AND CHILDHOOD IN LATIN AMERICA FROM THE 

COLONIAL PERIOD TO THE PRESENT 



GUADARRAMA, Nadia Marín, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, MEXICO, E- 

mail: 


In Latin America, the social meaning of children and their participation in societies have 

been determined by contexts of colonialism, independent movements, revolutions and 

globalization, where gender, ethnicity and class have been crucial for the construction of

what a baby, a girl or a boy is. Based on rigorous and long-term researches that contribute 

to the understanding of children in Latin America through time, this panel brings 

knowledge about children in Latin America past and present contributing to analyze 

similarities and differences of childhoods and children in the region. 


GUADARRAMA, Nadia Marin, School of Political and Social Sciences, Autonomous 

University of the State of Mexico and State University of New York at Albany, E-mail: 

 

Loving and Rearing Nahua Children in Early Colonial Mexico: The Reconfiguration of 

Discourses about Meanings of Childhood and Practices of Childrearing 

This paper illustrates why and in what terms the meanings of indigenous childrearing and 

childhoods were discussed and depicted in a Mesoamerican setting of the XVI Century. 

During that early colonial period, Nahuas from Central Mexico realized that Spanish 

colonizers were interested in learning about and transforming even the most intimate 

aspects of their lives, including the meaning of a child and childrearing. In the process, 

friars and Nahuas had agreements or experienced contradictions regarding how girls or 

boys should be raised. Today, ethnographic, ecclesiastic and civil documents written in 

Nahuatl by male Nahua scholars and Christian friars are a window to explore this 

sociocultural confrontation. Preliminary conclusions show that in this historical period, the 

discourses related to childrearing practices as well as childhood entered into a process of 

reconfiguration that ended up in the impoverishment of practices and moral patterns that 

Nahuas built over centuries. 

CORONA-CARAVEO, Yolanda, UniversidadAutónoma, Metropolitana Xochimilco, E- 

mail: 

Generational Changes in Children’s Involvement in Community Endeavors. Work, 

School, Play and Ceremonial Life in a Central Mexican Town 

This paper describes experiences of childhoods in four different generations in Tepoztlán, 

Mexico. Through testimonies of people between ten and eighty-nine years old, it reports 

childhood periods from the first to the last decade of the 20th century, structuring the 

findings according to four main activities in which children have engaged in their everyday 

lives: work, school, play, and ceremonial activity. The analysis of the data shows that 

intensive participation in communal activities—particularly productive work, was the main 

form of socialization among the first two generations. The progressive institutionalization 

of schooling brought severe tensions between work and school, through the introduction of 

different forms of learning unrelated to the cultural practices. In the last two generations 

the forms of socialization in the community were displaced to the arena of religious 

festivals, a celebratory setting in which the local view of the world is transmitted to 

children and young people. 

HECHT, Ana Carolina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), yConsejoNacional de 

InvestigacionesCientíficas y Técnicas (CONICET)/University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and 

National Council of Scientific and Technical Investigations (CONICET), 

E-mail: anacarolinahecht@yahoo.com.ar 

Identity and Language Socialization of Toba Children in Buenos Aires, Argentina 

This paper examines the role of children in the dynamics of sociolinguistic changes and the 

construction of the ethno-linguistic identity. In general, it analyzes the relationship

etween language shift processes and communication practices in the family. Specifically, 

it explores the relationship between language socialization practices and childhood among 

Toba children (an Argentinean indigenous group). Language socialization process refers to 

the ways in which new members of communities learn cultural competencies through 

language, while at the same time they are socialized through the use of language. The 

study focuses on a marginal urban setting in Buenos Aires where monolingual practices 

(Spanish) are replacing bilingual ones (Spanish-Toba). Consequently, many children are 

rapidly shifting to Spanish while loosing their knowledge of the Toba language. But, native 

language is a valuable element of their ethnic identity. 

MONTEJANO, María Dolores Cervera, Centro de Investigación y de, EstudiosAvanzadosdel 

IPN (Cinvestav), Unidad, Mérida, E-mail: 

Remembering ik’: Yucatec Maya Theory of Child Development 

Ik’ has been documented as natural phenomenon and health risk but its multivocal nature 

has not been explored. I present results of my long-term research on Yucatec Maya 

parental ethnotheories and document the relationship between ik’ and child 

development. Regardless of whether mothers speak Maya or not, they describe 

development as understanding (na’at). They define it as being responsible and respectful, 

and distinguish school and household as separate domains for understanding. Mothers who 

speak Maya relate understanding to remembering ik’. Based on maternal descriptions and 

exegesis, epigraphic and historical evidence, linguistic and ethnographic studies of the 

Maya, I argue that ik’ refers to a soul that plays a central role in the cultural construction 

of Yucatec Maya children and childhood. I finalize discussing the implications of these 

results and the challenges of studying children and their developmental niche from the 

modernity/coloniality/decoloniality framework. 

BORDI, Ivonne Vizcarra, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, E-mail: 

 

Fat, Poor and Indians; the New Realities of Childhoods in Mexico 

The prevalence of obesity among schoolchildren in Mexico ranks first in the world. In 

response, the Federal government has summoned all state governments to promote an 

action plan to combat this epidemic: Increasing physical activity at school, preventing the 

sale of food high in carbohydrates within the school, promoting water consumption, and 

including nutrition education in natural science courses, among other actions. However, 

these measures ignore the fact that social inequality is one of the earliest forms of 

discrimination against children who are in conditions of social vulnerability such as 

poverty, ethnicity, and gender. This characteristic identifies the indigenous children in 

Mexico nowadays. Taking as a case of study two indigenous groups in central Mexico: the 

Mazahua and the Otomi, this paper attempts to determine the impact that these policies 

have produced on the construction of indigenous children who are obese but have a 

history of malnutrition at home. 

SANTOS, AdemirValdir dos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, UFSC (Brazil) 

E-mail: 

The Lost Germany: Children's Schooling in Colonies of German Immigrants in the South 

of Brazil 

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the South region of Brazil received thousands of 

German immigrants’ families. They opened up community based schools inside the

colonies that became an ethnic mark of identity. But in the first decades of the last 

century those schools were the target of nationalist campaigns which required its closing 

or a complete transformation. This research is based on school’s documents and oral 

memories of three generations of German immigrants’ descendants. It shows that children 

were forced into learn Portuguese and change their behavior, which caused evasion and 

the children were held back. It is assumed that the perpetuation of positive or traumatic 

memories of schooling is used to reinforce and reaffirm affection, consanguinity and 

belonging to a common cultural heritage. In this way, the mental representations of the 

inhabitants perpetuate the idea of making part of a Brazilian Europe, besides the social 

preservation of “Germanity”. 

PANEL-9(B): STUDIES OF CHILDREN AND CHILDHOOD IN LATIN AMERICA FROM THE 

COLONIAL PERIOD TO THE PRESENT 



GUADARRAMA, Nadia Marín, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, MEXICO, E- 

mail: 


ROSHANI, Niousha, Institute of Education, University of London, E-mail: 

 

Beyond Child Soldiering: Understanding Children and Violence in Colombia through 

Creative Research Methods 

In situations of armed conflict or violence, a significant number of young people below the 

age of eighteen join armed groups on their own decision, challenging conventional ideas of 

children as passive victims and presenting evidence that they are also creative resilient 

actors aiming to improve their lives (Rosen, 2005; Honwana, 2005, Hart, 2006; Rosen, 

2008; Poretti, 2008). To date, relatively little research has sought to explore the lives of 

children, especially those in situations of extreme violence from their own perspective, 

and the majority of research on children and war has focused on trauma and pathology 

leaving out the greater societal dimensions of violence (Hart, 2006; Boyden & de Berry, 

1997; Hilker& Fraser, 2009). Employing arts-based methods, this research focuses on the 

mobile trajectories of children’s lives under conditions of political violence and economic 

uncertainty in Colombia and examines how children maintain everyday life in zones of 

violent conflict. 

MARIA, Rosa, Ramos Rodríguez Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas, Universidad 

Nacional Autónoma de México, E-mail: 

What We Prefer and What We Eat: Discrepancies of Children from Cuentepec, Morelos, 

Mexico 

Overweight and obesity are a World problem, due basically to inadequate eating practices 

and low physical activity. In Mexico this health problem has reached an alarming degree 

both in developed and marginalized communities. Public health policy seeks to better 

eating practices and promote physical activity. We offer results from Cuentepec, a small 

and highly marginalized nahuatl speaking community in the State of Morelos. We applied a

questionnaire to 500 students between 9 and 18 years of age, exploring: a) the three foods 

that they enjoy the most; b) what they had really eaten before and during their stay in 

school. Their preferences are varied, and include products that are inadequate for their 

health. We found discrepancies between what they prefer and what they consume. This 

has implications for public health policies. 

VARGAS, Luis Alberto, Instituto de InvestigacionesAntropológicas, Nacional University of 

Mexico, E-mail: 

Feeding Practices during the First Year of Life, Alternatives from Traditional Mexico 

The first year of life has a high risk for health, since mother’s milk becomes insufficient 

during the rapid growth of the baby. Complementary or weaning foods are needed, and 

societies around the World have chosen some, that may have advantages and could be 

used in other places. This is the case of atole, a nutritive beverage made from maize that 

has been used since remote times to feed babies. It has the advantage of allowing other 

products to be added and enhance its nutritional qualities. We will offer evidence of its 

quality. 

REMORINI, Carolina, National University of La Plata, Argentina, E-mail: 

 

The Role of Ethnography in Latin American Studies about Child Development: 

Challenges, Intersections and Disputes 

In recent decades, there has been substantial progress in the study of Early Childhood 

Development (ECD) from interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives. Several authors 

acknowledge the contribution of Anthropology to the debate about ECD, in dialogue with 

psychology, neuroscience, education and medicine. These studies stress the importance of 

social contexts in regard to physical growth and later health issues. Anthropology 

emphasizes the notion that children´s development is driven by the interactions they have 

with those in their immediate environments and the activities in which children 

participate. In this sense, the importance given to the environment from an ecological 

perspective recognizes the heuristic value of ethnographic studies. The purpose of 

thispaperis to analyze anddiscuss the possibilities ofinterface between ethnographyand 

disciplines thathave traditionally studied childhood development.First, we review 

theexistingdisciplinaryproductionin this field inLatinAmerica, focusing on indigenous and 

peasant societies. Second, we analyze the maincontributionsethnographycan make in 

methodological terms. In relation to this, we discuss the challengesit facesin the context 

ofinterdisciplinary research. To conclude, we would reflect onthe need to 

recovertheECDas an object ofethnographic study, as it was in thebeginning of 

thediscipline. 

PANEL-10: ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH 



RAY, Subha, University of Calcutta, West Bengal, INDIA, E-mail: 

 

PANEL ABSTRACT

Adolescence is generally considered to be a healthy period of life. But, this period brings 

in forth another dimension of health, i.e. the reproductive health about which many 

adolescents often are less informed and experienced because of certain social and 

cultural barriers. Therefore, adolescents may be at an higher level of risk of sexually 

transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, unintended pregnancy and other consequence that can 

affect their futures as well as the future of their communities. The reproductive and 

sexual health needs of adolescents are different from those of adults and vary with their 

differential sex and marital status, class, region and cultural context. The purpose of this 

panel is to have a critical understanding of (a) reproductive and sexual health problems, 

(b) level of knowledge attitude and practices and (c) the role of society and culture 

regarding sexual and reproductive health issues of the adolescents in a changing global 

context. 


MALAKAR, Biswanath, JRF Biological Anthropology Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, 

B.T. Road, Kolkata, E-mail: 

Reproductive Health of Adolescent and Young Adult Male: A Study in the City of 

Kolkata 

The present study is an attempt to explore the similarities and differences regarding the 

reproductive and sexual health knowledge, attitude, practices between adolescent boys 

and young adults of Kolkata Metropolitan area. A total number of 106 participants (40 

adolescents and 66young adults) were selected for the study. The age group of the 

adolescent boys and that of young adults are 14–18 years and 18-27 years respectively. A 

pre-tested questionnaire/schedule was used to collect information on socioeconomic 

variables, knowledge and awareness on reproductive and sexual health issues and 

practices. The results show that one fourth and one third of the adolescent boys and 

young adults are unaware about the correct mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS; a large 

section of the respondents of both the categories are unaware about the legality of 

abortion; although majority of the adolescents have the ‘correct idea’ about causes of 

pregnancy and the function of penis; yet half of the adolescents do not have the ‘correct 

idea’ about the function of sperm; use of condom is the major matter of discussion among 

the adolescents and adults with their friends; condom and pills are the main contraceptive 

devices known to the adolescents and young adults; small numbers of adolescents were 

aware of vasectomy, tubectomy and IUD compared to their counterpart; masturbation is a 

common practice found among the participants and its frequency is slightly higher among 

the adolescents than the young adults; the stimulus of masturbation for majority of the 

respondents of both age groups is pornographic materials; more number of adolescents 

experienced non-penetrative sex compared to their counterpart; and with respect to 

penetrative sexual behavior, young adults outnumbered the adolescents. 

CHATTERJEE, Parama, Women’s Studies Research Centre, University of Calcutta, 

E-mail: 

Adolescent Women’s Reproductive and Sexual Health: A Critical Understanding with 

the Help of Case Studies 

The needs of adolescent reproductive and sexual health are different from that of the 

adults and vary with differential sex and marital status, region and cultural context 

.Adolescents are less informed and experienced regarding sexuality. Advancing sexual 

health among adolescents requires understanding the relationships between relevant

aspects of the developing self (e.g. self-esteem and sexual expectations) and the multiple 

contexts in which such development occurs (e.g. interpersonal experiences) .In the 

patriarchal society women are not respected in matters of sexuality. Questions emerge 

about power, privilege, and access which are central to understanding many aspects of 

sexual health. Unintended pregnancy, forceful abortions, low spacing, sexually 

transmitted diseases are the consequences of unsafe sexual practices and lack of 

knowledge and awareness .These have severe consequences on their future as well as the 

future of their communities. Conditions like reproductive tract infections and vaginal 

discharge may receive inadequate attention because sexual matters and related 

gynecological problems are shrouded in a culture of silence, embarrassment, shame and 

blame. My paper will explore the above aspects in the changing global context with the 

help of some case studies. 

MISHRA, Shailendra Kumar, Sikkim University, Gangtok, INDIA,Biological Anthropology 

Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, B.T. Road, Kolkata, E-mail: 

 

Sexual Attitudes and Its Socio-Demographic Determinants among a Group of Adolescent 

Girls in Sikkim, India 

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 1994, brought 

adolescent sexuality and reproductive health in main agenda of the health policies in 

various countries. Out of 1.9 billion adolescents worldwide, about 86% of them live in 

developing countries. This ‘second decade of life’ involves rapid growth and development 

for their body, mind and social relationships. In India, adolescents constitute one fifth of 

the total population but never remained the main focus for government policies and 

programmes. Adolescent girlsupto age 19 comprise about one-quarter of India’s female 

population. These girls are in an especially disadvantageous situation within the Indian 

social structure having gender-bias in terms of food intakes, access to health care, and 

growth pattern. Physiologically and socially girls are generally more vulnerable than boys 

of the same age group. Moreover, following the seclusion norms of the male dominated 

society, these girls get little exposure or physical access to the world outside. Thus, with 

relatively weak health and nutrition, they are caught in a web of ignorance, poor 

reproductive health, life-long economic dependency, physical seclusion, early marriage 

and frequent child bearing. Evidences of research suggest that supportive social 

relationships in the family may create protective effect against a number of risky 

behaviours at young age. Adolescent development theories based in social bonding and 

social learning theories, and resilience theory highlight the importance of the role of 

attachment to the family and social institutions for protecting against risky sexual 

behaviours. The present study investigates role of family environment and certain sociodemographic 

factors in determining sexual attitudes of the adolescents in a group of 

adolescent girls in Sikkim Himalaya. The study population includes 1246 girls, aged 15 to 

19 years, from all the four districts of the State in both rural and urban areas. A two-stage 

sampling design was used in selecting the study participants. Data were collected using 

interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information on socio-demographic 

characteristics, sexual attitudes, socio-demographic characteristics of the participants was 

collected. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used. The results of the 

study show that age of girls, harmonious family context, supportive father and supportive 

mother are positively associated with non-risky sexual attitude. Similarly, stressful family 

is also positively associated with risky sexual attitude. Correlation between sexual 

attitudes and discipline in family and liberal outlook of family are not found significant. 

The results of hierarchical multiple regression models show that girls of rural areas are 

more likely to show risky sexual attitude as compared to their suburban and urban 

counterparts. Results of the present study indicate that all the strategies for adolescents

must be tailored to the unique developmental needs of young people and to the contexts 

and cultures in which they live. Family members, teachers, and programmers all should 

understand and respond to the unique needs of this age group in changing social scenario. 

The diversity of sexual behaviours and sexual health needs also demands a range of 

prevention strategies among them. It is to be noted that the present study provides 

community level baseline information on the reproductive health aspects in this Himalayan 

State and the findings of study may help formulating health policy for the adolescent girls 

in this regard 

BHATTACHARYYA, Nandini, Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, 35, 

Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700019, E-mail: 

Reproductive and Sexual Health Issues of Young Married Women: A Study on Rural 

West Bengal 

Marriage brings radical change to the life of a young woman. In India, 53.4 % are married 

below the age of 18 years. Initiation of sexual activity among young women takes place 

overwhelmingly within the context of marriage. Early marriage, early childbearing, 

experiences of regular sexual relations, less use of contraceptives, unsafe induced 

abortion and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections positioned married girls as a 

vulnerable group in terms of reproductive and sexual health. Marriages at a young age 

undermine a woman’s education, thereby hindering personal development, economic 

prospects, employment opportunities, social networks, and overall health and wellbeing. 

The present study tried to find out the magnitude of reproductive and sexual health 

problems of young married women and their knowledge, attitude and practices about 

different reproductive and sexual health issues. The study was conducted among young 

married rural women of two districts of West Bengal who presently aged 24 years or 

below, who got married in their adolescent age, have given birth to at least one child. 

Results reveal that majority of the study participants has married at an early age (

tested interview schedule, in-depth interviews and case studies. The prevalence of 

malnutrition was assessed through BMI. Their health care seeking behaviors were also 

explored. 

PANEL-11(A): CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCE OF SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS 



FINNAN, Christine, College of Charleston, Charleston, USA, E-mail: 


This double panel examines the interplay between children and youth and the venues in 

which they spend significant time: schools and classrooms. As formal education becomes 

part of an increasing number of children's lives throughout the world, we need to look 

critically at the effect of schools and classrooms on how children and youth conceptualize 

themselves and others. Schools are typically established to perpetuate the existing social 

and cultural power dynamic, a dynamic that benefits some children and disadvantages 

those who bring different social and cultural expectations to school. On the surface, 

schools appear to be great equalizers by providing a common curriculum for all students, 

but in reality, the curriculum across schools is far from common, giving poor, rural, 

immigrant, and disadvantaged students the allusion of equity, while in reality they are 

learning much less than their more advantaged peers. In addition, a “hidden curriculum” 

exists in schools that focus less on the official curriculum and more on shaping a sense of 

self and developing multiple identities. This learning takes place as students interact with 

peers, teachers, and the larger school system. These panels bring together two sets of 

papers – one focusing primarily on indigenous minority students and the other on 

immigrant students. Both panels examine how students make sense of institutional, 

familial, peer, and societal expectations surrounding their school experiences and how 

their “sense-making” shapes their self-concept. 


FINNAN, Christine,Department of Sociology and Anthropology, College of Charleston, 

Charleston, SC, USA, E-mail: 

The Effect of School and Classroom Interactions and Expectations on Children’s 

Developing Self-Concept 

The elementary school years have a critical effect on children’s developing sense of self. 

Key to developing a positive sense of self, children must believe that they are capable of 

accomplishing challenging tasks, that they belong in and contribute to a social group, and 

that they are capable of being engaged in meaningful work. A positive sense of 

accomplishment, belonging, and engagement is critical to success in school and other 

aspects of life because it helps children persevere when work is difficult, engage 

peacefully and productively with peers, and maintain focus on tasks. This paper 

synthesizes findings from several research projects on how various aspects of school and 

classroom dynamics affect children’s developing sense of self. It examines the effects of 

teacher perceptions, peer interactions, classroom instruction, and alternative programs, 

such as yoga practice, on how children view themselves.

PRAMANIK, Rashmi, Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur University, Odisha, India, E- 

mail: 

Behind the Walls of the School: Experiences from the Voices of School children of 

Western Odisha 

Childhood is a ‘golden age’ where a child is considered to be full of innocence, freedom, 

joy and play. The school children in our study are largely denied of their rights. In reality, 

they have little opportunity to develop their potentials as they are steamrollered into 

areas which are not of their inclination and to levels which they have difficulty in 

attaining. It is a matter of serious concern that children are not given due scope to voice 

their views in matters affecting their own lives. The study critically examines the physical 

and mental pressure of the school-going children in two different but related settings, i.e. 

the school and the home. The teachers at school and parents at home force the child to 

concentrate in academics under the plea “in the best interest of the child”. Thus, the 

ever-increasing burden slowly but surely robs away the childhood from the school-going 

children. 

HAKALAISIN, Ingrid, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 

USA, E-mail: 

Learning to be Ethnic Students: Children’s Perspectives on Multicultural Classrooms in 

Eastern Nepal 

Tensions between democratic unity and cultural identity are often dramatically 

emblemized by the lived experiences of schoolchildren. The purpose of this ethnographic 

study was to probe how the increasing salience of ethnic identity in the unique context of 

post-conflict Nepal intersects with the process this fledgling democracy’s young ethnic 

citizens undergo in becoming “educated persons” by participating in formal schooling. In 

sections of rural Panchthar district, a part of what the Limbu ethnic group considers its 

ancestral territory, Limbu children now encounter their local primary school as a place 

where Limbu language and culture have been formally recognized by being integrated into 

their daily academic routines in the form of the “Anipaan” curriculum (developed by 

ethnic activists). In practice, Limbu students experience their newly “multiculturalized” 

schooling as a complex and often contradictory resource, both a source of empowerment 

and frustration. 

CHAUHAN, Mehul, Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies, Jabalpur, E-mail: 

 

Life from the Rural Classroom: An Indigenous Perspective from Central India 

The present paper deals with the life of the indigenous children in the classroom during 

their school hours. The paper is based upon study of children in two primary schools in two 

tribal villages under Bijadandi block of Mandla district in the central state of Madhya 

Pradesh in India. The paper aims to draw the time line and capture the educational as 

well as non-educational activities of the children in the school. It has been observed in the 

study that there is lack of substantial interest in the mainstream education among these 

children and their families. The major cause of attraction to schools is the opportunity to 

have free mid- day meals, clothes and bicycle for majority of the students. Poor 

mentoring and regularity of classes give children to play and have leisure activities along 

with a little bit of serious study.

HOFFMAN, Diane, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 

USA. E-mail: 

Discussion of Papers 

In the anthropological literature schools represent key sites for a variety of identity 

processes as children encounter varied messages about the nature of their role and 

position in local social and global systems. Drawing from all of the papers presented on 

this panel, these comments will tease out themes related to the formal and informal 

identity curricula of the school, the construction of ethnic and minority identities, and the 

important role of state processes in the identity work of schools. Consequences of identity 

process for social and educational opportunity in global and local contexts will be 

addressed. 

PANEL-11(B): CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCE OF SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS 



FINNAN, Christine, College of Charleston, Charleston, USA, E-mail: 


CHEE, Wai-Chi, Chinese University of Hong Kong, E-mail: 

Schooling in Transition, “Experiences on Immigrant Students in Hong Kong High 

Schools” 

Based on a year-long ethnography in four secondary schools, this research investigates the 

schooling experiences of low-income teenage immigrant students coming to Hong Kong 

from less affluent places, predominantly rural mainland China and South Asia. While these 

students have internalized and shouldered the family expectations for their upward social 

mobility through access to the perceived better education in Hong Kong, they are illprepared 

for the unfamiliar education system and curriculum, and the disparities between 

idealized aspirations and constraints in reality. This paper discusses the institutional 

forces and the discursive and symbolic structures that circumscribe theirlived experiences, 

and seeks to illuminate the interplay between education, ethnicity, and socioeconomic 

factors in the socialization, aspiration shaping, and accommodation and constriction of 

educational attainment of immigrant students. 

PRASAD, Gail, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Second Language Education, 

Canada, E-mail: 

Children as Plural Actors: A Comparative Study of Children’s culturally and 

Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Identities in English and French Schools 

Immigration across Canada has resulted in a diversification of student populations in both 

English and French schools. Today classrooms are increasingly filled with students for 

whom the language of instruction is not their home language. This paper draws on an ongoing 

comparative inquiry with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in four 

English and French Toronto-based schools. Through photography, students engage as co-

esearchers in documenting their plurilingual and pluricultural experiences. Arts-informed 

research practices further support CLD children in expressing their perspectives without 

being limited to language. (Molinie, 2009; Auger, 2010) Inspired by Lahire’s notion of the 

‘Plural Actor’ (2011), this paper examines how students conceptualize their plural 

identities in relation to in/exclusive policies enacted in English and French classrooms. 

Ultimately, this study seeks to support inclusive and equitable pedagogy through which 

students are encouraged to draw on their plurilingual and pluricultural repertoires as 

resources for their learning communities. 

FARMER, Diane, Associate Professor, OISE of the University of Toronto, Canada, E-mail: 

 

Students Making Sense of Their Diverse Pathways of Mobility in Contexts of High 

International and Transnational Movements: A Canadian Case Study 

This study was conducted with children and youth in Canadian schools characterized by 

highly diversified and mobile student populations. The research seeks to better 

understand how students make sense of their experience of geographic (including virtual) 

and linguistic mobility (Thamin, 2007). It also considers how mobility is being increasingly 

mobilized by students and their families as a new form of capital (Kaufmann, 2001). This 

paper highlights students’ representations of a ‘global world’ and their location and 

aspirations as they co-construct in interaction with peers and teachers the multiple 

meanings associated with mobility. The methodological framework uses a multi-site and 

intra-site approach (Miles &Hubermann, 2003) and combines reflexive drawing and 

photography as biographical techniques (Molinié, 2009; Leavy, 2009; Castellotti& Moore, 

2009; Busch et al. 2006; Busch, 2010). Data was gathered in 2010 and 2011 in four classes 

were 60 student biographies were developed. The project is funded by SSHRC. 

AMIGO, MaríaFlorencia, Department of Sociology, Macquarie University, Australia, E-mail: 

 

Is it all About Language The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program in Australian 

Public Schools 

Thirty five per cent of Australian children live in migrant families, of whom a third (about 

400,000) were born overseas. These figures are considerable for institutions such as 

schools that see their migrant student population increase year after year. It is in schools 

that migrant children come into regular contact with the receiving culture, where the 

process of cultural immersion develops through children’s participation in the ordinary 

Australian school system, but is deliberately aided by a systematic English language 

program known as ESL (English as a Second Language). This paper will delve into the ESL 

program and discuss the implications for the children and teachers involved. As we will 

discuss, although the ESL program is designed to focus mainly on the language deficiency 

of migrant students, in reality it ends up becoming the space where, besides language 

learning, both teachers and children are confronted with a whole array of acculturation 

issues. 

NATH, Nibedita, Faculty, Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS), KIIT, Bhubaneswar, 

Odisha. E-mail: 

Experiences and Voices of School Children Living in Slum

Children in general and slum children in particular are the most vulnerable of all social 

categories. The real life of the slum children is just beyond the realm of imagination of 

common man. Education is a necessity for the all round development of everyone 

including children of the poor sections of the society. The present study unfolds the 

experiences and voices of school children living in slums of Sambalpur City of Odisha, 

India. Children reading in Middle English and High School were selected as primary 

respondents for the present study. Data were collected through observation, interview, 

group discussion and case study method. The paper explores how poverty snatches away 

the right to education and makes them to feel that they are poor and neglected sections 

of the society. In spite of the different facilities for education, such as provision of 

primary schools in close proximity, stipends by the Government, free coaching by 

Missionary School, the performance of the slum children is quite disappointing. Drop out, 

stagnation, irregular attendance at school, poor performances in class are the major 

observations. The children tell that “Schooling is tough and course is tougher”. The 

attitude and perception of the teachers towards the slum children is also disappointing. 

The sample children reading in different schools and colleges do not have much 

interaction with the peer groups coming from families with better socio-economic 

background. They are hunted by the feeling of inferiority complex. 

PANEL-12: CROSS-CULTURAL VARIATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD’S SENSE 

OF RESPONSIBILITY 



LEON, Lourdes de, Centro de Investigacionesy Studios Superiores en Anthropologia Social, 

CIESAS Mexico, Mexico, E-mail: 

OTTO, Hiltrud, Centro de Investigacionesy Studios Superiores en Anthropologia Social, 


KELLER, Heid, Centro de Investigacionesy Studios Superiores en Anthropologia Social, 



In studying the ways families’ co-construct mutual orientation in joint activities, directiveresponse 

sequences are central. In this paper I explore how Mayan ideologies of 

socialization emerge in everyday family life through directive sequences. The study shows 

a relation between directive use and ecologies of attention. Here children’s observation 

and keen focus play a central role in the development of an ethos care and responsibility 

in the accomplishment of everyday chores. The study is based on three decades of 

anthropological and linguistic research in the Tzotzil Mayan township of Zinacantan, 

Chiapas, Mexico. We take an ethnographic and talk-in-interaction analysis to examine 

everyday interactions of a focal family and three complementary families. 


LANCY, David F, Utah State University, USA, E-mail: 

Chores and the Development of Responsibility

This paper explores the intersection of the cultural practice labeled “chores” and the 

psychological trait labeled “responsibility.” The crux of the analysis arises from the sharp 

contrast between children maturing in traditional societies and routinely participating in 

household tasks from an early age leading to the adoption of a responsible mien versus 

children in the contemporary elite society eschewing all involvement in household care 

and maintenance and, consequently, developing little sense of responsibility. Recent 

discussions regarding “failure to lunch” or delayed maturity in this culture suggests the 

long-term impact of this phenomenon. 

TAKADA, Akira, Kyoto University, Japan. E-mail: 

Responsibility in Giving and Taking Activity 

As part of more encompassing efforts to develop an empirically grounded theory on the 

cultural formation of responsibility, this paper examines how young Japanese children and 

their caregivers mold their interactions in relation to directives, defined as “an utterance 

intended to get the listener to do something” (Goodwin 2006). We collected data about 

caregiver-child interactions and classified caregiver directives and child responses into 

several categories. Our analyses revealed that when a child resists a caregiver’s directive, 

the caregiver can effectively use “reported speech” and thereby indirectly communicate 

her regulation of the child’s behavior. This provides a context in which actions fit for the 

culturally shared values, such as Omoiyari (sensitivity to others’ feelings and desires), are 

put into practice. These strategies form the distinctive types of communicative 

competence in Japanese caregiver-child interactions and are also induced by the 

structural requirements of conversational settings, which rest primarily on universal 

elements. 

WATERSON, Roxana Helen, Nat’l Univ. Singapore, E-mail: 

Toraja Children’s Perceptions of Ceremonial Life and its Responsibilities 

We investigate maternal conceptions concerning the development of responsibility in 

Cameroonian Nso mothers. We conducted interviews with Nso mothers, focusing on the 

daily responsibilities children are supposed to assume. Our results show that children are 

from early on supposed to take individual responsibilities; however, boys and girls are 

clearly expected to assume different responsibilities. Our results are confirmed by 

ethnographic observations: Nso children are caretakers for younger siblings, they run 

errands, fetch wood and help in the household. 

PANEL-13(A): THE MAKING OF CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE CASE OF “UNATTACHED” 

CHILDREN 



(1) VIGNATO, Silvia, AnthropologyUniversità di Milano-Bicocca, ITALY, E-mail: 

 

(2) BOLOTTA, Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Social and Cultural 

Anthropology, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 120126 Milano, ITALY, E-mail: 


A growing number of “unattached" children, that is, children who grow up outside some 

kind of stable kinship/residential group, characterizes the youngest and poorest 

populations of the world. They tend to live on the margin of the public sphere and of the 

major economic, political, and cultural processes. Institutions of care such as homes or 

outreach stations, be they State-run, religious or NGO based, are often the unique point of 

reference for these youngsters and thus religious beliefs or/and ideologies of “child 

suffering” play a prominent role in their identity construction process. Panel members will 

provide analyses of the role of ideology in the socialization of unattached children. 

Panelists will consider both the messages conveyed to “clients” by the aid organization as 

well as the children’s interpretation and use of such messages in the process of managing 

their own face or identity. 


LEE, Laura May (Ward), University of British Columbia, 2416 W 13 th Ave, Vancouver, BC, 

V6K 2S8, Canada, E-mail: 

Suffering of Youth Headed Household in Kenya: Youths Perceptions and Experiences 

With the impact of conflict and AIDS, youth-headed households in Kenya live in a situation 

of chronic crisis, dealing with extreme poverty and subject to physical and sexual 

exploitation and abuse. There is a need to better understand how forces in the social 

environment impact the suffering of individuals and groups as well as to localize 

understandings of suffering, including sexual identity formation of youth. Taking a 

structural perspective, this ethnographic and participatory study examines youth-headed 

households in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya in order to understand their perception of 

the suffering they endure – its causes, the daily lived experiences and ways to alleviate it. 

The social processes at the interface between youth’s daily lived experience and 

perceptions of suffering and the actions and influence of the actors in their social 

environment will also be explored, taking into account the impact on the sexual identity 

formation of youth. 

HOFFMAN, Diane M.,University of Virginia, Curry School of Education, 405 EmmetStreet, 

Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA, E-mail: 

Why do Children Work Identify and Attachment among Haitian Domestic Labor 

In recent years a strong national and international critique of the Haitian system of child 

domestic labor (restavek) has emerged. Spearheaded by NGOs, children’s rights and faithbased 

organizations, this critique frequently characterizes this system as one of “child 

slavery,” in which unattached or "separated" children are represented as passive victims of 

poverty and adult brutality. Based on ethnographic interviews with circulating child 

domestic laborers in the Southwest region of Haiti, this paper explores how work figures 

in children's lives in the context of cultural notions of kinship, belonging, and spirituality. 

Instead of undermining children's identity, work can function as a means of identity 

affirmation and belonging within kinship relationships that are complex and constantly 

under threat. Despite often undeniably difficult situations, children can and do maintain 

ambitions for a future in which labor and learning lead to identities “that matter”. 

STODULKA,Thomas, Germany, Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology/Cluster of 

Excellence "Languages of Emotion", Freie Universität Berlin Social and Cultural

Anthropology, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, D-14195 Berlin, E-mail: 

The “Globalised” Emotional Economies of The Street Children:A Case Studies From 

Yogekarta,Indonesia 

The article aims to illustrate the impact of Yogyakarta’s perpetually changing charity 

landscape on “street children’s” coping strategies. By analysing the children’s and youths’ 

social encounters with NGO-activists, I will demonstrate that their practices of collective 

identity construction are highly intertwined with global NGO-policies and their definitions 

of “what a real street child is”. Only if they manage to embody the images of this 

“universalized street child” and adapt to continuously changing global NGO-policies, socioeconomic 

security networks and emotional well-being can be established. 

SARCINELLI, Alice Sophie, France, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales 

Anthropology74, rue Myrha 75018, Paris. Email: 

Children and Social Workers View on Crack 

Ethnographical data showed that there is a significant difference between homeless of 

different ages. This evidence contributes to the theoretical debate about the limits 

between childhood, adolescence and youth. This article will explore cultural identity of a 

group of young crack users (9-17 years old) living in a central square of a big metropolis in 

Northeast Brazil. I will show how the relation between street children and a local NGO has 

changed after the diffusion of crack in 2007. Namely, I will analyze how children and 

street social workers experience, imagine and express the presence of crack. The 

presentation will debrief micro and macro logics that shape the experience of many 

children in contemporary Brazil. This is an attempt to articulate the social experience of 

crack with a specific phase in the lifecycle. The subjective experience of crack to 

Northeastern Brazil will be linked to his political economy. 

PORCELLI, Paola, University of Paris, France, E-mail: 

Mama May I Go to White People’s Place The Social Construction of Child Mobility from 

Local to a Global Perspective 

Child mobility in West Africa is a complex phenomenon which implies long separations 

between a child and his/her biological parents. Over the last 40 years, scholars from 

different disciplines have identified multiple patterns of youth displacement and created 

various labels to describe these situations. The most common are fosterage, circulation of 

children, child relocation, child migration and custom adoption. Some of these practices 

are currently undergoing deep transformations deriving from economical crises and 

determine at-risk situations. Moreover, the recent discourses promoted by international 

organizations produced new labels, which redefine both communities’ and actors’ 

perceptions of child mobility. This presentation aims at exploring the social constructions 

deriving from the introduction of two global categories: the “vulnerable child” and the 

“unattached child”. As a result of this ideological shifting, young people develop 

paradoxical aspirations, which lead them to leave their parents’ homes in order to get 

closer to “white people’s places”. 

PANEL-13(B): THE MAKING OF CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE CASE OF “UNATTACHED” 

CHILDREN



(1) VIGNATO, Silvia, AnthropologyUniversità di Milano-Bicocca, ITALY, E-mail: 

 

(2) BOLOTTA, Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Social and Cultural 

Anthropology, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 120126 Milano, ITALY, E-mail: 

 


SHARMA, Minushree, National University of Singapore, Singapore, E-mail: 

 

Listening to Children: Understanding the Life of Street and Slum Children In KOLKATA, 

India 

Drawing upon my experience with Nabadisha, this paper is concerned with girls and boys 

who are surviving in a particular geographic, socio-economic, political and cultural 

context. In recognition that children are social actors in their own right, whose views and 

perceptions need to be understood, this paper gives space for children’s own experiences 

and perceptions about their everyday life, dreams and aspirations, and also discusses the 

approaches employed to gather information. This paper explores relationship shared by 

children with stakeholders such as parents, police, and non -government organizations. I 

argue that listening to children’s views and perspectives is particularly important if we 

wish to gain a greater understanding of the similarities and differences between different 

children’s lives. In planingprogrammes and policies for children, it is important to 

recognize the diversity among children’s life experiences, and to respond to children 

within their local community context. 

BOLOTTA, Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy, Social and 

Cultural Anthropology, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 120126 Milano, Italy. E-mail: 

 

Jesus Christ Lord Buddha and the State: Institutional Caring Practices, Promoting 

Conflicting Subjective Positions. The Case of Bangkok Slum Children (Thailand) 

Based on an intensive field-work at the “TuekDeang”, a slum of Bangkok, this paper 

explores the multiple constitution of subjectivity for some “slum children”. In Thailand, 

Buddhist temples and monastic novitiate trails are traditional channels of social mobility 

for poor and disadvantaged children. In the last decades, new players have taken an 

increasing importance in the assistential scenario of the slums: NGOs and “charitable” 

institutions related to the local Catholic Church. The children I present here were born in 

“TuekDeang” and are raised in a catholic “charitable” institution as “unattached 

children”. They attend school and sometimes visit the Buddhist temple adjacent to the 

slum. The slum, the Catholic institution and the temple all contribute to the children's 

cultural process of self-definition. I will show how the children themselves handle the 

contradictions among the different subjective, political and religious positions that they 

are requested to reproduce in the different contexts they live and grow in. 

NICOLA, Francesca, Università of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy. Cultural Anthropology, 

Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 120126 Milano, Italy, E-mail:

Indigo Children: Self-Leveling In the Context of Declining Educational Welfare and 

Increasing Socio Economical Marginalization 

Since the late 1970’s a small but increasing number of parents in the US claim their 

children are “indigo”, i.e. possess special traits or abilities, ranging from thinking they are 

the next stage in human evolution or practice telepathy, to the belief that they are simply 

more empathic and creative than their peers. Drawing on an ethnographic research 

started in July 2011 and based on in-depth interviews and participant observation within 

“indigo families” in the New York and Detroit areas, this paper analyses the indigo 

children ideology as it is played out strategically and selectively in the family member’s 

everyday lives. This would reveal a strategy of self-labelling deeply connected with the 

resilience of kids and their parents, particularly in terms of managing societal violence 

(i.e. excessive medicalization) and accessing economic benefits, in a context of declining 

educational welfare and increasing socio-economical marginalization. 

VIGNATO, Silvia,Università di Milano-Bicocca,Cultural Anthropology, Piazza dell'Ateneo 

Nuovo, 1 20126 Milano, Italy, E-mail: 

Between Home and Homes-A Place for Children in Post Tsunami Post Conflict Aceh 

This paper is based on an ongoing non-continued fieldwork focusing on the life of children 

in Aceh (Indonesia). Acehnese society is recovering from both a 30-year long civil conflict 

and a major ecologic disaster (the 2004 tsunami). Thousands of children rely on Islaminformed 

institutions both to survive and to grow up in a rightful way (attend school, 

receive personal care and treatments). They grow up in a continuous exchange between 

home and homes. Within this dynamic, I shall look into one specific question. If in a postconflict 

context childhood is considered as a metaphor of recovery what happens to 

children who explode the metaphor and suffer or twist the healthy and moral standard In 

this light, the paper re-reads a 4 year experience and looks for a larger theoretical frame 

to encompass the Acehnese children's upbringing. 

ALCANO, Matteo,Università di Milano-Bicocca,Cultural Anthropology Piazza dell'Ateneo 

Nuovo, 120126 Milano, Italy. Email: 

Storms Heroes and Friends: An Ethnography of Street Children and Masculine Identities 

in Surabhaya (East Java) 

This paper presents ethnography of street children from the slums of Surabaya (East Java), 

corridors commonly named lorong, I describe the urban space of the lorong, the social 

enclaves that traverse heterogeneous areas of the city of Surabaya and the life of urban 

youth formations. While the boundaries of the lorongare quite pliant its territory is 

marked by internal divisions and factions, and exposed to outside aggressions. Youth 

groups (not yet assimilable to gangs) provide micro-regimens of order and promote 

communal forms of belonging; their aim is to protect their immediate material needs (the 

sale and consumption of drugs) and their friends and neighbors from outside thieves, 

criminals and gangs. These youngsters justify their violence as being motivated by 

“respect” for their “friendship” and for their neighborhood. In this context, what seems to 

be an inherently destructive form of group violence and street warfare arguably presents 

constructive elements, both at the social and individual (personal and identity) level. 

PANEL-14 (A): RIGHTS AND SECURITIES OF NATURAL DISASTER AFFECTED CHILDREN 

27 th November, 2012 Time: 10.30-13.00hrs Hall No.:


ISLAM, M Zulfiquar Ali, University Rajasahi 6205, BANGLADESH, E-mail: 

 


The culturally approved ways of being active and skilled member of society are 

intermittently distorted by the attack of natural disasters. The disaster affected children 

have to be deprived of enjoying some stages of their life cycle and consequently, they are 

impelled to be socially and mentally immature. The natural disasters degrade their social 

status in comparison with their counterparts and also impel them to be remaining in lower 

status of social hierarchy as they have to confront with immense insecurities in meeting 

their basic needs. Moreover, they are subjected to trafficking, metal trauma, loss of 

parental care, and perilous manual labor. The adverse and alarming situation causes 

detrimental effect on their schooling and also on their total socialization in the long run. 

As a matter of fact, the affected children may not be innocent as their characteristic mark 

designates, not be protected as their disaster affected parents are economically and 

intellectually incapable to protect them, and also not to be dependent in some cases as 

they have to understand their own problems and to solve those by themselves. In the 

devoid of technological and economic supports to be provided by government and nongovernment 

organizations, the parents and community people are usually forced to 

formulate and undertake multiple corrective rather than preventive measures in 

confronting with the immense hardship in providing rights and securities with their 

children in their indigenous fashion. This alarming situation hinders their usual 

socialization and they are rendered into marginalized category in terms of the rights and 

securities. The question of rights and securities of disaster affected children is crucial for 

the proper and adequate development of their potentialities. The academicians and 

development workers may collaborate in addressing this domain of research for 

sustainable development of natural disaster affected children throughout the globe. 

Accordingly, this session invites paper of qualitative and/or quantitative and/or mixed 

approaches from the academicians of different disciplines and also development workers 

from different regions of the globe in this regard. 


BAJRACHARYA, Lajali, Development Researcher, SNV, Nepal, 1966, E-mail: 

 

Social Debate over the Prevention, Mitigation and Rehabilitation for Disaster Affected 

Children 

Children are the most hit aftermath of any natural disaster globally. It is not a surprise 

that they are at high risk due to deprive of basic right and social securities. They may 

immediately fall into a socially and economically the most vulnerability zone leading an 

enormous social problem in future. Once the children are emotionally shattered due to the 

lost of their home and parental care, they are subjected to mental trauma which leads a 

life long negative psychological impact in these affected children. Literatures in 

psychology have proven that the children who have very harsh childhood can become a 

criminal, abusers or deviator in the society. The development actors like the government, 

non-governmental organizations and international organizations, private sectors and civil 

society must make an effort which brings sustainable solution to address the right of child 

and their security concerned. It should not be only an immediate typical disaster 

mitigation response to the children and the affected communities at one-off basis. It 

needs a comprehensive program with a long term strategy embedded into any government

development intervention planning to save these children and the communities from being 

fallen in the vicious of circle of poverty. There is no doubt that the prevention measures 

are main concerned areas to be focused to avoid any natural calamity. As seen in the past 

globally, not much attention given in regards, particularly in developing countries. 

Moreover, there has not been enough debate socially yet in the design and the content of 

any mitigation and rehabilitation development approach. 

AJRACHARYA Rojan, Technical Review Group Pvt. Ltd., P. O. Box: 12558, Kathmandu, 

Nepal, E-mail: 

The Importance of Sound Education Delivery System for the Regular Schooling of the 

Natural Disaster Affected Children: The Paradox of Far and Mid Western Regions of 

Nepal 

Nepal has high risk of Natural Disasters (ND) specifically - flooding and famine- and their 

frequency is regular in Mid and Far Western Region (MFWR) of the country. So, the 

children’s schooling is vulnerable in the region which consequently makes the children of 

this region less competent and live fragile livelihood forever. Government of Nepal is 

cognizant of this dearth and has brought out different measures for the regular schooling 

in ND regions. Nevertheless, the country is not able to address the chaos schooling 

situation in MFWR. Local Development Partners (LDP) of the region often complain the 

government on undermining their suggestions, specifically, while designing the 

development policies which consequently result the unfavourable outputs. In this regard, 

the theme of the paper is to address the importance of sound education delivery system 

for the regular schooling of the Natural Disaster Affected Children (NDAC) from MFWR of 

Nepal. In consistence to this overall theme, the paper has following objectives: i) to 

review the government policies and LDP’s measure that address the irregular schooling of 

NDAC, ii) to analyze the impact made by both measures and iii) to conclude the effective 

measures. Specifically, the study adopts deductive method and it is based on the 

secondary information. The study finds that the measure of LDP is more affective to 

address the irregular schooling of NDAC from MFWR. Specifically, the measures of the LDP 

being generated within the communities of affected region are effectively implemented 

despite of the limited funding. So the study concludes that the government needs to 

borrow the ideas of LDP while designing education delivery system for NDAC. 

BELLE, Joshua Okello, University of Nairobi, Kenya, E-mail: 

 

The Effect of Flooding and Famine Cycle on Educational, Psychological and Social 

Development of Children 

In recent decades, Kenya has experienced natural calamities in form of prolonged drought, 

famine and flooding regimes. This has affected about 3.5 million people in north eastern 

parts, while putting about 10 million people under threat of starvation. Most parts of 

Kenya have registered high levels of rainfall and a number of people have been reported 

dead due to floods, crops damaged, roads made impassable, communities displaced, and 

drinking water sources contaminated by over flown pit latrines. The objective of this study 

was to determine the impact of flooding, drought and famine on children’s educational, 

social and psychological development. The study areas were done in AdhuKulu in north 

eastern Kenya, at a village in Kalach and eastern parts of Kenya, mainly Makueni, 

Machakos and Kitui districts, and in western Kenya, especially Budalangi and Kano plains. 

Case studies on drought and famine indicated that children dropped out of school due to 

hunger. Starvation also weakens their body resistance to opportunistic diseases. Suicides 

and attempted suicides were often common due to grief, and fear of eminent death. 

Flooding has caused destruction of schools, homes, and access roads rendering education

impossible. This has significantly affected their performance at examinations, thus 

reducing their chances of pursuing education, contributed to low self esteem and 

sometimes racial prejudice by other endowed communities. Since independence, 

successive governments have neglected the regions in terms of development projects, thus 

causing psychological stress. Drought and floods are natural calamities which can be 

mitigated by sound democratic governance which will but in place the necessary measures 

to cushion vulnerable groups, and especially children. Proper and functional flood control 

strategies and famine interventions are imperative for the social, educational and 

psychological development of children. 

CHOUDHARY, Paras Kumar, Department of Sociology, Ranchi University, Jharkhand, 

E-mail: / 

Rights and Securities of Natural Disaster Affected Children: A Sociological Analysis 

Men have got tremendous achievements in the field of science and technology. But so far 

they are not capable to predict when and how natural disaster will occur. Natural disaster 

is a great problem for human beings. They following are the problems of natural disaster 

affected children. The affected children have to face the problems of livelihood, 

disorganization, poverty, health & hygiene, education, food, cloth, house, social security, 

lack of social relationship, love and affection, personality development. Every one who got 

life air on the earth as human being, they come under the category of human race. The 

natural disaster affecting children are also biologically equal to other privileged children. 

Therefore, on the basis of law of nature and human right, they should be given following 

rights and securities through GOs and, NGOs: proper education, health and hygiene care, 

food, cloth and house, personality development, social security, livelihood and 

rehabilitation etc. The government should take adequate care and make polices for 

rehabilitation and upliftment of affected children. Reservation policy should be enacted 

for their education as well as employment. Non- government organization should take care 

and steps for their rehabilitation civil society is one of the most important units for them; 

therefore, society should have positive thinking about them and try to cope with 

them.This paper will throw light on whatever steps taken by Govt. and NGOs at the time 

of disaster and after disaster and what should be done for them. 

PANEL-14(B): RIGHTS AND SECURITIES OF NATURAL DISASTER AFFECTED CHILDREN 




 


ELUSOJI, Oluremi Atinuke, Senior Scientific Officer, AguiyiIronsi, Str. Maitama Abuja 

Nigeria. E-mail: < elusojirmrdc@yahoo.co.uk> 

Socioeconomic Effect of Natural Disaster on Children in Some Part of Nigeria, West 

Africa 

Nigeria like other countries in Africa and all over the world has had its own share of 

Natural disasters with all their debilitating consequences, in which the children are most 

vulnerable. This vulnerability is made worse by lack of planning or appropriate emergency

management. Natural Disaster is the consequence of a Natural hazard for instance 

volcanic eruption, earthquake, floods, draught, the most common in Nigeria are flood, 

draught, wild wind storm or sandstorm, erosion, etc. Disasters occur when hazards meet 

the vulnerability of the children. This study tends to look at the social and economic 

effect of natural disaster on children in some part of Nigeria in West Africa. 

KARIM, A.H.M., Zehaduland Islam, M. Zulfiquar Ali, International Islamic University 

Malaysia, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, E-mail: 

Flood Affected Children in Rural Bangladesh: Questions of Rights and Privileges 

The unprecedented flood in Bangladesh recurrently destroys enormous crops and 

settlements in the country. This devastating flood is also the principal contributor for 

many physical changes in the riverine areas, and consequently it intensities heavy pressure 

on the rural areas of the country. Riverbank erosion thus, annually compels a huge number 

of its poverty-stricken people to leave their houses, and as such, forcing them to take 

shelter to a comparatively safe neighboring place. Flood becomes so disastrous that it 

often spoils the rural communication disrupts its total road-linkages, putting the people 

with heavy pressure socially and economically. Because of this disruption, the children 

from the affected families have to stay at home, remaining fully detached from their 

schools and education. They become the victim of circumstances, where their sociocultural 

rights and privileges remain fully unprotected and ignored. Children remain 

uncared in regard to having access to food and nutrition, where in many cases, they do not 

even get proper health care facilities. This paper thus, attempts to make an assessment of 

the socio-cultural situation of the flood affected children, and explores in details about 

their problems relating to their rights and privileges. The paper will provide contextual 

ethnographic data from a village located in the northern part of Bangladesh and 

accordingly, will raise the critical issues related to children’s rights and privileges during 

such environmental disaster. 

KHAN, Amir Ali* and Shagufta Naseem Khan**, *National Institute of Disaster 

Management, 5B, Indraprastha Estate, Ring Road, New Delhi -110002, India, **Freelance 

Consultant, Working for Child Rights in Disaster Risk Reduction. E-mail: 

*, ** 

Child Rights to Disaster Safety – Case Study of School Safety Programme in Delhi 

Among various rights, children have the right to safe, healthy and conducive environment 

for education. It has been documented from the past disasters that school buildings had 

been destroyed due to earthquakes and other natural disasters throughout the world, 

causing deaths to large number of students, teachers and other functionaries of the 

schools. Few of the prominent earthquakes like Sichuan (2008), Kashmir (2005), Bam 

(2003), Bhuj (2001) and Armenia (1988) had caused huge devastations to the school 

buildings taking away thousands of precious lives of school going children and teachers. 

Schools provide tremendous opportunity in developing the culture of preparedness and 

culture of prevention against hazards like fire and earthquakes. Similarly, resources 

available with schools like buildings can be utilized for emergency shelters and relief 

centers. Vulnerability of schools in Delhi is quite high, where schools are being run in all 

sorts of buildings and premises with limited know-how about disasters safe construction. 

Government of Delhi is making an attempt to reduce the vulnerability of schools by taking 

structural and nonstructural measures at school levels. The paper explores the efforts of 

the state government in dealing with the situation. It also draws attention to all those 

nonstructural mitigation measures which come with little effort and are least costly, but

contribute volumes to safety. In the paper an effort will be made to document the lessons 

learnt through case study of school safety programme in Delhi. 

KUMAR, Rajnish, J N U, New Delhi 110067 India. E-mail: 

State of Rights and Securities of Flood Affected Children: A Case Study of Kosi Floods 

2008, India 

The Kosi “Sorrow of Bihar (India)” has caused widespread human suffering through 

flooding and frequent changes in its course. Children were at greatest risk here. The 

threaten children’s nutrition, health and deprived schooling exposed the poor children to 

a wide range of abuses because of poor evacuation, camp security and Rehabilitation. The 

main objective of the paper is to find out the state of children’s rights related to social 

and cultural, property and possession, housing, camp security and psycho-physical security 

issues. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, out migration, poor health and infrastructure 

are common which affects children indirectly. It also investigates that how policy makers 

of India has reacted to this specific problem. The paper follows empirical methods for 

analysis with inputs from various disciplines of humanities in spatio-temporal framework. 

Case study methods have been applied to collect the relevant facts. The rights of children 

are dissatisfying because of ignored political economy and existing child rearing practices. 

But, future of the children seems to be better because of new government initiatives. 

More attention is required for flood zone planning and rehabilitation and mitigation policy 

with respect to natural disaster affected children. Problem identification based actionresearch 

projects are the need of the time in the Kosi region to promote well-being. 

MAYOORAN, Thevasigamany, Save the Children in Sri Lanka, No.43, Station Road, 

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. E-mail: / 

Child-Led Disaster Risk Reduction Practices of Natural Disasters in Communities and 

Schools 

The participation of children and young people in emergencies showed to be crucial in all 

level in emergencies. A child-led community based framework where children play leading 

roles in their communities to minimize negative impacts of potential disasters. This will 

necessarily include meaningful and ethical child participation in assessing, planning, 

implementing, monitoring and evaluation to influence practice and policy in areas of 

preparedness, mitigation, response to both natural caused and humanly induced disasters. 

The major objectives of this paper are to increase resiliency and reduce the negative 

impact of disasters on children in schools and their communities, and to enhance 

organizational disaster response capacities to effectively meet children’s particular needs 

in a timely manner. The methodologies are Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, Capacity 

assessment and developing Mitigation plans by children; disseminating knowledge and 

skills through’ Children to Children’ and ‘Children to Adults’ approaches – awareness 

raising in schools and communities; strategy with children, community, Government to 

mitigate the risks identified; and advocacy with Government and Non-governments 

agencies for inclusions of children’s issues and children’s rights in to preparedness and 

response planning. The children have their skills and knowledge to identify and define 

disaster risks and risk minimizing strategies. Finally the paper marks a general trend of 

local empowerment through CLDRR to identify and act on disaster risks both man-made 

and natural 

PANEL-14(C): RIGHTS AND SECURITIES OF NATURAL DISASTER AFFECTED CHILDREN 

29 th November, 2012 Time: 10.30-13.00hrs Hall No.:



 


GOONATILAKE, Hema, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. 

E-mail: 

Rights and Security of Natural Disaster-affected Children: A Case Study of T-Sunami 

Affected Children of Sri Lanka 

When more than 4000 children in Sri Lanka lost one or both parents in a matter of minutes 

in the December 2004 tsunami, provision of protection and security became the biggest 

challenge ever faced by child protection authorities and child rights groups. Immediate 

care of these children by the extended families and friends was spontaneous as it had 

always existed in Sri Lanka. There has been no mechanism, however, to make these 

caregivers accountable, or to ensure adequate care and protection to these children. 

Therefore, a scheme was put in place, to make informal fostering legal by providing a 

mechanism for assessment, report to court, financial support and follow-up. Thus, a viable 

alternative method of care was developed through state intervention disaster became a 

blessing in disguise after this scheme got established after some time. When dealing with 

orphaned and unaccompanied children in Sri Lanka, institutionalization has been the 

common practice. Keeping the tsunami-affected children out of institutions was one of the 

wisest measures taken by the authorities in order to prevent child trafficking, child 

adoption and other child abuses that could have easily taken place in the aftermath of the 

tsunami disaster. UNICEF has been providing support to partner NGOs through training and 

mentoring to probation and child care officers and government social work officers in 

addition to providing direct social work services. 

HOSSAIN, Khondoker Mokaddem, University of Dhaka, Dhaka1000, Bangladesh, E-mail: 

 

Natural Disaster and the Vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples' Children in Bangladesh: A 

Case Study of Rakhaine Community 

Disasters affect people of different ethnic community differently, and the people of 

different age groups are subject to vulnerable in many ways. This study tried to examine 

the nature of vulnerability of the children of Rakhaine People in Bangladesh. The findings 

reveal that lack of effective support to the disaster affected children make them more 

vulnerable as they need to compete with adults to get their share of assistance in the 

event of an emergency but unable to cope with the severity of disasters. The study 

demonstrates how the children’s right to get support from household or local government 

institution or NGOs are ignored and overlooked in the process of disaster response and 

coping mechanism. It further assessed the children’s stress and strains in the process of 

involvement in disaster risk reduction activities at household and community level. The 

data were collected through child focused/centered focus group discussion, case studies, 

researcher’s observation and KII. The study followed with an analysis of children’s 

vulnerability during hazards. 

HUDA, Khondaker, Mohammod Shariful*, Afroza Taznin** and Fathema Zhura 

khatoon***, *Jahngirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh, **Research Fellow, 

UNEP-EPLC and GIS Specialist/Research Officer, CNRS Banani, Dhaka1213, Bangladesh,

***Research Fellow, UNEP-EPLC and Gender Specialist and Socio-economist, Bangladesh, 

Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh, E-mail: 

*,tazninshilpy@gmail.com**, 

Children and Women Status, Vulnerability and Preparedness in River Bank Erosion 

Management: A Case Study on Sirajgonj District, Bangladesh 

Generally, children and women are exaggerated by the disaster of riverbank erosion 

because of their vulnerable and unsafe living spaces in Bangladesh. This paper compiled 

on the basis of primary and secondary data. For secondary information, different kinds of 

books, journals, websites and papers interpreted in related to the river erosion and 

disasters. Participatory survey, questionnaire, and focus group discussion with the target 

population were the primary sources of the relevant information that composed the 

desired outcomes. The result from this research shows that the children and women are 

vulnerable in terms of education and their living places in the surveyed areas. They are 

not afraid of disasters because of the regularity of disasters. They adopted various 

indigenous cautionary and corrective measures in this regard. Children and women faces 

major vulnerabilities after the disaster and they initiate different kind of activities in that 

period like cleaning the houses, toilets, water systems, to arrange the treatment for 

affected children, to be with the protector of the family and give an opinion him in the 

crisis moment, etc. The study observed that a shelter home in the study area can reduce 

the major vulnerabilities and children women can protect them more from the 

vulnerabilities as they are found to be more resilient in that disastrous situation. 

Considering all the aspect, it can say that women play different kinds of roles in the 

disaster management. 

MOHAMMAD, Shaikh Shahriar* and Rashid Sarawat** and Shaikh Mehdee Mohammad*** 

*Assistant Director, Rural Development Academy, Bogra 5842, Bangladesh, **Research 

Associate, Research & Development Division, BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh, ***Deputy 

Director, Rural Development Academy, Bogra- 5842, Bangladesh, E-mail: 

shahriar_rda@yahoo.com*, sarawat.rashid@gmail.com** mehdeerda@gmail.com*** 

Post Cyclone Child Securities: A Study on Four Coastal Villages of Bangladesh Affected 

by Cyclone Sidr in 2007 

The study reveals the scenario of child security in the aftermath of the cyclone Sidr in 

2007. The study was carried out in four villages of coastal Bangladesh throughconducting 

PRA tools and FGD. The children were vulnerable to the cyclone in terms of their basic 

needs i.e. adequate food and safe drinking water, clothing, safe shelter,education, health 

and hygiene, nutrition. Besides, a huge number of them were psychologically traumatised, 

including intrusive flashbacks of the stress event, nightmares, withdrawal, inability to 

concentrate, and others. However, they (both female and male children) had to solder 

extra work load in and outside their homes.Besides, they were brought to seek out 

possible sources of relief. Many development partners, international organisations and 

local NGOs worked for assisting child interests. Child friendly space (CFS) was a new 

concept in Bangladesh after the cyclone where volunteers worked for removing distress 

and grief of the children. Conversely some of them were deprived of getting those aids as 

most of the NGOs worked for making sure their beneficiaries welfare. The paper concludes 

on the necessity of direct and effective involvement of the local governments (union 

parishad and upazila parishad) in monitoring and coordinating their post disaster activities 

for ensuring child rights and security. 

SUDAN, Falendra Kumar, University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India, E-mail: 

Agrarian Crisis and Rural Children in North-East India: A Study of Impact, Coping 

Strategies and Ongoing Responses 

The paper attempts to examine the impact of bamboo-flowering induced agrarian crisis on 

children of minority community at micro level, and to explore likely situation to evolve 

and ongoing responses and recommendations to mitigate suffering and improve livelihood 

options. The study reveals that livelihoods of smallholders are very vulnerable due to 

falling income from agriculture, which is also hard hit by natural disaster resulting in 

wiping out food crops. This makes them more susceptible to poor health and to enter a 

vicious cycle of poverty and illness. It also diminishes their capacity to participate 

effectively in economic and social development. Indebtedness remains high, absorbing 

one-tenth of households’ expenditure. Thus, agrarian crisis are affecting adversely food 

security and nutritional status of poor households. Many of their coping strategies are 

either ineffective, or create harmful consequences, especially for children. Not only do 

poor households’ coping strategies tend to be ineffective, some of these could also be 

harmful, especially to children. The “inclusive” Budget 2010-11 of Government of India 

does not include children, who are over 42 per cent of population. The high debt, 

described by economists as “a generational burden”, remains on India’s children who will 

keep paying cumulative interest burden and bear the price pressure. Interventions in 

response to natural shocks should not only mitigate immediate effects on poor households 

but also continue to tackle basic causes of poverty and food insecurity, including 

improvement of services, infrastructures, agricultural productivity and access to credit. 

PANEL-15: MANAGING AND ENHANCING THE HEALTH OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN 

BY OPTIMIZING CARE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE 

NEEDS 



(1) DEB, Roumi, Amity University, E-mail: 

(2) KAPOOR, Seema, Maulana Azad Medical College, E-mail: 

 


How cultures around the world interpret the puerperium, and the ways they treat the 

mother and infant, the structure of mother-infant interaction during this vulnerable period 

covering issues such as infant feeding patterns, mother-infant separation, isolation of 

mother and infant from the community, acceptance and rejection of the infant. The 

papers in the panel are related to public health that intends to improve the quality of life 

of children and well-being (disease control, nutrition, sanitation, immunization). The 

panel would also addresses issues related to socio-cultural and other environmental 

aspects of birth defects in children. 


KHADER, Vijaya and K. Uma Maheswari, A. N. G. R. Agricultural University, 

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, AP, India. E-mail: 

Effect of Feeding Malted Foods on the Health and Nutritional Status of Pre-school 

Children in Lepakshi Mandal of Ananthapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India 

A study was conducted to see the effect of feeding malted foods on the health nutritional 

status of Preschool children in LepakshiMandal of Ananthapur district, Andhra Pradesh,

India. Anthropometric, hemoglobin, clinical and morbidity assessment of 400 preschool 

children was carried out before and after supplementation. Preschool children were 

selected based on degree of malnutrition (75% to

World Health organization has recommended the continuation of 6 months breast feeding 

which has a beneficial effect of infant eventually the positive outcome of health at the 

later stage. The objective of this study was to examine whether duration of breastfeeding 

and its substitute along with the “mother-love” or its alternative are associated with the 

initiation of child’s habit in three different settings at Kolkata, outskirts of Kolkata and 

Joynagar village of West Bengal. The authors interviewed 105 mothers from three study 

areas to collect information of breastfeeding duration (between

Current scholarship on inter-country adoption is engaging with inter-country adoption as a 

cultural phenomenon in which notions of childhood, identity, kinship, and belonging – 

among others – are challenged and renegotiated. This interdisciplinary panel seeks to bring 

together scholars from various fields to consider the cultural politics of inter-country 

adoption from a number of different angles, including: statistics and recent trends in 

inter-country adoption; the marketization of the adoption industry; intercultural 

communication issues and their implications for inter-country adoptions; representations 

of adopted children and their sense of cultural belonging; inter-country adoption as a 

contact zone between poor sending countries and affluent receiving countries; and 

economic rationality and political agendas tied to the combined image of children as 

national resources and as victims of trafficking; and young adoptees’ points of view. 

Scholars in this panel will focus on children and families from a diverse range of countries 

including Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, South Africa, and Spain. 


HOGBACKA, Riitta, PhD, Researcher and Lecturer, Department of Social Research 

University of Helsinki, Finland, E-mail: 

Inter-country Adoption as a Contact Zone 

Drawing on the concept of “contact zone” as “the space in which peoples geographically 

and historically separated come into contact with each other” in conditions of “radical 

inequality” (M. L. Pratt 1992, 6), this presentation will look at inter-country adoption as 

bringing together people of the global North and the global South in the very intimate 

context of the family. While the birth mother is implicitly present in all adoptions, actual 

contact with the adoptive family makes her presence concrete. The aim is to investigate 

the lived experiences of co-presence of 30 Finnish adoptive parents and 32 South African 

birth mothers. Although contact increases feelings of empathy towards the birth family, 

this takes place within highly unequal power relations. Birth parents feel grateful and 

have no power over contact. Adoptive parents are torn between altruism and fear. In the 

end, conditions for a truly translational family will be discussed. 

LEIFSEN, Esben, Senior lecturer / Head of Education, Department of International 

Environment and Development Studies, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, E-mail: 

 

The Politics of Belonging in Ecuador: The Anti-ICA Arguments vs. Relatedness 

Constitution in Marginal Urban Contexts 

This paper focus on the Ecuadorian child rights movement’s anti-ICA arguments, and 

explores the economic rationality and political agendas tied to the combined image of 

children as national resources and as victims of trafficking. In spite of confronting the 

institution and practice of ICA, emphasizing that the child is anchored in a national 

context and a specific relational matrix (‘the family’), these arguments adheres to a wider 

logic and notion of belonging (which also pro-ICA advocates associate with). However, the 

lives in and life-worlds of people of the urban marginalized environments - where most of 

the recruitment of children to ICA happens - are far from this public discourse. Circulation 

and social changeability rather than anchoring, and relational becoming rather than 

belonging are here core elements of relatedness constitution. 

CHENEY, Kristen E., Senior Lecturer, Children & Youth Studies, International Institute of 

Social Studies,The Hague, Netherlands. E-mail:

Giving Children a Better Life’ Inter-country Adoption in International Development 

Perspective 

In recent years, a robust literature has emerged that examines intercountry adoption (ICA) 

variously as migration, social mobility, neocolonialism, religious conversion, and relief aid. 

Though development issues often precipitate such trends, they tend to remain a subtext in 

ICA analyses, as do the development issues that drive sending countries. This may be 

because development studies has yet to develop the theoretical lens and language to 

examine ICA – or many other issues pertaining to children – in terms of international 

development. ICA research has the potential to act as a productive bridge between 

development studies and children’s studies.I therefore aim in this paper to explore the 

potential for development studies to better theorize broader international development 

issues pertaining to children through the theme of adoption as development. 

RICHARDS, Sarah, Lecturer, Childhood Studies and Social Policy, University Campus 

Suffolk, School of Applied Social Sciences, Division of CYPE, Waterfront Building, IP4 1Q. 

E-mail: 

What the Map Cuts up the Story Cuts Across: Narratives of Cultural Belonging in Inter- 

Country Adoption 

Narratives of children’s lives are premised on a biological beginning, which serves to 

socially and culturally situate a child. Adoption stories seek to establish a child’s linear 

life course and attempt to encapsulate a biological beginning. The stories of adoptees are 

challenged by the lack of severance of a biological link and made yet more complex by the 

absence of a birth culture. Particular adoption narratives are thus developed which 

attempt to reinstate the significance and primacy of biological origins. Using ethnographic 

research with families who live in England and have adopted daughters from China, this 

paper explores narratives of belonging as told by the girls themselves and their parents. 

The paper discusses the pressure to perform specific cultural narratives and the tensions 

within these families that such performances can induce. It also indicates that these 

families use varied resources as support for sustaining a secure self-identity for their 

children that allows the play of hybridity, cultural change and development to be part of 

their experience. 

PANEL-17: CHILDHOOD AND THE INNER LIFE 



(1) EICKELKAMP, Ute, University of Sydney, AUSTRALIA, E-mail- 

 

(2) COWLISHAW, Gillian, University of Sydney, AUSTRALIA, E-mail: 

 


The cultural construction of childhood, the diversity of parenting styles, and the variety 

of children’s behavioral norms across cultures is relatively well-established facts. Less 

known is how these factors impact on the inner world of children in diverse cultural 

milieus, especially in times of acute social change. Children in remote, minority and third 

world conditions are experiencing new demands, and new opportunities, as changing 

institutions and ideas impinge on their established social conditions. What tensions do

they experience as their subjective worlds and their intimate relationships are forced to 

adjust to powerful people with other social expectations such as teachers and health 

professionals How are children’s perceptions, practices and experiences (mis)understood 

by those who govern them, and what impact does this governance have on children over 

time This panel seeks to bring together anthropological and psychological/psychoanalytic 

perspectives and ask: How do children experience the world they live in What are their 

feelings, thoughts and dreams How do historical transformations and children’s 

developing ego structure (organization of mind, self, affect) intersect We also invite 

contributions that explore the special problems of methodology that these research 

questions entail, and how they may be overcome or at least recognized 


EICKELKAMP, Ute, University of Sydney, Australia, E-mail: 

 

Dingo, Monster, Rabbit, ‘I’: Psychodynamics in the Sand Stories of a Young Girl, Central 

Australia 

This paper interprets play stories drawn in the sand by a young Aboriginal girl from Central 

Australia, from the period between her 3 rd and 5 th year of life. Special consideration is 

given to the biographical mother-child relationship and the self-therapeutic potential of a 

specific cultural technique of representing experience. 

BARNETT, Lynn, Social Science Researcher, Lammacott Cottage, Clannaborough, 

Credition, Devon EX176DA U.K. E-mail: 

Extracts from a Film of a Gujarat Infancy: What are the Implications for Psychological 

Development 

Extracts will be shown from a detailed filmed study of the development of a first child (a 

boy) born to a middle class Indian couple in Gujarat, Western India. These include many 

traditional child rearing customs from birth to one year old, and a consultation between 

the mother and a Western educated pediatrician. Is this helpful or confusing to the 

mother Also shown is an intrusive form of daily massage, not given by the mother but by a 

local masseuse whose technique was handed down by her own mother. What effect does 

this have on the attachment between mother and infant Can we make judgments about 

the appropriateness of infant care in different cultures 

MIMICA, Jadran, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, University 

of Sydney. E-mail: 

On the Growth of the Child’s Body-Soul among the Yagwoia of Papua New Guinea 

This paper explores the Yagwoia cultural imaginary and practices pertaining to the growth 

(development) of body-soul in early infancy. In this New Guinea life-world, humans are 

micro-cosmic beings that exist in total synergy with their containing macro-cosmic world. 

Accordingly, the intra-bodily energies, processes and their primary, parental intersubjective 

milieu, within which psycho-somatic development is taking place, is also a 

micro-cosmic expression of the generative processes which sustain the life of the worldbody 

at large. My focus is especially on the practices which stimulate the growth of the 

thinking soul (kuneumpne) and speech, both intrinsically related to the life-energies of the 

sun and moon. They are the primary generators of the life-death process within the 

macro-cosmos. The hermeneutic intention of the paper is to show that the cultural

imaginary and self-symbolization in a given life-world are constitutive of its existential 

realities which, as such, are simultaneously somatic intra-psychic and inter-subjective. 

COWLISHAW, Gillian, University of Sydney, Australia, E-mail: 

 

Endangered By the State: Indigenous Childhoods Today 

It has been argued that the way Australian Aboriginal children are socialized comprises a 

barrier to their life chances in the contemporary world. This paper analyses this 

proposition and examines both its theoretical underpinnings and some relevant empirical 

evidence. Are the character traits, emotional orientations and the structure of social 

relations established in Aboriginal childhood in some kind of opposition to social relations 

in the rest of contemporary Australia How far is the proper functioning of a contemporary 

citizen dependent on traits that are established in mainstream childhood experiences 

These findings will be placed in the framework of the struggle for the control of childhood 

that is a well recognized element of colonial relations. I also illustrate a case where the 

capacity of social analysis to reinforce or disturb prevailing ideologies and common sense 

convictions came into focus. 

PANEL-18 (CISCA-Special Panel): VISUALIZING CHILDREN 



SKODA, Uwe, Aarhus University, Denmark, E-mail: 


While visual culture in India, South Asia, and Asia more generally, has received more 

scholarly attention in recent years anthropological studies have focused primarily on 

contemporary photographic practices from a broader perspective (including the role of 

photographs in marriages and portrait photographs). Historical approaches have privileged 

the study of how “natives” were depicted under colonial rule or gender rather than 

children and childhoods. In order to rectify this bias the panel invites contributions that 

focus explicitly on children and the ways they have been visualized, portrayed or captured 

by the camera. Are children presented primarily as (perhaps immature) adults or in 

distinct ways It is imagined that this question will raise further questions related to the 

concept of the person, the role of children in rituals, their place in educational 

institution, in family life etc. Moreover, how are images of children used: when and in 

which contexts are the viewed and where are they kept And last, but not least, how do 

children use the camera themselves and which self-representations do they produce 


SKODA, Uwe, Associate Professor, Department of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, 

E-mail: 

Visualizing Royal Childhoods 

Starting from the relatively extensive archives of former royal families in central eastern 

India the paper maps the ways children have been portrayed in these families in the 20 th 

century. How were children depicted in formal studio photographs Which backdrops or 

props were used to situate them, to express their status and to explore their (potential)

life When and in which situations were photographs taken in relatively more private 

surroundings How were children portrayed together with adults and how alone Which 

markers suggest, distinguish or signify childhood How is this form of portraiture linked to 

the life cycle, concepts of the person and how has it changed in 20 th century The paper 

tries to answer such questions and to outline tendencies in photographing children. 

KUMAR, Nirmal, Associate Professor, Department of History, Sri Venkateswara College, 

University of Delhi, E-mail: 

Why Kids are Like This An Analysis of Kids in Koi Mil Gaya 

My paper proposes to analyse the way film makers have used kids in the films and located 

them in almost bizarre social vaccuum. I would argue with examples from a popular Hindi 

film Koi Mil Gaya ( I found some one, Dir: RakeshRoshan, 2003) that kids have been used as 

loose and moving props with no properly etched characterization and no fixed place in the 

story line. Easily replaceable they actually represent the lost childhood of millions of poor 

kids who are used and abused in millions of shops and houses as almost free labour. My 

paper would argue that kids without reference to family and social belonging used in 

film/s are like real lost childhoods in many ways and I would try to show the same in my 

paper. Unlike the main character Rohit has a finely defined and detailed family line but 

the kids in the film have been used without any effort at characterization. While to a 

casual onlooker it might mean almost nothing as many characters in any average film are 

not defined at all. The Hindi films in general have a casual approach towards age and 

aging and childhood is no exception. 

REDDY, Sunita, Chairperson, Anthropos India Foundation and Faculty, Jawaharlal Nehru 

University, E-mail: 

Anthropos India Foundation: New Initiative in Visual Anthropology 

A commission of visual anthropology was held in Ranchi way back in 1977 and was 

published in Review of Enthnology bulletin. In Colonial context Indian cultures and tribes 

have been documented for a different purpose. It’s almost a forgotten sub-discipline 

thereafter. Keshari N Sahay published a book ‘Visual Anthropology In India’, not much 

work has been done. Today the Tribal Ministries and Departments have films on tribes only 

for tourism purposes. India with diversity of cultures and more than 600 tribes waiting to 

be understood and documented, the scope is unimaginable. Various film makers are 

making alternate films and documentaries, basically from media background. 

Understanding of ethnography and making ethnographic films is not yet thought off by the 

media or anthropologists. There is an urgent need to provide a platform where scholars 

can post their research, visual images and videos immediately, upload and disseminate. 

With super fast technology the issues from any remote corner can be brought in the 

forefront, more so the issues of marginalized and powerless. Anthropos India Foundation is 

one such initiative where a dynamic website will not only provide a platform to share the 

anthropological research but the aim of AIF is also to train and equip the scholars with 

ethnographic film making skills and present their research in visual format. 

BHATTACHARYA, Shreyasi, Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur 

University, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

Visualizing Children in Dual Career Families 

Women’s liberation movement is now turning the middle-class women to careers for 

personal satisfaction and self-enrichment rather than simply for supplemental income.

This situation is creating Dual Career families where both parents are engaged in their 

professional careers outside home and confront the day to day challenge of managing 

family tasks and respective gender roles. Children in these families often get deprived 

from their proper social and emotional upbringing and develop a different type of 

perspective in visualizing parental roles. Against this backdrop, this paper tries to explore 

how these children are visualizing their working parents, it discusses how parents are 

visualizing them and throws light about the expectation of the children of how they should 

be visualized by their parents. Data were collected by interview, observation, case study 

and focus group discussion methods. The present study makes an humble attempt to 

visualize children in such dual career families of Sambalpur city of Odisha. 

LETTMANN, Birgit, Ph.D. Scholar, Aarhus University, Denmark, E-mail: 

 

When First Pictures Become the Last Ones: Photographing Stillborn Babies 

Babies stand for a new beginning, a new generation – for life. Thus the death of a baby 

seems to break a “natural law”, to offend against the chronological order of genealogy. 

Stillbirth is frequently perceived as a non-event – as there is no tangible person to mourn – 

and is often socially neglected, tabooed and out of sight. 

Recently attempts can be observed in urban contexts to break the visual and discursive 

silence that surrounds perinatal deaths. It is especially the photograph of the stillborn 

baby that gains special importance within these discourses and which will stand at the 

core of this paper.Taking into account photographs from different cultural contexts, this 

paper will address media theoretical and socio-cultural questions like: 

• Which role does the emergence of new media like the internet play in supporting 

the visibility of the dead child And how do they change bereavement and 

memorial rituals 

• What do postmortem pictures – or maybe the missing of them – tell about the 

status of the child and the perception of death in a given society 

• What do these photographs try to create: the fiction of an integrative family 

picture, the moment of transition or are they a document of death and the dead 

body 

• Are there attempts to apply special techniques or representational strategies to 

visually resurrect the dead and how can they be understood against different 

cultural backdrops 

• Can differences between picturing the stillborn baby and the living baby be 

identified 

PANEL-19: CHILDREN ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING IN INDIA: HUMAN RIGHTS EXPLOITATION 


PANEL ORGNAIZER 

KURANE, Anjali, Head, Department of Anthropology, University of Pune, Pune–411007, 

INDIA, E-mail: /< kanjali02@yahoo.co.in> 


Children Abuse & Trafficking is an awful reality and recognition and continues to be a 

serious problem Indian society today; hence the matter of great concern. It is a crime 

against humanity and modern form of slavery. It violates human rights -- the right to 

Survival … to life, health, nutrition, equality, liberty, security name and nationality. The

violations of their rights are multiple in natures. Poverty is the primary cause of the 

Children Abuse & Trafficking. Poverty dumps a multitude of problems such as 

discrimination, social exclusion, the lack of quality education parents’ attitudes and 

perceptions about child labour on a child. The nature and scope of Children Abuse & 

Trafficking are various, ranging from child industrial labour, agricultural labour, domestic 

labour, to forced early marriages, begging, organ trade and commercial sexual 

exploitation, many other forms of violence and abuse. The panel would focus on the 

nature, extent, cause, risk factors, defenselessness areas of concern and consequences of 

Children Abuse & trafficking. The panel will also try to bring out some remedial measures, 

suggestions and recommendations to prevent Abuse and trafficking of children in India. 

The Panel will also try to highlight the issues such as promotion of the children's 

emotional development and support and encouragement of Child Rights. 


SAHOO, Madhulika, Former Graduate of the University of East London, Independent 

Researcher and R & R Consultant, Address: Plot No-107 (A), Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar, 

Odisha-75100, E-mail: 

Impact of Displacement on Tribal Children: Cases of Child Labour & Abuse in Odisha 

Displacement due to development projects is rampant in Odisha now; research reveals 

that most of the cases of displacement are largely seen on the tribal belt. However, the 

impact of displacement has been studied by many research scholars & social scientist. 

The impact of displacement on children is all the more precarious. It was revealed that 

displacement in many cases has lead to child labour in Odisha especially when they are 

not resettled and rehabilitated properly. Research indicated that, in most of the time, 

displaced children find themselves separated from their close relations & community 

people; they are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Moreover, they are generally 

weakened by the long distances resettlement that they are forced to travel and by the 

difficulties they have to thus endure. They are more prone to the easy targets by the 

smugglers, traffickers, and/or armed groups. Furthermore, such displaced children can 

also become victims of discrimination and many of their fundamental rights may be 

violated due to their displacement. The present paper has tried to examine the 

impact of displacement on tribal children in Odisha, which has further tried to 

study the case of child labor& child abuse in post displacement situation. 

SHETTY, Jyoti, Documentation Officer, Centre for Equity and Social Justice, YASHADA, 

Pune–411007, E-mail: 

Challenges Faced by Street Girls in Urban Area: A Study of Pune City 

The United Nations defines street children as, “girls and boys for whom street has become 

their home and/or their source of livelihood and who are inadequately protected or 

supervised by responsible adults”. The unprecedented rapid urbanization has resulted in 

significant increase in urban poverty, slum living and homelessness. Women and children 

being worst affected in this process. Of all those living in the city, it is the street girls who 

are more vulnerable to being trafficked into forced labour or sex work. It is estimated that 

girls constitute about 30 % of street children who face circumstances that are far more 

challenging. This paper is based on the analysis of some in-depth informal interviews with 

street girls from Pune city. The study focuses on their socio-economic family background, 

reasons for their present state of homelessness, their activities, their health and nutrition 

status, the challenges they face, their coping strategies, their needs and aspirations.

OJHA, Deepak Kumar, Ph.D. Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Anthropology, Utkal University, E- 

mail: 

Impact of Displacement and Rehabilitation on the Socio-Psychological Conditions of 

Tribal Children: A Case Study on Children of Paraja Tribe of Orissa 

Development induced displacements of human communities is one of the major social 

destructive processes happening all over the world. Among the various impacts of large 

development projects, the displacement by large river valley projects in forested and 

tribal areas is a devastating one. Keeping this in mind, the present research work tries to 

explore and understand the changes that have taken place within the social and 

psychological conditions of children of the Paraja community due to the displacement 

caused by the Upper Kolab Multipurpose Dam Project in Koraput district of Orissa.As the 

research problem of the study aims at a descriptive understanding of the Paraja social 

structure using an ethnographic approach, the main objectives of the study are: 

• To understand and describe the socio-psychological conditions of the Paraja 

children 

• To examine and describe the changes occurred in the family, kinship structure and 

peer group of Paraja children as well as in their enculturation and growth after 

their rehabilitation in a new place. The methodology that justifies the stance is 

qualitative whereas intensive field work along with direct observation, semistructured 

interview technique and case histories have been used as the main 

sources of field data. Significant changes have been noticed among the sociopsychological 

conditions of Paraja children in terms of change in sibling 

relationship, interaction with host communities, increasing dispute, growing 

individualistic attitude and addiction towards alcohol after their rehabilitation in a 

new place. 

MEHER, Madan, Doctoral Research Fellow (JRF), International Organization Division, 

Centre for International Politics, Organization and Disarmament (CIPOD). School of 

International Studies (SIS), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067. E-mail: 

 

Caste Discrimination and Dalit Children: An Over View of India 

India has the largest democracy and longest written constitution in the world, and also 

rising great power in terms of its growth and development in the contemporary world 

affairs. At the same time Indian ‘caste system’ which is based on division of works by 

birth, which also a socially constructed hierarchy system whereby restrictions, privileges 

or rights are determined by birth. ‘Dalits’ or ‘Sudras’ have been worst sufferers in this 

exploitative social order, and subjects to untouchability and prejudice in various forms 

despite these being declared unlawful by the constitution. Indian laws contain extensive 

protection against such discrimination, but the government still fails to enforce its 

domestic and international obligations to ensure Dalit rights. Although Indian Constitution 

prohibits any forms of discrimination and guarantees Fundamental Rights which are 

inviolable, still in the real life of its implications is worthless. In every state of India this 

caste system plays an important role in socio-economic-political and educational fields of 

the people. This paper discusses the importance of caste system in hierarchical 

assignment of rights over the children in general and dalit children in particular. It 

addresses how dalit children have been the subjects of caste discrimination and victims of 

human right violation, and its impact over the socio-economic-educational and political 

development of dalit children. The study further provides possibilities of some remedial 

measures of this caste discrimination and its negative impacts over the dalit children.

BISWAL, Debebdra Kumar, Centre for Anthropological Studies (CAS), Central University of 

Odisha, Landiguda, Koraput, Odisha, E-mail: 

Children as Active Subjects: Anthropology of Maoism and Children in Dandakaranya 

Region 

The Naxalites/Maoists are planning to train children in the summer vacation (The Samaj, 

9 th May 2011). This sort of news item seriously awake anybody’s sub/conscious mind to 

think over the frustrating struggle for identity of tribal children as a category ‘children’ or 

just individuals. The children are the capital of whom- family, state or Maoists This paper 

tries to sort out two significant dichotomies from the tribal area of Chhattisgarh and 

Orissa. Firstly, the Maoists’ attempt to form ‘BalSangathan’ to use children for awareness 

programmes and to train children for arms has been argued on the line of Piaget’s theory 

of child development, their ideas are qualitatively different from those of adults. Children 

are not passive receivers of adult ideas, rather they have actively to constitute their 

understandings of the world. Secondly, it has been argued on the line of Noam Chomsky 

that state is killing its own children and taken the shape of genocide. Large scale 

industrialization, Poverty, illiteracy, land alienation and deprivation from forest is pushing 

the children to be Maoist. Thirdly, the state’s initiative to force the children to join 

SalwaJudum or SPOs to counter Maoists has been argued on the line of NandiniSundar that 

the coercion by Maoists for an alternative state structure has brought a large number of 

people and mostly children into the movement. 

PANEL-20(A): DYNAMICS OF PHYSICAL GROWTH PATTERNS IN VARIED SURROUNDINGS, 

SOCIO-ECONOMIC RURAL AND URBAN GROUPS 


PANEL ORGANISER 

SINGH, Udai Pratap, Asian Institute of Human Science and Development, 140-A, Preeti 

Nagar, Dudauli Marg, Tarikhana, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, UP, India, E-mail: 

/ 


This panel aims at to focus on the changing human growth patterns in light of socioeconomic, 

nutritional, environmental, and biological and hormonal forces. Today as we 

are aware that human civilization arrived at the junction of flowing streams of 

modernization, urbanization, industrialization and globalization. Inclination towards 

modernity among general mass of the society has shifted their attention from healthy food 

to fast and junk food, from the fulfillment of natural and basic needs to the appetite of 

money and worldly things. Growing space of urban area has continuously emaciated the 

natural resources of rural conglomeration of the society, and hence they are strained to 

migrate from rural area to the urban pockets. The magnitude of class began to eclipse the 

caste systems, sects and sections of the human society. The level of education, income, 

interaction, people participation, health and parental care is been and being uplifted. 

The form of occupations and size and need of family are under process of change. 

Numerical increase of industries has added the level of pollutions in every sphere of life. 

Consequently, such changes and other emerged several growth disorders, stresses and 

strains are thus enforced normal growth patterns of children and youth to change. 

Therefore, in view of these thoughts, it is an urgent need to confer all such issues and 

review the current scenario of growth studies so that future roadmap of researches is 

made.

PAPER PRESENTERS: 

GUSAIN, Suman Singh, Department of Anthropology, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Campus 

S.R.T, Badshahithaul, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand–249199, E-mail: 

 

A Cross-Sectional Study of Growth Parameters of Rural School Going Children of 

Uttarakhand 

The study has been conducted on a cross-section of 500 (250 boys and 250 girls) rural 

school going children ranging in age from 5 to 14 years. The subjects belonged to families 

with varying socio-economic status and were drawn from different schools of most 

backward area of district Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Physical growth was evaluated using 

five standard anthropometric measurements viz., height, body weight, mid upper arm 

circumference, chest circumference and abdominal circumference of these children. The 

growth status of children was evaluated by applying anthropometric parameters and was 

compared with standards adopted by National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS). The 

average height for boys and girls was 101.17 cm and 100.48 cm respectively, at the age of 

5 years and 139.50 cm and 136.08 cm respectively at the age of 11years. The findings 

were slightly less than the standards recommended by NCHS. The average weight for boys 

and girls was 16.26 and 15.78 kg respectively, at the age of 5 years, and 39.65 kg and 

35.70 kg respectively, at the age of 14 years. Analysis of data reveals that the mean value 

of almost all measurements increase, with the increase in the age 5 to14 years. Except for 

a few measurement where a slight deceleration in the mean value of certain age is 

observed e.g. weight at 12 year in girls, mid upper arm circumference at 7, 8,10and 12 

years in boys and 6 and 9 years in female, chest circumference at 7 and 10 in boys and 6,7 

and11 years in girls and abdominal circumference at 8 years in boys and 11,12 and 14 

years in girls. The most commonly used statistical tools, i.e. arithmetic mean, standard 

deviation, standard error of mean, co-efficient of variation, t-test and annual increase 

have been employed to interpret the results. Due to prime importance given to males in 

Indian society, the anthropometric measurements of male children were higher than those 

of female children. It is suggested that anthropometry should be used more purposefully 

to physical growth, define abnormal values and detect high risk individuals. 

AWASTHI, Aishwarya, Department of Anthropology, Lucknow University, Lucknow, E-mail: 

 

Early Childhood Health and Their Environment 

At some stage in early childhood (from the prenatal period to eight years of age), children 

undergo rapid growth that is highly influenced by their environment. Many challenges 

faced by adults, such as mental health issues, obesity, heart disease, criminality, and poor 

literacy and numeracy, can be traced back to early childhood. Every year, more than 200 

million children under five years old fail to reach their full cognitive and social potential. 

Most of these children live in under develop countries like India. As a result of poor 

development, many children are likely to under-achieve in school and subsequently to 

have low incomes as adults. As adults, they are also likely to have children at a very early 

age, and provide poor health care, nutrition and stimulation to their children, thus 

contributing to the intergenerational transmission of poverty and poor development. 

Despite the vast evidence, the health sector has been slow to promote early child 

development and to support families with right information and skills. 

MISHRA, Anand Murti, SOS of Anthropology& Tribal Studies, Bastar University, Jagdalpur 

(C. G.) 494005, E-mail:

Pattern of Growth: A Micro Level Study among the Muria of Bastar District in 

Chhatisgarh 

The Study of growth in man reveals certain important fundamental biological facts that on 

a population. It helps to know the variation in the growth pattern of children are varies at 

different age levels. Somatometric measurements are important tools to identify the 

nutritional status of children. The data has been collected from 6 to 14 years Muria 

children (Boys-117, Girls-117 respectively). This study including four somatometric 

measurements were taken i.e., height vertex, body weight, head circumference & chest 

circumference. All measurements were taken as per Weiner and Leuric (1969) and Singh 

and Bhasin (1968). The present study shows that the growth patterns are not found 

uniformly at different age level among the Muria children. The study also reveals that the 

growth of Muria children is affected by socio-economic, genetically and environmental 

factors. 

ROSHAN, Rajesh, Anthropological Survey of India, Sub-Regional centre, Dharmpura No. 1, 

Jagdalpur, C.G. E-mail: / 

Physical Growth Status and Nutritional Status among School-Going Children 

This study has been carried out to physical growth of school going children aged 6 to 13 

years of Dhurwa tribes of Bastar District. Standard Anthropometric Methods were applied 

to measure the growth height and weight of the children. The children were selected 

randomly from the low socio-economic group. For the study 200 students both sexes boys 

and girls were selected from four villages namely Sergipal, Aghanpur, Kangoli, Kalipur 

selected during fieldwork. From each village 50 school going children were selected (25 

boys and 25 girls). The results revealed that the mean height and weight of rural boys and 

girls were significantly below NCHS (50th percentile) and ICMR standards. This study 

shows that average height of the girls were more than boys. Physical growth as well as 

nutritional status of boys was affected more than the girls. 

PANEL-20(B): DYNAMICS OF PHYSICAL GROWTH PATTERNS IN VARIED SURROUNDINGS, 

SOCIO-ECONOMIC RURAL AND URBAN GROUPS 


PANEL ORGANISER 

SINGH, Udai Pratap, Asian Institute of Human Science and Development, 140-A, Preeti 

Nagar, Dudauli Marg, Tarikhana, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, UP, India, E-mail: 

/ 


KUMAR, Vijay; Udai Pratap Singh & Rajesh Roshan ,Anthropological Survey of India, Sub- 

Regional centre, Dharmpura No. 1, Jagdalpur, C.G. E-mail: 

Anthropometric Assessment of Physical Growth and Nutritional Status of School Going 

Children (An Anthropological View of Baiga Tribals of Mandala District, M.P) 

This study is an attempt to understand the physical growth and nutritional status of Baiga 

School going children. This study was conducted on 400 children (200 boys and 200 girls) 

aged 6 to 13 years. Body weight, height, sitting height, head circumference, upper arm 

circumference, chest circumference, biceps, triceps, sub scapular and calf skin fold 

thickness were measured. The Data were collected from seven villages of Mandla District.

All Anthropometric measurements exhibit uniform increase with age in both sexes except 

skin fold measurement. Age- specific Body Mass Index (BMI) indicated substantial changes 

and falls in school going children 

MISHRA, Gaurav, Thatheri Bazar Daliganj Lucknow, U.P. (226020). E-mail: 

 

Geomorphological Adaptation and Body Constitution among the Todas of Nilgiri Hills, 

Tamil Nadu 

In the present global scenario, Anthropo-geographical studies are continuously creating 

awareness among common people by playing a responsible role in deciphering the 

anthropogenic activities in our Biosphere. The sole objective of the present study is to 

report and describe the physical as well as some of the geomorphological factors which 

affect their lives keeping in mind the dimensions of Location, climate, surrounding air, soil 

and minerals, land forms, flora and fauna, nutrition, and somatometric measurements. For 

data collection an intensive fieldwork of duration a month is carried out, using 

anthropometry, structured interview schedule. 

SA'DIYAH, Hikmatus, Brawijaya University, JL. Veteran Malang, East Java, Indonesia 

656415, E-mail: 

The Tradition Young Marrying in Woman Region School 

In lekok district one of the coastal area that a population majority work afisherman.Young 

children's education level is a reasonable increase, due to parents already understand the 

importance of school for them. Many prefer to go to boarding school because the Lekok is 

known as the religion area there are 7 Religion School starting a boarding school there. 

There is one tradition that is still being done by the people there even though it is 

detrimental to the traditions of their children. They should not get married at a young age 

but otherwise the effects are not all their children are ready to have baby, because of 

medically their uterus is not ready for it. After conducting interviews at the 2012 F (18) he 

first married at age 16, he initially opposed but now she got it. 

PANEL-21: GLOBALIZATION, SOCIETY AND HEALTH PROBLEMS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH 



(1) MONGA,O P, Department of Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla- 

171005, Himachal Pradesh, India, E-mail: 

(2) KUMAR, Sujit, Address, E-mail: 


There can be no denial that the youth constitute a vast reservoir of energy. The youth (15- 

24 years) constitute about 40 per cent of India’s population. They are available for taking 

up the tasks of development- local, regional and national. The importance of youth in 

socio-economic development of society is universally recognized. But they are faced with 

increasing health problems, such as, alcoholism, smoking, drug–addiction, crimes, most 

particularly sexual crimes, psycho-sexual adjustment, dowry, coping with pressures and 

adjustment in the family and community. Unfortunately, they are the most exploited and

confused section of the society. Same is true to the younger children, especially, school 

children in the age group of 12 to 16. They are the precursor to youth. The major concern 

of this panel is on sharing scholarly understanding of two major concerns: one, to 

understand the situations: family, parents, schools and institutions of higher learning, 

community etc., in which youth and children experience much of their turmoil and 

problems; second, to empirically explore perception of the youth and children about 

multifarious problems, they face while trading through this stage of life and entering into 

the world of higher education and work and progressing toward becoming a responsible 

citizen. 


MONGA, O P* and Shaizy Ahmed**, * Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, 

Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005, India, **Assistant Professor of Social Work, 

Department of Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005, HP, India 

Email: *, ** 

Youth and Health: Emerging Health Problems in Educated Youth 

About forty percent India’s population is comprised of young person, that is, between 15- 

24 years of age as per World Health Organisation. There number in 2001 was 230 million. 

During the 1981-1991 increase in young persons was registered from 125 million to 171 

million. Keeping in view the increasing trend in the number of youth, the World Health 

Organisation had declared 1985 as the ‘International Year of Youth’. The importance of 

youth in socio-economic development of society is universally recognised and it is believed 

that it is they who constitute the productive force of any nation, which lays foundation for 

the growth and development. The perspectives amongst us soon realize that youth in India 

is faced with increasing health problems due to number of socio-economic and political 

factors. For instance, these problems are alcoholism, smoking, drug–addiction, crimes, 

most particularly sexual crimes, psycho-sexual adjustment, dowry, coping with pressures 

and adjustment in the family and community etc. These problems are further compared 

with number of distressing and stressing life situations which they come across in 

contemporary marketing and consumer society. Young persons constitute one of the most 

vulnerable groups in India. This is because, on the one hand, they are considered 

responsible for gearing progress and determining destiny of India, and on the other hand, 

they are the most exploited and confused section of the society. This paper converges on 

two major concerns: one, to understand the situations: family, parents, schools and 

institutions of higher learning, community etc., in which youth experiences much of its 

turmoil and problems; second, to empirically explore perception of the youth about 

multifarious problems, they face while trading through this stage of life and entering into 

the world of work and progressing toward becoming a responsible citizen.To understand 

this phenomenon, a study was conducted in Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. The 

information was collected from randomly drawn sample of 300 university students 

belonging to different faculties through an open interview and discussion. The content 

analysis of these interviews and group discussions pointed out some interesting findings, 

such as, value conflict, performance pressure both from parents and educational 

institution, career conflict, unemployment and unhealthy political atmosphere. These 

problems, the findings suggest, constitute an amalgam of stresses and distresses for the 

youth. However, findings of this study indicate toward the need for more in-depth 

research studies to understand problems of the youth in a more realistic manner. The 

detailed findings are described and discussed. Some suggestions which may help young to 

solve their problems are put forward. 

SURROCH,Anita* and Sujit Surroch** and O P Monga***, *Associate Professor of 

Sociology, Government College, Baijnath, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India, **Associate

Professor of Sociology, Government P G College, Palampur, District Kangra, Himachal 

Pradesh, ***Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, 

Shimla, HP, India, Email: 

Problems of Indiscipline among College Students: A Case Study of Kangra District of 

Himachal Pradesh 

This study was conducted with the major focus to explore: i) the nature and type of 

indiscipline among college students; ii) Perception of problems by the students; and iii) To 

suggest some measures to control indiscipline. The data were collected through twenty 

focused group discussions (FGDs), each group consisting of 20-25 students. Four FGDs were 

also held with the teachers. The content analysis of focused group discussions pointed out 

some interesting findings. The main type of indiscipline among students is towards 

authorities: first, for imposition of compulsory attendance in classes; and internal 

assessment. Another major indiscipline is intergroup student organizations. However, 

students invariably do not perceive these as serious problems. But teachers do consider 

growing indiscipline among students a very serious problem which according to them not 

only affects teaching but overall academic environment. Teachers perceive that if the 

problem of indiscipline is allowed to grow further then chaos may arise in educational 

institutions which will adversely tell upon the health of teachers and students. 

VERMA, Narender* and O P Monga** and Anubhav Monga***, *Assistant Professor of 

Sociology, Government College, Sunny, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, **Professor of 

Sociology, Department of Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005, HP, 

India, ***Lead Engineer, HCL Technologies Limited, Bangalore, India. E-mail: 

 

Media and Society: Social Impact of Television on School Children in Rural Areas of 

Basantpur Block of District Shimla 

This investigation was carried out to explore the social impact of television on school 

children. The sample consisted of 375 children in the age group of 12-18 years randomly 

drawn from schools falling in rural areas of Sunni development block of District Shimla, 

Himachal Pradesh. The data were collected through interviews in formal settings from 

four schools. Focused group discussions (FGDs) were also held with eight group of parents 

to have comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Analysis of data pointed out 

certain elevating findings. First, students off and on remain busy in watching television at 

the cost of their studies. Second, though they affirmed of having good awareness about 

issues pertaining to nation and world, but it also affects their performance in studies to a 

great extent. Thirdly, they have negligible or very low participation in domestic activities. 

Fourthly, it has lead to constrained relationship between children and parents. Finally, it 

affects their lifestyle and behaviour pattern which if more in tune with modern outlook. 

The parent admitted that behaviour of their children is becoming un-cooperative and they 

often disobey them. Children increasingly are becoming victim of fast food and bad habits 

like smoking and drinking. Some suggestions have been put forward to control bad effects 

of television on children. 

AHMED, Shaizy* and O P Monga**, *Assistant Professor of Social Work, Department of 

Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005, India, Professor of Sociology, 

Department of Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005, HP, India. E-mail: 

 

Challenges of Employment in Hilly Areas: An Analysis of Educated Youth of Himachal 

Pradesh

India with having almost forty percent of its population as youth figures out as the world’s 

youngest country. This young population is no doubt a boom and an asset for the nation. 

According to the United Nations estimates, India between 2010 to 2030, will add around 

241 million people in working age population. This is both a cause of concern and a cause 

of celebration. The choice is ours. If we succeed in channelizing the potentials and 

energies of this young population then only we may become a global leader, otherwise, we 

mark first in the list of most poor, vulnerable and dependent nations in the world. This 

demands, we have to consider various problems that an Indian youth observes including 

Social, Physical, Emotional, Psychological, and Health & Financial. The problems of Indian 

Youth are unanimous and range from Drug-addition, alcoholism, abuse, unrest, 

unemployment ,smoking to depression, family conflicts, peer pressures, suicide etc. 

Interestingly, unemployment is one such issue which needs special attention. This is 

because; it directly affects individual’s physical, mental, social and financial well being 

and indirectly the family, community and society. Today, we are providing more training, 

quality education and professional degrees to our youth. The mushrooming of universities 

and institutes of professional excellence is a live commentary to this phenomenon. No 

doubt, this is a very good initiative. But rhetoric questions are; Are we really providing 

them quality jobs No, we don’t. As a result the over qualified persons are appointed for 

temporary jobs. This problem of getting ‘forced employment’ instead of ‘choice based’ 

may put youth in a more traumatic pressure situation. The situation of employment is 

even worse in hilly and tribal areas. Himachal Pradesh is one such state with having 

growth of employment rate as 0.37 per cent during 1993 to 2000, lowest in the country 

except Kerala (0.07%) and Andhra Pradesh (0.35%) as reported by the Ministry of Finance & 

Company Affairs in 2003. When a state is unable to give proper employment to its youth, 

they naturally would search jobs in other states. Does competing with the students of 

metropolitan cities and institutions like Delhi University, J.N.U, AIIMS, XLRIs is easier for 

them What limitations do they observe in getting a good and quality job Keeping all 

these questions in mind the present paper is designed to focus on the problems related to 

the employment of youth in Himachal Pradesh. For this, data was collected through 

personal interview and group discussions from a random sample of 600 students hailing 

from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. The key findings suggest the problems of roadconnectivity, 

lack of ample opportunities, improper communication, analytical and writing 

skills along with inadequate computer knowledge as their biggest challenges in placement. 

Above all the lack of domain knowledge overrides all other problems. Thus holistic 

approach is need of the hour to inculcate self-confidence among youth. However, creation 

of employment opportunities will augur well in future. 

MONGA, Om Prabha* and Anubhuti Monga Mahajan** and O P Monga***, *Principal, 

Senior Secondary School (Boys), Solan, HP-173212, **313, MBR Starry Apartments, 

Naynapannahalli, RR Layout,B. G. Road, Bangalore-560076,***Professor of Sociology, 

Department of Sociology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005, India, E-mail: 

 

Growing Incidence of Substance Use among School Students: A Case Study of SSS 

(Boys), Solan 

An exploratory study was attempted to understand the incidence of substance use among 

school students. Group discussions were held with students, teachers, parents and School 

Management Committee, separately. Analysis of findings revealed that school children 

belonging to classes eighth to 10+2 are increasingly falling prey to substance use. Besides 

smoking, students have imbibed practice of sniffing thinner used for diluting White Fluid, 

sipping cough syrups, such as, corex, benadryl, depressants etc. This habit they pick up 

from their peers while in video parlours, cinema halls, birthday parties, picnic spots, 

sports groups etc. drug peddlers seem to be in search of such vulnerable groups and 

invariably succeed in hitting their target. School children, off and on, find time to visit

these places by absconding from their classes. The laxity of non-graded system adds to 

this problem as they know that they will be promoted to next higher class irrespective of 

their performance. Such a system also seems to provide leverage to teachers, some of 

whom, take advantage of this by not keeping busy students in their classes. Findings are 

suggestive of the fact that there is growing incidence of substance use among school 

students and if effective steps are not taken at different levels, the problem may become 

more serious, which may have social, economic and political implications. There is urgent 

need of sensitization of different stakeholders. 

PANEL- 22(A): ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE GOVERNANCE OF CHILDREN 

AND YOUTH IN LATIN AMERICA: MORALITIES, AUTHORITIES AND 

SUBJECTIVITIES 


PANEL ORGANISERS 

(1) CLAUDIA, Fonseca, Rua Ivo Corseuil 169, Porto Alegre 90.690-410, RS, BRAZIL, E- 

mail: 

(2) SCHUCH, Patric, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande dos Sul, Rua Felipe Camarão, 

175/403. Bairro Bom Fim. Porto Alegre/RS, CEP, 90035-141, BRAZIL, E-mail: 

 

(3) RIBEIRO, Fernanda, PUC – Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Santa Cecília, 1945 apto 302, 

40240-041, B. Rio Branco, Porto Alegre, RS, BRAZIL, E-mail: 


Researchers on this panel discuss the technologies of governance pertaining to children 

and youth in Latin America within the present context of redemocratization and the 

diffusion of child rights. Here, these technologies are defined as knowledge forms, 

sciences and intervention strategies involved in the production of new sorts of childhood. 

To understand these processes, it is fundamental to go beyond formal principles to the 

examination of programs aimed at putting these principles in practice. We thus focus on 

various administrative policies in Brazil and Argentina that feed on specific sociocultural 

values (concerning family, authority, class, public security, and social harmony) as well as 

particular political philosophies on the reorganization of the state. We study the impact 

of these program policies on the reconfiguration of moralities, authorities and 

subjectivities, and the way in which these programs are reworked – often in unforeseen 

ways – by the mediators and target populations. 


ADRIANA de R. B. Vianna, Praia do Flamengo 82/1003 – Flamengo – Rio de Janeiro – RJ. 

CEP 22210-030, Brazil, E-mail- 

Reputations, Moralities and Effect in an Extreme Situation: The Case of Youth Killed 

by Police in Rio de Janeiro 

The objective of this paper is to discuss moral confrontations and notions of family in a 

limit situation: the deaths, caused during armed manoeuvers by the Military Police, of 

young people in the favelas and outlying neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro. While 

accompanying the mobilization of the families of people killed by the Military Police, we 

have observed the hard work invested in the construction of a positive reputation for

these youth, to distinguish them from those others involved in the “traffic of drugs”. In 

the process, documents such as school report cards and certificates of apprenticeships or 

employment help to demonstrate a moral career that, together with the testimony of 

family and friends, aims at proving that these young people were part of respectable 

trajectories and networks. Their families and, specifically, their mothers are placed (and 

place themselves) as targets of moral scrutiny, revealing complex symbolic weave 

between reproduction, moral construction, and “rights”. 

CLAUDIA, Fonseca, Rua Ivo Corseuil 169, Porto Alegre 90.690-410, RS, BRAZIL, E-mail: 

Global Technologies of Maternal Morality: The Intersections between Science and 

Politics in “Alternative” Programs for Infant Education in Brazil 

In this paper, I propose to examine the intersections between science, politics and 

maternal mortality in the planning of alternative programs of infant education with special 

focus on Brazil. My focus is on two competing currents of thought –one, composed of 

specialists in medicine, neurosciences and economy, with a strong foothold in 

international NGOs; the other, made up of psychologists, educators and social scientists 

with a long trajectory in university research and the planning of national policies. Despite 

similar objectives, the two schools present different findings that have divergent 

implications as to the strategies needed to enhance infant learning processes – especially 

those concerning the role of mothers. Extending the discussion to the supposed 

connections between maternal behavior and the criminality of new generations, it 

becomes clear how the “scientific truths” of the debate on infant education cannot be 

fully understood without taking into account the moral premises and the political choices 

on which they are founded. 

FLÁVIA F. Pires, 49 Claire Place, Isle of Dogs, London E14 8NJ, UK, E-mail: 

 

Family Subventions and the Governance of Childhood in Brazil: Moralities, Authorities, 

and Subjectivities in the Semi-arid Northeast. 

In this paper, we analyze the reconfiguration of moralities, authorities and subjectivities 

relating to family and childhood by focusing on a public, governmental policy. Based on 

research in the semi-arid territories of Northeast Brazil, we propose to reflect upon an 

unforeseen result of the Program BolsaFamília (a program of conditional transference of 

income to poor families) in terms of the configuration of family power, in particular, the 

change in family status of the children. We will focus on the relationship established 

between mothers (who receive the money) and the children responsible for the 

maintenance of the government allowance on the condition that they attend school. 

Since they became responsible for the financial maintenance of the household, children 

can negotiate their everyday necessities and desires, with the threat that they might miss 

school. Thus, this paper considers family dynamics, revealing a universe in which the 

State, despite efforts to govern children and their families, ends up suggesting new forms 

of family interaction. 

MIRIAM, Pillar Grossi* and Felipe Fernandes**, *Rua Laurindo J. Da Silva 4340, 88062- 

200, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil, **Postdoctoral Fellow, EHESS, France, E-mail: 

*, ** 

Childhood, Youth and Homosexuality: School Territory as a Battlefield in Brazil 

Homosexuality is a highly important theme in Brazilian public schools. In most cases, it is 

used as a category of accusation directed against girls and boys who have transgressed the 

limits of gender norms and hegemonic sexualities. With research carried out in eight

public schools in the state of Santa Catarina, we were able to analyze the principle ways 

homosexuality is treated within the schools as well as to examine homosexuality as a 

transversal theme present in classroom discussions. Based on this research, we reflect on 

the political polemic known in Brazil as the “Anti-homophobia kit” (a series of didactic 

materials produced by the Ministry of Education and vetoed by presidentDilmaRousseff) 

and the tensions between public policies, religious fundamentalism and the education of 

young people in Brazil, focusing on the nexus homosexuality, childhood and youth. 

PANEL- 22(B): ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE GOVERNANCE OF CHILDREN 

AND YOUTH IN LATIN AMERICA: MORALITIES, AUTHORITIES AND 

SUBJECTIVITIES 


PANEL ORGANISERS 

(1) CLAUDIA, Fonseca, Rua Ivo Corseuil 169, Porto Alegre 90.690-410, RS, BRAZIL, E- 

mail: 

(2) SCHUCH, Patric, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande dos Sul, Rua Felipe Camarão, 

175/403. Bairro Bom Fim. Porto Alegre/RS, CEP 90035-141, BRAZIL, E-mail: 

 

(3) RIBEIRO, Fernanda, PUC – Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Santa Cecília, 1945 apto 302, 

40240-041, B. Rio Branco, Porto Alegre, RS, BRAZIL, E-mail: 


PATRICE, Schuch, Rua Felipe Camarão, 175/403, Bairro Bom Fim, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil, 

CEP 90035-141, E-mail: 

Restorative Justice, “Modernization”, and “National Development”: Notes on the 

Spread of Rhetoric Concerning “Child and Adolescent Rights” in Brazil 

This paper considers the spread of rhetoric concerning child and adolescent rights in 

Brazil, focusing on the construction of socio-educational policies aimed at adolescents in 

conflict with the law. In particular, we examine changes in the modes of governance for 

this category of young people through the implantation of restorative justice -- a way of 

administering conflicts that, in Brazil, operates at the intersection of technologies of the 

self, religious moralities and ideologies of care. This reflection stands in strong contrast to 

the spread of international rhetoric on child rights generally guided by notions of 

“modernization” and “national development”. Our analysis points to paradoxes that reveal 

on the one hand, a growing hegemony of the notion of universal childhood and on the 

other, the expulsion of young delinquents beyond the orbit of this notion – engendering 

policies and programs that present them as heavily responsible for their own criminal 

condition. 

CARLA, Villalta, Juan F. Aranguren 366 Dto. 3 CP 1405, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, 

Argentina, E-mail: 

From “Social Causes” to “Children Deprived of Parental Care”: Categories and 

Classifications in the Field of Organizations Aimed at the Protection of Children in 

Argentina

During the past years, the category “children deprived of or lacking parental care” 

(previously referred to as “abandoned” or “at risk” children) has gradually taken over the 

discourse in legal instruments and international documents concerning the rights of 

children. By describing the socio-political process through which this category has gained 

centrality in Argentine policies – dislocating older categories focused on “social causes” 

and “material needs” – the objective of this paper is to analyze the contradictory effects 

of this new category on actors in the institutional field (national and international NGOs, 

jurists, and state agents). For this, we examine the values concerning childhood, family 

and the care implied in these categories. Also, we reflect on the complex ways in which 

international statements on the child's rights take form in specific contexts and the 

disputes of meaning that arise when these statements are applied in the daily 

administration of children and their families. 

FERNANDA, Bittencourtb Ribeiro, Rua Santa Cecília, 1945 apto 302, 40240-041, B. Rio 

Branco, Porto Alegre, RS, E-mail: 

Curbing Physical Punishments: Sensitivities and Authorities in Confrontation 

This paper analyzes the production of a legal norm concerning the treatment of children 

and the diverse understandings of children, childhood and parenthood that are expressed 

during the process. To “curb physical punishments”, putting an end to “cruel and 

degrading treatment” of children is, at the moment, an ideal promoted on a global level, 

expressed in the idiom of rights. In accompanying the trajectory and repercussions of a 

certain legislative proposal – known in Brazil as the “Law on spanking” –, this paper 

attempts to examine the political connections, sciences and experiences that orient the 

proposal’s different arguments. The debates engendered by this legislative initiative 

reveal particular notions on the relationship between “family”, parental authority, 

violence, harmony and social disorder. We argue that, in the analysis of the technologies 

for the governance of childhood, it is necessary to address a more general discussion on 

the technologies of power that become evident when children are defined as “subjects of 

rights”. 

MARIA, Gabriela Lugones, Maria Gabriela Lugones, Avenida Santa Fe 235 2do, B Ciudad de 

Córdoba, Argentina, E-mail: 

Administrative Actions of State Protection and the Department of Childhood, 

Adolescence and Family 

Since the enactment of a provincial law in June 2011, Children’s Courts in the city of 

Cordoba and the “authority to apply” the System of Promotion and Integral Protection of 

Children and Adolescents has been entrusted to the state’s Executive Power. Article 21 of 

the new law, entitled “Measures for the protection of maternity and paternity” 

stipulates: “The measures referring to the principle of integral protection are hereby 

extended to the expectant mothers during pregnancy, birth and breast feeding” – thus 

guaranteeing decent and equal conditions for children yet to be born . This legal directive 

establishes modalities of “minorization” for women of majority age similar to those used 

in the judicial administration of under-age youngsters. Through the description of routine 

governmental actions designed to thus protect children, I propose to reflect on the virtual 

and effective consequences of this sort of “minorization” for adults and their families. 

PANEL- 23: CHILDREN IN DEVELOPMENT: FROM CASE STUDIES TO THE CONSTRUCTION 

OF A SUBJECT MATTER 



SUREMAIN, Charles-Édouard De, Full-Time Researcher, IRD (Institute of Research for 

Development), UMR 208 PaLoc (Patrimoines Locaux), IRD-MNHN, 57, rue Cuvier, 75005 

Paris, FRANCE, E-mail: 


In spite of its greater importance in humanitarian organizations, media and public policy, 

it remains that research on children and childhood do not have any particular influence in 

development projects and process of public decision making. The field is not fully 

recognized in the international academic sphere and thus has a lack of visibility. This 

Panel expects participants to clarify the way Development Projects they work into do 

consider and make place to children and childhood, and how do they construct children 

and childhood as particular subject-matter of research and action. Papers will focus on 

localized case studies and the many constructions of “development children”: Aids 

children, orphans, soldiers, migrants, malnourished, mistreated… Ethical, political, 

methodological and scientific learning will be discussed in order to define better the 

place and the role played by anthropology in the process. 


CAVAGNOUD, Robin, Researcher, Institut Français d’Études Andines – Instituto Francés de 

Estudios Andinos – French Institute of Andean Studies, UMIFRE 17 CNRS – MAEEAv. 

Hernando Siles Nº 5290, Esquina calle 7 de ObrajesLa Paz Bolivi E-mail: 

 

Child Labour versus Working Children: Antagonism between Actors of Development on 

Childern’s Participation in the Peruvian Society 

In Peru, there is an intense debate between proponents of the elimination of child labor 

supported by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Programme for 

the Eradication of Child Labor (IPEC) and several local organizations who advocate on the 

contrary the defense of the right to work for children and adolescents. To the opposite, 

the defensors of working children advocate the youngest people’s dignity and the positive 

dimension of work – and not exploitation – which is a right being part of the individual 

construction identity. This communication proposes to explain theses points of view 

differences and the sociocultural constructions in question. Finally, we will think about 

what could and should be the role of social sciences and in particular the anthropology of 

childhood in such a controversy between actors of development. Beyond the analysis of 

this opposition, a role of mediator could be possible 

HOFFMAN, Diana, Associate Professor, University of Virginia, 405 Emmet St., 

Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA, E-mail: 

Orphans, Slaves, and Angels: The Child as Development Casualty in Haiti 

This paper explores the manner in which the complex terrain of humanitarian assistance, 

NGO development work, faith-based charity, child rights organizations, and a variety of 

child rescue efforts have defined the child subject in their work in pre and postearthquake 

Haiti. Using ethnographic interview data and document and discourse analysis 

of representations of children in Haiti, the paper argues that development projects have 

variously construed Haitian children as victims, slaves, and/or angels, while at the same 

time denying the political nature of these representations as well as the realities of 

children's lives. While attempting to support children's development as key to national 

development, a discourse of risk and abnormality about the culture of childhood in Haiti 

denies the hopes, capacities, and ambitions that even the most marginalized children hold

. 

dear, thus ironically working against children rather than for them. The Colombian 

Institute for the Wellbeing of Families (InstitutoColombiano de Bienestar Familiar or ICBF) 

is a Colombian public establishment created in 1968 with the scope of “protecting 

children and improving the stability and the wellbeing of Colombian families”. One of its 

main roles is to dictate the norms guiding the activities leading to the improvement of 

children’s conditions and to the “moral improvement of family nuclei”. This Institute is 

equally responsible for formulating and directing the execution of programs directed to 

“vulnerable” Colombian women and children 

SUREMAIN, Charles-Édouard de, Full-time Researcher at the Institute of research for 

Development (IRD), UMR 208 PaLoc (PatrimoinesLocaux), IRD-MNHN57, rue Cuvier, 75005 

Paris, France, E-mail: 

The Malnourished Child as a Constructed Subject-Matter in Development Projects 

In the context of numerous development projects which imply children, we may wonder 

how do anthropologists construct and use the category of “malnourished child” as a 

subject-matter. Does this subject-matter rely on local perceptions of body, person and 

health Is the link between malnutrition and food so obvious Or is it too rapidly taken for 

granted by researchers In this paper, I will lean on a development project held in Bolivia 

and Peru in which the subject-matter of malnourished child has lead to some critical 

reflection based on grounded research. 

SUSANA, Borda Carulla, 1, rue Maurice Arnoux, 92120 Montrouge, France, E-mail: 

 

The Notion of “Vulnerable Child” Within the Colombian Institute for the Wellbeing of 

Families (ICBF) 

In this paper I will explore the notion of “vulnerable” child developed within the ICBF, 

from 1968 to the present. The corpus of data I will analyze includes the relevant 

legislation, the internal documents of the ICBF, a number of structured interviews with 

high functionaries of the ICBF, and field observations of ICBF functionaries in the 

framework of the ICBF program Community Homes of Wellbeing (HogaresComunitarios de 

Bienestar), directed to “vulnerable” women and their small children. My main claim will 

be that the notion of “vulnerable child” conveyed by the ICBF must be understood in the 

framework of a child-mother-centered model of family where the role of man is uncertain 

and often deeply problematic. 

PANEL 24(A): REPRESENTATION OF GENERATION ‘Y’ IN NEW MEDIA AND 

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY 



(1) DAS, Rajesh, Department of Mass Communication, Assistant Professor, University 

of Burdwan, Burdwan- 713104, West Bengal, INDIA, E-mail: 

 

(2) DASGUPTA, Buroshiva, International Institute of Management, Alipore, Kolkata,, 

West Bengal, INDIA, E-mail: 


The Millennial Generation, Face book Generation, or the Echo Boomers all are collectively 

described as the Generation Y. The most fascinating attribute of Generation Y is that they

turn out to be the first generation to grow up entirely surrounded by internet world, social 

media network and entertainment world. Primarily, the panel will try to find out critical 

approaches to social networking site, and its usage by the Generation Y and their 

psychological addiction to social networking site. Using the ‘uses and gratifications theory’ 

as the guiding paradigm some of the papers of the panel will empirically examine the 

social media usage of teenagers and ascertain whether there is a demographic divide in 

the nature of the usage. In the final phase, the proposed panel will discuss the 

commercialization of youth through FM Radio, TV serials, reality shows, and music video 

and in Indian cinema – about its scripting and marketing strategy. 


ROY, Srabani, Department of Mass Communication,Asutosh College, Kolkata, affiliated to 

University of Calcutta, India, Email: 

Face Book Syndrome: The Virtual Make-Believe World of Generation ‘Y’ 

The advent of new media technologies had ultimately shifted people’s leisure time from 

public to private activities. Especially the generation Y, in present day scenario, has been 

gripped in a virtual make believe world through different social networking sites like 

facebook, twitter, orkut, etc. The virtual networking activity through these various 

networking sites has a ‘decentralizing tendency’ in drifting away from community or 

family based activities to individual activities. Since the kind of interaction taking place 

through these networking sites is communication between two people (i.e., interpersonal 

communication), mediated by a machine. But in real world, interpersonal communication 

takes place between two or more people, who, in a given situation, mutually adapt their 

behavior and actions to each other. The important aspect is that the partners involved in 

the interaction process are in close physical proximity i.e., the real world of eye contact 

and handshake, voice and ear. Thus instead of facing the real life, generation Y is actually 

wasting its precious time in the virtual world created by the so called social networking 

sites. These sites are actually making them sadder and lonelier. It seemed that they 

particularly feel despicable about themselves after logging onto the site and scrolling 

through others' attractive photos, accomplished bios, and happy status updates. As if they 

are convinced that everyone else was leading a perfect life. By showcasing the most witty, 

joyful, bullet-pointed versions of people's lives, and inviting constant comparisons in which 

they see themselves as the losers, facebook appears to exploit human nature. Citing 

various theories this paper proposes that technology, despite its promises of social 

connectivity, is actually making us lonelier by preventing true intimacy and interactivity. 

In reality, it is actually privatizing our public spheres and making us isolated social being. 

GHOSH, Suchandra, National University of Education Planning and Administration 

(NUEPA), New Delhi, India, Email: 

Representation in Face Book: Real vis-a-vis the Virtual Identity 

In the premodern societies, social networking took place within the community. Physical 

proximity sustained the social bonds among the kin and the peer group. In the industrial 

age, people migrated from their place of origin to the workplace, eventually relocating 

and settling down at places away from their group members. Networking became difficult 

in such societies. In postmodern times with technologies ruling the roost, they facilitate 

sustaining the bonds and sometimes even in forging relationship. Networking sites 

particularly the Face book, inform and update the users regarding their “added” friends. 

In the course of sharing albums, updating the friends and acquaintances about any change 

in one’s own life, commenting on some current social phenomenon or in reacting to the 

views of others, identities of the users’ get reconstituted within the technology driven

“virtual” social space. Through intensive tracking of the facebook accounts of 10 regular 

users over a stipulated time span, an effort would be made to examine these “virtual” 

identities. In the present paper, an attempt will be made to explore, how the new social 

media constitutes distinct “virtual” identities; whether these identities strike a contrast 

to the “real” identities and if so to what extent. 

MONIR, Abu, Department of Mass Communication, Siliguri College, Affiliated to University 

of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, E-mail: 

Sweeping Generalizations on Generation ‘Y’ 

The representation of Generation ‘Y’ in the mainstream media in India has largely been 

stereotypic. The collective impression the media creates is Generation ‘Y’ is young, 

upbeat, mobile, English speaking, techno-savvy and rootless. The generalization may 

appear justified even through a cursory glance at the life and work of the young 

generation in the urban, IT hubs of Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Gurgaon. In 

representing generation “Y”, the media, particularly the English media, has sought to 

create its own, favoured portrayal of not necessarily what this generation is but what it 

aspires to be or should be like. Such a portrayal suits diverse interest groups – such as the 

fast growing corporate sector in the country, the IT and ITES industry and the ad and film 

world. The Gen ‘Y’ Bollywood hero speaks English or Hinglish, eats pizza and wears 

western trendy garments. However such a generalization is bound to create deep 

confusion when considered in the backdrop of the whole of India and its diverse culture. 

The generation ‘ Y’ reflected in the Indian mass media does not exist in the small towns or 

villages, which constitute the major chunk of what India truly is. Herein lay the problem. 

BAKSHI, Madhupa, NSHM Institute of Media and Communication, Kolkata, India, E-mail: 

 

What Benefits Do Teenagers Reap from Social Media Motives and Usages 

Recent marketing surveys of Internet point to the extensive use of social networking sites 

(SNS) among young urban people studying in schools and colleges. Services such as email, 

search engines, blogs and websites, social networks like Facebook give the teenagers a 

new platform to express themselves. Using the ‘uses and gratifications theory’ as the 

guiding paradigm this paper will empirically examine the social media usage of teenagers 

and ascertain whether there is a demographic divide in the nature of the usage. Here 

social media will cover Facebook, You tube and Google chat. Also the paper will explore 

whether there is gender or income divide in the nature of social media usage as there are 

indications that this may be possible as in the early days of internet adoption there was a 

gender and economic divide. 

PANEL-24(B): REPRESENTATION OF GENERATION ‘Y’ IN NEW MEDIA AND 

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY 



(1) DAS, Rajesh, Assistant Professor, University of Burdwan, West Bengal, E-mail: 

 

(2) DASGUPTA, Buroshiva, University of Burdwan, West Bengal, INDIA, E-mail: 

 

PAPER PRESENTERS

MUKHERJEE, Ram Kamal, Address, E-mail 

Publicity and Marketing are the Leading Stars in Today’s Hindi Cinema 

Way back in 1913 when director DhundirajGovindPhalke aka DadasahebPhalke decided to 

release India’s first motion picture Raja Harishchandra, he was surprised to see that barely 

anyone came to watch his film. People were still flocking in theatres which were playing 

‘non-Indian’ films like Jesus of Nazareth. Later he realized that, though he had put in all 

his effort in making the film, he couldn’t reach his target audience. In fact no one was 

even aware of the fact that someone called DadasahebPhalke made India’s first motion 

picture. Immediately, he borrowed the idea of spreading awareness through a ‘mobile’ 

van. This idea was borrowed by Phalke from West. When he went to United States of 

America to understand movie making, he saw that producers used to campaign around in a 

mobile van with a loudspeaker, screaming loudly the name of the film with the brief 

storyline. With limited funds in his pocket, he had to sell few more stuffs from his kitchen 

and managed to buy a motor operated cart, in which he and his wife would paste the 

name of the film and roam around market area to spread the news. “Come, my friend! 

Watch your own gods and goddesses walking, dancing and talking in your own language.” 

This was Phalke’s style of promoting his maiden venture. Unknowingly, the father of 

Indian cinema, created the first ever module of promotion. This was just the germ. Later 

he went on creating posters and pasting them across the walls. From ‘mobile’ van to 

‘mobile ring tones’ Indian cinema and marketing of Hindi cinema has come a long way. 

From no budget to almost equal budget of the making of a cinema, the evolution of 

publicity and marketing strategies have seen a sea change. The budget of promotion was 

merely in lacs way back in 1970's But now, the budget of marketing and promotion has 

become an integral part of the film's budget. Recently, SujoyGhosh's film Kahani or even 

EktaKapoor's The Dirty Picture had spent almost the same amount which they have 

invested in the film. For example, if a movie is made in 20 crore, then the promotion of 

the film should not be less than 10 crore. So, the total budget of the movie will be 30 

crore for the producer. There are various modules in which one can recover the money 

which a producer is investing in a project. From gifting away cars to lucky winners to free 

'all paid' trip to America for the promotion of DesiBoyz, Hindi cinema is leaving no stone 

unturned to grab the eye balls. With IPL and other celebrity tournaments happening round 

the calender, promotions of cinema have merged with cricket and sports events too. It's 

the simple fundamental of, 'All That Glitters IS gold!' This definitely deserves to be spoken 

in a national seminar or in an international platform. The revenue of cinema depends on 

the innovative ideas in promoting a film. Now, cinema is not just about passion. It’s more 

like a ‘product’ which needs attention. In the age of ‘surfing’ the attention span of 

average viewer is less than two minutes, in such circumstances, it requires a pro to create 

interest amongst the viewers to watch a film for almost two hours. This is a big challenge, 

and if one chronically evaluates the importance of publicity and marketing in Hindi 

cinema, it will open up a different dimension in the field of art and entertainment. 

YADAV, Prabhanjan, Department of Mass Communication, Asutosh College, Kolkata, 

Affiliated to University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India, E-mail: 

Why Generation ‘Y’ is after New Media and Entertainment Industry 

Youth also identifies a particular mindset of attitude, as in "He is very youthful". The term 

youth is also related to being young. "This world demands the qualities of youth: not a 

time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a 

predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of 

ease." Characteristics of the generation vary by region, depending on social and economic 

conditions. However, it is generally marked by an increased use and familiarity with 

communications, media, and digital technologies. In most parts of the world its upbringing

was marked by an increase in a neoliberal approach to politics and economics; the effects 

of this environment are disputed. They want to accomplish great things as they grow up in 

the urban area. Gen Y is growing up with the Internet. They also have more 

communication options than ever before. They have grown up with the ability to 

communicate across continents at a moment’s notice. The rise of instant communication 

technologies made possible through use of the internet, such as email, texting, and IM and 

new media used through websites like YouTube and social networking sites like Facebook, 

MySpace, and Twitter, may explain the Millennials' reputation for being somewhat peeroriented 

due to easier facilitation of communication through technology. Most of Gen Y 

had to learn the hard way about the perils of posting everything online. Gen Y cares about 

the world. They pay attention to politics, the economy, social causes, and environmental 

issues. They think they're a force to be reckoned with in elections and follow the 

candidates online on social networks. They read the news, but not in newspaper format. 

Generation Y's online presence is growing, as evidenced by the website 

GenerationYGirl.com founded in 2011 to provide a voice for women coming of age in the 

recession. Gen Y is watching TV online. They have time-shift content all the time, not only 

on the web but also via portable devices and mp3 players, too. Generation Y has a 

tendency to be more culturally liberal with many supporting modern yet historically more 

liberal views in general. Being able and encouraged to communicate has made Gen Y extra 

confident. Their education is communication-based from the start. They are asked about 

their feelings in elementary school, thoughts in middle school and ideas in high school and 

college. They are encouraged to share with the class. They are put into groups with their 

peers to collaborate on projects. They have classes on public speaking. They also gain in 

from social media and completely satisfied with Social connects. The Gen Y has been 

shaped by the events, leaders, developments and trends of its time. One has to go with 

the trends of the times and adopt the technological changes occurred accordingly.They're 

the most digitally active having been born plugged in. Expression and acceptance has been 

highly important to this generation. 

DAS, Manas Pratim, Transmission Executive, All India Radio, Kolkata, India, E-mail: 

 

Urbanization and Commercialization of Youth through FM Radio 

The FM Radio revolution that started in the country in 2003-04 has taken the youth of the 

country in its fold. Though FM stands for Frequency Modulation, which is a broadcasting 

technique, it has come to mean ‘entertainment on the move’. The carefree attitude of 

presentation on FM as opposed to the strict classical mode of radio presentation has 

become a favourite with the youngsters. Focussed on pure entertainment, FM channels 

compete with each other in playing foot-tapping numbers churned out by the Mumbai film 

industry and sometimes the regional music and film industry. Broadcasting FM channels 

are mostly private and are not bound by any rules to cater to local tastes or develop 

region-specific cultures. Those channels are largely investing in a monoculture that invites 

each and every youth to develop urban speaking style as well as urban manners. It serves 

their profit-motives well as it is easier to attract a uniform mob towards commercial 

products. FM is no different from the print or audio-visual medium in this attitude but is 

probably more effective due to its ability to stick to the ears in all circumstances. FM 

broadcasting has thus become another powerful tool in the globalisation of urban, 

consumerist culture. In the process, it has obliterated the gains made by the state radio in 

promoting regional cultures of all hues. 

KUNDU, Subhrajyoti, Department of Mass Communication, University of North Bengal, 

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, E-mail:

Social Media Usage, Addiction and Psychological Dependence within Generation Y: A 

Study on Generation Y Populace of Siliguri, North Bengal 

One of the fascinating attribute of Generation Y is that they turn out to be the first 

generation to grow up surrounded by social media. Though Generation Y is addicted to 

social media in maintaining relationships with their peers yet the swift developments in 

the technology arena and the cavernous impact of social media are echoed in the abrupt 

behavioral change even within this Net Generation. The online behavioral patterns vary 

between the adults and the teens of this generation, with today’s teens showing much 

greater fluency with Internet and technology use than their adult counterpart. This article 

shall try to find out the difference of usage, addiction and psychological dependence upon 

social media with specific focus to Facebook between the adults and the teens i.e. the 

college goers of the Generation Y populace of Siliguri, West Bengal. 

PANEL- 25: WORKING WITH YOUTH IN INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES 



SELDIN, Nancy, Licensed Professional Counsellor, Intercultural Youth and Family 

Development, The University of Montana Missoula, MT., E-mail: 

 


This session will probe the value and methods of interventions e.g. How does the 

theoretical base inform the ethical consideration adopted by the intervention How has 

feedback been used to improve impact To what extent has democracy, user involvement 

and choice influence the design of the intervention How does psychological, 

social/political and personal issues relate to “helping” work Panel members will explore 

a range of interventions recognizing salient principles, strategies and approaches. 


SELDIN, Nancy, Licensed Professional Counsellor, Intercultural Youth and Family 

Development, The University of Montana Missoula, MT., E-mail: 

 

Preparing Youth Development Workers for Intercultural Service: Lessons Learned 

There is a need for skilled and committed people trained to work in Youth & Family 

Development with a combination of sound theory, cross-disciplinary study, cultural 

awareness and relevant skills. The Intercultural Youth and Family Development program at 

The University of Montana has been providing graduate level training to aspiring youth 

workers who spend one year on campus, then do one to three year internships either 

through the US Peace Corps, or with international NGOs. IYFD pedagogy mirrors what we 

know about youth development. Over 8 years, through a process of on-going reflection, 

evaluation and adjustment we have developed an effective interdisciplinary curriculum. 

This paper will present the main elements of the curriculum, outlining theory and learning 

strategies used, areas of study included 

SHERRY, Catron Burke, Director of Programs, Partnerships and Research Committee for 

Children, 2815 2 nd Avenue, Suite 400, Seattle, E-mail:

Developing Self-Regulation as the Foundation for Social-Emotional Learning and School 

Success: Second Step Program and Steg Vis 

Academic success depends on more than children’s literacy, numeracy and language skills. 

To be successful in school, children need to be able to cooperate with adult requests and 

participate constructively in classroom activities by paying attention, staying on-task, 

getting along with other students, and being able to self-regulate emotions and behaviors. 

These abilities are often referred to as self-regulation or learning-related skills and are a 

critical foundation of social-emotional competence. This session will provide a bridge from 

research to practice in the area of self-regulation and its impacts on improved student 

academic and social-emotional outcomes. Participants will learn about: 1) self-regulation 

as a foundation for academic success, 2) self-regulation as malleable and teachable, and 

3) evidence that learning-related skills predict academic outcomes for students 

throughout their formal education and into adulthood. Presenters will share perspectives 

from the United States and Sweden on the evidence-based social-emotional skills program 

Second Step/Steg Vis. 

PANEL-26: MIGRANT CHILDREN’S CULTURES AND THE CULTURE OF MIGRANT 

CHILDHOODS 



DAR, Anandini, Rutgers University, CAMDEN, E-mail: 


Immigrant children’s cultures have been re-created across time periods and through 

various spatial, racial, institutional, and ideological practices. These cultures offer 

insights into the diverse cultures of children, and their societies, and function as sites for 

analyzing constructions of childhoods. This panel looks at the cultures of migrant 

children, and engages with the conceptions, contestations, and negotiations of immigrant 

childhood cultures in their varied possibilities: production, consumption, performance, 

and embodiment. Migrant children employ various urban spaces, services for their 

support, along with institutional and familial ideologies, only to deploy new cultural 

practices in popular culture, food, dress, language, peer groups, writings, and other 

material, spatial, and literary forms. This panel aims to look at the ways in which 

migration gives rise to diverse childhood cultures – lived and ideological – across 

international immigration movements of children and youth. Diverse approaches and 

methods of exploration of these cultures, in varied texts, and across historical time 

periods and regions, are especially welcome on this panel. 

The panel is attentive to topics on, but not limited to: 

• ethnically and racially diverse children’s and youth cultures in the diaspora 

• Cultures of migrant children observable in/ or deployed through spaces and 

services, foods, dress, language, artifacts, music, writings. 

• institutional, familial, and material manifestations of migrant childhood cultures 

• transnational cultures of immigrant children 

• local/global production and/ or consumptions by immigrant youth 

• urban, and poor migrant children’s experiences 

• use of, and production of, social networks and digital media cultures 


DAR, Anandini, Rutgers University-Camden, E-mail:

That’s Swag!: Desi Kids and the Cultural Geographies of South Asian Childhoods 

Children and adults gather at a recreation and service center for South Asians located in 

Queens, New York for an “end of season splash”. This gathering is the celebration of the 

culmination of programs held over a school semester at this center. What ensues on this 

day, and resembles previous end of program celebrations, is a range of activities: dances, 

plays, monologues, quizzes, dhol beats, hand out of certificates to celebrate academic 

achievement, and a free style dace party as a grand finale. These performances and 

verbal exchanges during the event, inform how immigrant children use places of 

recreation, and make evident the cultural repertoires and formulations they adopt, 

reproduce and even create anew in such sites. In this paper, hence, I will examine, 

through narratives and ethnographic detail, these meanings about place, culture, and 

migration that offer an altered understanding of the cultures of immigrant children 

growing up in the U.S. in the 21 st century. 

PARAMO, Duque and María Claudia, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, E-mail: 

 

Migration and Cultures in Colombia: Comparative Analysis of Immigrant Children and 

Children of Emigrant Parents 

The lives of many Colombian children have been shaped and determined by diverse types 

of migration: internal and international, forced and voluntary. They also migrate as family 

members, independently and stay at home while one or both parents migrate either to 

national or international destinations. Despite this variety and the high presence of all 

types of migration in Colombian children, they are still invisible in the public and the 

academic writings about Colombian migration. In this context, the purpose of this paper is 

to argue that Colombian children living migratory phenomena are agents building cultures 

while interacting with others. With this purpose, I propose a comparative analysis of the 

children´s experiences and the context of the migration, based on two qualitative studies. 

One is an ethnographic study with Colombian immigrant children in the United States 

about their adjustment and food changes; the other one is a mixed methods (qualitative, 

quantitative) with children in Colombia whose mother, father o r both have emigrated. 

Based on the interviews and the analysis of the context, I will compare how children are 

agents; their relationships and interactions with parents, family members, close relatives, 

other adults and peers; their experiences and perspectives about migration as related to 

the local, national and international-global context, and their transnational lives. Finally, I 

plan to conclude how the intersection of childhood and migration raise the emergence of 

children´s cultures. 

ENSOR, Marisa O., University of Tennessee, E-mail: 

Youth Culture, (Re) integration, and Diasporic Identities in South Sudan 

The relative stability that has characterized South Sudan since the 2005 ceasefire has 

facilitated the return of significant numbers of displaced persons, many of them children, 

who are now struggling to reintegrate in the society they fled years ago. For large 

numbers of uprooted children and youth, many of whom were born in exile or fled home 

when they were too young to remember it, the term ‘reintegration’ may be a misnomer. 

The life experiences of those displaced by the war have been quite diverse and disparate 

depending on their migratory trajectories, resulting in a wide range of diasporic identities 

and youth cultures. Fieldwork among South Sudanese refugees in Egypt and Uganda reveals 

serious generational differences regarding the very desirability of return. Intergenerational 

conflict is not uncommon, as the exilic experiences of many youngsters have 

created expectations of a ‘modern’ way of life perceived as largely incompatible with the 

traditional rural lifestyle and social relations they associate with South Sudan.

Furthermore, those who grew up in Khartoum or Cairo, where the language of instruction 

is Arabic, are likely to face difficulties adapting to the English-based curriculum currently 

implemented by the new South Sudanese government. Their views on education, 

repatriation, and (re)integration need to be considered, as they are likely to differ from 

those of their Sudan-born elders. Repatriation to a ‘homeland’ which for many in the 

younger generation is not really regarded as ‘home’ can thus be expected to be highly 

problematic. Based on fieldwork conducted in South Sudan, Egypt and Uganda, the 

proposed paper examines the concept of ‘youth culture’ as it applies to the diverse 

experiences of young South Sudanese refugees. This concept, I argue, offers a useful lens 

to analyze the challenges and opportunities facing young people in South Sudan in their 

efforts to overcome a legacy of war and displacement, and contribute to the sustainability 

of their newly independent nation. 

ELODIE, Razy, University of Liege, E-mail: 

From Transnational to Multilocal Childhood: Concepts and Children’s Experiences 

(Mali/France) at the Core 

Nowadays, it is almost accepted to analyze migrant children through a transnational lens 

without asking whether this concept, or more over this paradigm, suits the children’s 

experiences of migration or not. In my paper, I shall first focus on terms I prefer to use 

talking about migrant children living in France and whose parents come from Mali (Soninke 

Homeland). First of all, the family - in the local sense defined by the kinship and alliance 

system in Soninké Homeland – is mainly scattered. Second, the mode of child migration, 

that I describe, is called “circulation” because the children’s trip is never one way and 

children are used to travel several times to several places during their childhood. The 

several places cannot be all characterized by the term “transnational”, because some of 

them belong to the same transnational space. This perspective shall lead us to renew the 

way of considering childhood and then children’s experiences as a multilocal one. Can we 

then argue that multilocal children’s experiences produce a specific culture Does the 

concept of multilocal childhood make sense by analyzing the way of being and belonging 

of children Is the multilocal childhood a specific and new kind of childhood Through 

different examples of children’s circulation in different localities, I will try to answer 

these questions. 

WIHSTUTZ, Anne* and Beatrice Hungerland, *Protestant University of Applied Sciences 

Magdeburg-Stendal, Germany, E-mail: 

Migrant Children’s Perspective on Family Migration 

Most research on migrant families is focused on the family unit or the household. It 

assumes adults are the key actors and children often become invisible due to their 

assigned status of dependents. This paper pulls to the fore the perspectives of migrant 

children. Children’s presence and childrens participation in processes of migration form a 

central axis of family migration. In this paper the decision to migrate is considered a 

negotiation process with complex and ambivalent consequences for power-relationships 

within the family. Our research interests center around family negotiating processes from 

the perspectives of migrant children, prior to migration and after arrival in the country of 

immigration. How are decisions taken concerning transnational migration Who is to 

migrate Concerning family power relationships how does the decion to migrate affect 

children’s position. How are (family) responsibilities re-negotiated among family 

members Families re-migrate, split and migrate to re-unite. When whole families move, 

children often form the front line in the place of arrival, often learning the language and 

social mores before their parents, acting as interpreters and negotiators for family 

members. Family roles of dependency and responsibility between parents and children

may reverse, causing distress and frustration to both. Yet as our own research with 

working migrant children (Hungerland et al 2007; Wihstutz 2009) indicates, children may 

also experience social recognition and expand their social networks. Our paper attends to 

the complex relationship between global structures and individual agency at the local and 

personal level. Migrant children are pictured as embedded in multi-layered social fields. 

They are part of and move in “multiple strata”. The paper highlights how migrant children 

are involved in the negotiation of “family”, “belonging” and identity. The paper is based 

on semi-structured interviews with 6 migrant working children in Germany aged 10 to 15, 

and additional interviews with migrant children and young adults who have migrated 

during their childhood with family members to Germany, accessed by snowball contacts. 

Focal point of interest is the children’s perpective on migration and family negotiation 

processes. Our approach is informed by the new sociology of childhood. Methodologically 

our research is explorative; it is placed in the tradition of grounded theory. The paper 

allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the theory of generatioal order and 

biografic work by children. Our paper is a contribution to the recognition of children’s 

agency in their family networks, in the community they become part of and in the 

transnational networks they participate in. 

TANON, Fabienne* and Abdoulaye Sow**, *Ens de Lyon, University de Lyon, France; 

**Université de Nouakchott, Mauritanie, E-mail: 

Young Mauritanians' Migration: A Difficult Journey 

This presentation deals with an investigation about illegal youth migration from Mauritania 

towards Europe. The field work conducted by A. Sow took place in three Mauritanian cities 

during the years 2007 and 2008 and targeted four samples of the population : adolescent 

boys and youth migrants ; their families ; adolescent girls and single young women ; and 

NGOs and representatives of the public sector. Among the bulk of research on nonaccompanied 

minors' migration into Europe, and into France more specifically, very little 

is said regarding adolescents and young men from Mauritania. Nonetheless, their illegal 

departure from their homeland is observed by local researchers and representatives of 

NGOs working in the field. This apparent contradiction triggered the study: the need to 

understand the underground dynamics involved in this whole new phenomenon in order to 

suggest ways of remedy. This presentation will detail some of the main reasons for youth's 

illegal migration, how it is implemented through family strategies and religious practices, 

the "cultural background" in which it takes place, describing the cast system prevailing in 

this society, and at the end, the consequences in terms of matrimonial ties and social 

changes. The communication will offer insights into the cultural dynamics at the core of 

this new type of migration by boats, that widely differs from an historical tradition of 

migration in this country. The anthropological survey and observations performed by A. 

Sow, a native Mauritanian anthropologist, permitted to elicit information that would have 

been impossible to obtain for an external researcher. This emic perspective allows us to 

refer to "cultural arguments" to analyze the data and to suggest new policy regulations, 

regarding adolescents and youth migration into Europe. In order to be effective, such a 

policy can only be the fruit of balanced negociations between Northern and Southern 

countries, just as any strategy fighting illegal migration must take into account the 

cultural and social dimensions that produce it, not only from the European point of view, 

but also from the perspective of the countries of origin. 

PADROS, Cecilia Vindrola and Ginger A. Johnson, University of South Florida, USA, 

E-mail: 

Children Migrating for Medical Treatment: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Contemporary studies on child migration have shed light on the active role children play 

during migration, the ways in which they negotiate the representation of their place of 

origin and host country, the activities they carry out in the new location (i.e. as brokers 

and translators), and the ways in which their needs and concerns influence family’s 

migration experiences. Studies on child circulation and unaccompanied migration have 

also looked at how the movement of children from one household to another operates as 

an economic and social strategy. Missing from these studies are the experiences of ill 

children who must leave their place of origin because they cannot obtain access to 

necessary medical therapies. The purpose of this paper is to present the experiences of 

children traveling for medical treatment in two distinct geographical and cultural settings: 

two orphanages in Kenya and four public hospitals in Argentina. In the first case study, we 

explore how decisions to place HIV + children in orphanages are influenced by the family 

members’ and the child’s desire to obtain continuous access to ARV therapy. In the 

second case study, we point to the different ways in which migration to Argentina is used 

by Bolivian and Paraguayan children with cancer and their accompanying parents to secure 

free and high quality medical treatment. Both studies utilize a diverse multi-method 

approach to capture migrant children’s culture while highlighting the importance of 

employing visual research tools with participants. The analysis of the migration 

experiences of ill children points to the different ways in which movement can represent a 

strategy for survival in areas of the world where health care is not always accessible. This 

cross-cultural comparison highlights the factors that make each migration experience 

unique, while demonstrating that ill children in different parts of the world share similar 

concerns, problems, and motivations. 

PANEL-27(A): CHILD, YOUTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 



CHANTIA, Alok, Department of Anthropology, Lucknow University, Lucknow, UP, INDIA, 

E-Mail: 


PRATAP, Bhanu* and Preeti Misra**, *Student , LL.M. (Human Rights) IVth Semester, 

Dept. of Human rights, School For Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, 

Lucknow, India, **Associate Professor, Dept. of Human rights, School for Legal Studies, 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

*,** 

Children in Armed Conflict: The Emerging Problem in Global Legal Order 

The concept of war is already an anomaly that disturbs the global stability. It has brought 

untold miseries and represents unadulterated chaos. It targets various sections of world 

community, but the most affected section is also the most gullible and vulnerable section 

of the society and that section are children. The following paper will discuss the various 

international legal provisions that prohibit the use of children in armed conflict and how 

various legal instruments protect the rights of children and punish the offenders of 

international humanitarian law. An effort will be made to analyze the problem through the 

lens of Restorative Justice which itself is becoming a popular device for communitarian 

solidarity. It will be argued that Restorative Justice allows for the re integration of these 

children in the society and do not treat them like criminals.

AWASTHI, Sudhir Kumar* and Shashank Shekhar**, *Lecturer, B.S.B. Ambedkar Law 

College, Lucknow, India, **Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Unity Degree College, Lucknow, 

India, E-Mail: 

Children's Rights as a Foundation of Development: An Indian Perspective 

"Children, I thank, all over India have the first claim on us, because they represent the 

India of tomorrow." -Jawaharlal Nehru 

Until the middle of the last century, the sufferings and claims of children drew little social 

attention. This was mainly because there was no recognition for the person of the child, 

apart from the family or the community to which he/she belonged. In the later part of 

nineteenth century and in the twentieth century, the situation changed significantly from 

the point of view of children. Firstly, the tern of industrialization, urbanization and 

migration from rural to urban religions disturbed the traditional integration of the child. 

Secondly, the disintegrated, de-regulated and deprived child was compelled to choose 

deviant ways of interaction requiring deployment of tough control measures. This will lead 

to State intervention in matter relating to children, both for their protection and in 

defence of society. The Children's Rights under UN Convention, 1989 – The Convention 

gives the most comprehensive and far-reaching recognition to the Right of the Child. 

Although most of these rights can be fitted within the traditional grouping of (a) Civil and 

Political Rights, (b) Economic Rights, and (c) Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention 

refers to certain new conceptual categories of rights such as the right not to be affected 

by narcotic drugs and substances (Article 33). Such an exhaustive coverage given to Child 

Rights makes the Convention an agenda that can be progressively achieved in the future. 

As a bulwark of all the weaker sections, the Constitution of India has special 'Karuna' for 

its child citizens. This is amply reflected in: 

• Article 24 which prohibit the employment of children below 14 years in factory, 

mine or any other hazardous employment. 

• Article 39 (e) and (f) which provide – Children are not abused and forced by 

economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength. 

• Article 45 responses an obligation on the State to provide for free and compulsory 

education to all children up to the age of 14 years. 

• Article 51 – A (k) provide who are a parents or guardian to provide the 

opportunities for education to his child or, as a case may be, ward between the 

ages of 6 to 14 years. 

The practice of Child Labour has been constitutionally examined in several cases before 

the Supreme Court. In the first landmark decision, People’s Union for Democratic Rights 

vs. Union of India (AIR 1982 SC 1473) the Supreme Court laid down that the Article 24 

prohibition against employment of children below 14 year in the hazardous employment 

could be enforced even the absence of special legislation. Finally, in M.C. Mehta vs. State 

of T.N., (AIR 1991 SC 417), the Supreme Court was required to pronounce their ruling 

regarding the pervasive practice of child labour in the match and firework factories in 

Sivakasi. The Court rules that all forms of child labour in the manufacturing processes of 

the concerned packing processes which are more generally non-hazardous. Speaking in the 

Context of economic exploitation of child labour, the Supreme Court rules that the 

minimum wages for child labour have to be at least 60 percent of what is paid to adult 

labour. 

RAJ, Avishek* and Anamika Gari**, *LL.M. IVth Semester, Department of Human Rights, 

School For Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, 

**LL.M. IInd Semester, Department of Human Rights, School For Legal Studies, Babasaheb

Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, E-mail: / 

 

RTE: An Egalitarian Approach for the Protection of Precarious Rights of Child Education 

Human rights are such types of inalienable rights which are possessed by all human beings 

irrespective of their race, cast, nationality, sex, language etc. In the light of this concept 

Parliament has enacted the RTE Act, 2009 for the free and compulsory education for 

children. Over the years, since Mohani Jain Case to 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 

2002, it has been demanding for children’s education has grown by leaps and bounds and 

finally it’s culminated into the RTE, 2009. Albeit it is the right approach for making 

elementary education as a fundamental right practically but still there are “invisible 

children” – children bounded to work in dhabas, grazing cattle, girls working in the fields 

or as domestic help and children being subjected to early marriage, who are untouched 

with these types of rights. Also we can say that it is a pedagogical approach in which 

teacher accountability systems and process should ensure that children are learning. 

Already there are lobbyists of private schools and they have created an atmosphere of 

commercialization of education. In these situations there is need for close cooperation 

Central, State Governments, the NCPCR and the Department of women and child 

development to ensure that children get their rights under the RTE Act. Otherwise the 

educational right of children will only glimpses on paper and will die into the years. 

DIXIT, Sachin Kumar, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, 

E-mail: 

Youth and Media in the New Emerging World 

Media is the new emerging window to see the whole world rather it lets you to see the 

world from your eyes it’s up to you what you pick it up good or bad. Media includes all the 

possible ways of getting or giving information is it via television, radio or internet. Media 

has its good reach to youth specially, be it laptops or through mobile phones. Everything is 

available just at a click. Recently America has put ban on several networking sites as they 

serve wrong and unfruitful content though several protest has been faced but the idea 

comes is that restrictions are necessary as various MMS scandals. Terrorist’s problems, 

frauds happen every day. No law is absolute following this perspective Indian constitution 

carries freedom of speech and expression under some restrictions. Hence youth is the bud 

which if withered untimely due to over or immaturity will be disastrous for the whole 

nation. 

ROY CHOUDHURY, Sonali and Priyanka Tripathi, , LL.M., IInd Semester Student, Dept. of 

Human Rights, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

 

Honour Killing Emerging Problem of Youth 

‘Honour Killing’ is a cultural crime or a cultural tradition prevalent amongst non-Caucasian 

Societies which perceive women as bearers of family honour. Honour crimes, known since 

ancient times, occur almost everywhere in world in various forms. In India, the situation 

differs as honour killings though secretly supported in Indian society, are openly 

discouraged and outlawed everywhere. Though there is no specific offence distinguished 

as honour killings under the Penal laws of the nation, yet the Law condemns honour 

killings as brutal form of murder and the perpetrators severely punished. Recent increase 

in honour killings has forced the government to come up with some amendments in IPC so 

as to uproot this evil from the society. The amendments proposed do not merely relate to

the amendments of IPC (Sec 300 and Sec 354) but amendments under Evidence Act, 1872 

(Sec 105) and Special Marriages Act, 1954 are also being considered to give effectual 

implementation to these new laws. The success of such amendments, however, depends 

on what deterrent effect it creates on minds of people and how far will it be successful in 

bringing the offenders to justice who were never ashamed to slay on the name of false 

honour. Honour killing is the most heinous crime where the death is awarded by own 

people what we call family but the reason behind this more absurd as the reason of such 

killing is only the self choice of life partner. Actually it’s a conflict of opinion but this 

seems ridiculous to kill, if you are not happy with the decision just cut off all your 

emotional relations but to hate such an extent to kill is nowhere justifiable either legally 

or morally. Opinion do play a vital role in changing the wind in the atmosphere when 

advancement has brought new culture which is somewhere not a bad one too then why to 

stick with the previous culture when compliance of which is not for benefit. Somewhere it 

seems to a bull headness of mind when we can’t compromise just because of our Ego. So 

the time has come to change the public opinion for the betterment of public itself. 

HANEEF, Muhammad, Faculty Member Dept of Social Sciences, University of Management 

& Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, E-mail: 

The State of Children Education in Pakistan: Situational Analysis and Future Challenges 

Protection of the rights of children constitutes a significant aspect of the responsibilities 

of the State. As a major helpless section of the society, children rely on the State for 

ensuring that a reliable, capable and approachable institutional structure exists for 

protection of their rights. Within the perspective of children rights, there is an array of 

institutions liable for addressing and ensuring children’s rights. Education is the 

fundamental right of every child, on it rests the development of the nation. The state of 

children education in Pakistan thus presents a very miserable picture. South Asia is more 

illiterate region in the world, and Pakistan is most illiterate country in the region. Only 

56% children are enrolled in primary school. The Govt of Pakistan has taken some imitative 

for the children education. But situation is still dismal. This paper will analyze the status 

of the children education in Pakistan and will explore the problems and prospectus 

regarding future challenges. Child is a father of man (proverb). They deserve our attention 

and allocation of resources for their better and protected future. 

PANEL-27(B): CHILD, YOUTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 




E-Mail: 


UPADHYAY, Saman Narayan, Lecturer, IMS Law College, Noida, India, 

 

Human Rights of Tribal Children in Emerging World and India 

Human rights are children's rights too. International human rights instruments recognise 

that children as well as adults have basic human rights. Children also have the right to 

special protection because of their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. Besides various 

international instrumentalities, the Constitution of India also guarantees fundamental

human rights of the children viz., Article 23 and 24, wherein their protection from 

transportation and exploitation has been declared fundamental rights. Again Article 15 (3) 

empowers the State to make laws for the empowerment of children and women. But the 

results were not satisfactory. Therefore various initiatives have taken at national and 

international level. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (the CRC), most widely 

ratified human rights treaty in the world, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 

In November 1989, incorporates the whole spectrum of human rights - civil, political, 

economic, social and cultural - and sets out the specific ways these rights should be 

ensured for children and young people. Most of the countries have signed it except the 

United States of America and Somalia. The Convention sets out these rights in 54 articles 

and two Optional Protocols. The Australian Human Rights Commission has introduced 

“Inquiry into the Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People Bill 2010.” 

Despite, across the world children are denied their human rights, including for example, 

their right to education. They are recruited into armed forces. They are subjected to the 

death penalty, are disappeared, are punished by cruel and inhumane methods and suffer 

many other forms of violence. They are made to work, recruited into armed forces, their 

families do not have the means to pay for schooling, use to face discrimination and racism 

undermine their chance to receive an education, use to face violence as they pursue their 

education. These situations made it our responsibility to rethink and restructure the 

protective measures for their betterment, so that their human rights can be protected and 

they can be able to develop themselves and ultimately the nation. 

AHMED, Sufia* and Javeed Ahmed Bhat**, *Assistant Professor, Department of Law, 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow, India, **Reasearch scholar, 

Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, E-mail: 

 

Rights of Child Born as a Result of Surrogacy Arrangement: Response of Law 

Gestational surrogacy involves ART with the use of third parties, referred to as surrogates, 

to assist individuals and couples who wish to conceive a child with whom they have a 

genetic tie. This has resulted in surrogate baby boom. The ART has challenged the idea of 

natural reproduction and of the meaning of parenthood. It involves many ethical, moral 

and social issues also. The child born out of these technologies are unique in the sense 

that they are born as a result of the arrangement between the genetic parent and 

surrogate. The ART bill has many provisions for protection of the rights of the surrogate 

child. The legal status of the surrogate child is also explained in the bill. This paper is aim 

to discuss the status of a child born as a result of surrogacy arrangement with the help of 

statutory provisions. This paper is a critical analysis of the provision given under Hindu 

law, Muslim law as well as under ART Bill relating to their rights of child born as a result of 

surrogacy arrangement. 

HAJELA, S.C., Associate Professor, JNPG College Lucknow, Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

 

Human Rights of Children with Disabilities: A Literary Response from Mahesh Dattani 

Since ages, humans have tried to discipline inordinate human instincts of 

anger/greed/vengeance that result in exploiting fellow humans in violent ways. Different 

cultures have evolved laws, according to their specific needs in the various phases of 

human history. Children, the most lovable entities in all cultures, have not escaped the 

injustices, biases and cruelties of all sorts from the powerful among the mankind in all 

institutions. The case of disabled children or better to say differently abled children are 

the worst sufferers. They are the most vulnerable lot in the holy institution of family.

Even law, in civil societies, fails to deliver justice to such mute identities. Literature not 

only reflects social realities but sensitizes human souls to behave better with the victims 

of disabilities. Mahesh Dattani’s ‘Tara’ and other plays dramatize the plight of such 

disabled children and SOS human sensibilities for their rights as human beings. 

CHANTIA, Alok, Assistant Professor (Anthropology), SJNPG College, Lucknow University, 

Lucknow, President All Indian Rights Organization (AIRO), India, E Mail: 

 

Child, Youth and Human Right: A Study With Regard to Dhankut Child and Youth of 

District Bahraich of Uttar Pradesh 

Child is the father of man and child is the image of God. All these parlances make a 

celestial feeling for children in India but child, who is the window period of development 

of youth in coming days, suffers from many socio-cultural problems and does not get a 

free life as ensured in Article 1 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948. In general 

practice a child never gets self consciousness in the cultural frame and he/she has to 

follow which his /her parents want. Culture never prepares a self motivated child within a 

community or a group which should also be discussed within the framework of human 

rights anthropologically. But a youth is entirely different from child who has self 

consciousness and tries to make his/her own perception for smooth life, but his/her life is 

somewhat governed by culture which he/she inhaled/imbibed from the childhood. In this 

paper an attempt has been made to make an inference of child and youth in the canvas of 

human rights with special reference to Dhankut child and youth of district Bharaich of 

Uttar Pradesh whose population is only 3045 according to 2011 census. They are devoid of 

all benefits of democracy and state except freedom which was given in this country in 

1947. Present paper tries to understand the philosophy of human rights anthropologically 

from the very beginning of childhood to youth hood and from the free life to cultural life 

with the example of Dhankut child and youth. 

DAS, Sachchidanand Saran, Asstt. Professor, Centre for Juridical Studies, Dibrugarh 

University, Dibrugarh, India, E-mail: 

Children as Domestic help in India 

Children are the future of any nations. Any nation cannot be strong without developing its 

new generation as a whole. This vulnerable group can be easily divided in two groups first, 

the children of elite class and secondly, children of below poverty line. We can easily 

watch the situation of employment (or you can say deployment) of children in each cities 

as well as villages of India. As without a domestic help such as Ramu, Chhotu, Pinku etc. 

our richness cannot be proved. The Subject matter of this paper is former category of 

aforesaid. There are so many Laws and Regulation to control this abuse in India as well as 

international concern but there is a great reluctance to solve this problem actually 

because, if this problem is solved by the enforcement of law, problem will be arisen in law 

makers and its implementers’ homes. This research work scratches the problem over all 

with its present legal scenario and to instigate social desire to solve it. 

MISRA, Suresh Kumar* and Shailendra Kumar Pandey**, *Social Scientist, Naina Dayal 

Foundation, Meerut branch, Meerut, India, **Manus Foundation, Gazhiabad, India, E-mail: 

 

Children Life in Meerut City: An Anthropological Study on Human Rights

Any culture or society can’t makes its full reflection without having a sketch of children 

where the process of socialization or enculturation starts and any one could make a 

conclusion about children’s rights smoothly but in the process of democracy, a conflict 

comes between culture and nation legal frame where some times one takes fruits of 

democracy and sometimes governs by his own culture. In this paper an attempt has been 

made to examine the availability of human rights among the children of Meerut city in 

neighbourhood society. 200 children of high school and inter mediate and 100 without 

education have been taken for analysing human rights’ availability amongst them at the 

level of shelter, education and equal opportunity for game, participation etc. An attempt 

has been made to examine their human rights and how much aware they are for their 

health and life in the frame of democracy. 

PANEL-27(C): CHILD, YOUTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 




E-Mail: 


HERATH, Tikiri Nimal, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sri 

Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, E-mail: 

Infringement of Child Rights: Cross Country Experiences in South Asia with Special 

Reference to Sri Lanka 

This study examines the interrelation of selected child problems and addresses the 

infringement of selected child rights and legal measures enforced to prohibit child 

problems in South Asia. General linear models were estimated in light of secondary data 

and domestic laws in individual countries were examined. The study reveals that both 

unregistered births and poverty aggravate the problems of child marriage and child labour. 

The infringement of child rights in Sri Lanka is the lowest in the case of unregistered child 

births, child marriage and child labour. Some countries have no domestic laws to prohibit 

some child problems. Issues such as cultural and traditional opinions and religious views do 

not allow general laws to be enforced. In some countries law is not sufficient to provide or 

ensure adequate security. It is healthy for South Asian countries to form a forum to review 

their individual experiences and problems on child issues. 

PANDEY, P. K., Assistant Professor, Centre for Juridical Studies, Dibrugarh University, 

Dibrugarh, India, E-mail: 

Menace of Female Children’s Genital Mutilation and Law: A Legal Study 

As it is said, generally, that for smooth running of humanity both pillars of humanity, men 

and women, should be strong and stout but in fact, the women sacrifice their life for men 

and the society says that it’s their duty. Globally, women are victims of various sociocultural 

practices amongst them one heinous crime is female genital mutilation (FGM). 

The practice of FGM is most common in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of 

Africa, in some countries in Asia and the Middle East, and among certain immigrant 

communities in North America and Europe. This inhuman traditional practice continues 

despite the plethora of aggressive campaigns against its health hazards, existence of 

international conventions and domestic laws expressly condemning and criminalizing it.

This practice recalls that, in fact, women are second category citizen and their future is 

totally depended upon uncontrolled and tyrannical wills of the male dominated society. 

This paper unearths the real situation of girl children regarding FGM at global level as well 

as at Indian level. 

RYHAL, Piar Chand, Professor and Shashi Punam, Research scholar, Department of 

Humanities and Social sciences, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur–177005, India, 

E-mail: 

Grim Picture of Girl Child in Himachal Pradesh: A Case Study 

Today, India is shining. But when we deeply look inside the Indian society, its existing 

social problems are on increase. Even after so many years of independence, women in 

India continue to suffer socially as well as economically at different levels and in different 

forms. India is a society where the male is greatly valued. In the modern times, women in 

India are given freedom and rights such as freedom of expression and equality, as well as 

right to get education. But still problems like lack of education, female foeticide, dowry, 

domestic violence, widow/elderly issues are prevalent in the society. The sex ratio in the 

country had always remained unfavourable to females. The 2011 Indian census revealed 

about 7•1 million fewer girls than boys aged 0–6 years, a notable increase in the gap of 

6•0 million fewer girls recorded in the 2001 census and the gap of 4•2 million fewer girls 

recorded in the 1991 census. This paper introduces the complexity leading to the low 

overall sex ratio, particularly the child sex ratio in the age group of 0-6 years. The sex 

ratio has become particularly disturbing in some of the northern states of India including 

Himachal Pradesh. Keeping in view, present study has been taken with the objectives to 

study the declining sex ratio in Himachal Pradesh wherein the low and declining sex ratio, 

shows the grim picture of girl children in the society and to find out the decision-making 

process in the family for female foeticide. The data for this purpose was collected through 

primary as well as secondary sources. The main statistical techniques employed in the 

present study were frequency, percentage and chi-square test in order to find the 

association between socio-psychological reasons of son preference and female foeticide. It 

has also found that Socio-economic and psychological factors are responsible for female 

foeticide and the family is main decision maker in the family for female foeticide. The 

study has also discussed the suggestions and also attempts to examine the role of state 

government in the elimination of gender inequality through strict implementation of state 

legislation and Act like PNDT in Himachal Pradesh. 

TIWARI, Ravinath, Dept. of Human Rights, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, 

Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

Human Right of Girl 

Human right of the girl is the burning issue in present scenario. Girl is the weaker section 

of the society in traditional India but now days it wants to some changes in the right of the 

girl through legislator or courts in India. Constitution of India provides some special 

provisions like article -15, 23, 14, 21 and some provisions of the directive principle of 

state policies for the Protection of the girl’s right. Further through family law it provides 

equal status as a coparcener in Hindu family. The demand of the prohibition of the child 

marriage is a big issue before the Indian society. But only the policies how many gives 

effect on the traditional Indian society. Protection of the Muslim girl child and tribal girl’s 

child is another problem. Universal declaration of human right, 1948 some special 

provisions for the education and special care to the girls, due to the decreases of the sex 

ration in the world. According to the preamble of the constitution social justice and 

dignity of the individual is another challenges for the girls. Protection of the girls and

provide basic needs to the girl is a ultimate goal of the society as well as the government. 

Now a day’s demand of the society like homosexuality, live in relationship and another 

problem is that honour killing of the girls. In all these events the question is that how to 

protect to the girls form these demands and provide new dimension to them in modern 

India. According to the Supreme Court avoid a lot of evils which is found in the Indian 

society like child marriage is a big issue sexual causality against the girl whether they are 

of the urban areas or the rural areas. In this regard Supreme Court followed strict 

approach to face these problems. On a lot of observations finally we can say that the 

protection of the rights of the girl is a big issue it must be resolved collectively efforts. 

KUMAR, Rajesh Rangan, LL.M. Student, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, 

Lucknow, India, E-mail : 

Human Right and Youth Involvement in Terrorism 

Human rights do not become legal rights, protected in law, unless laws are passed to 

protect them is Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 a very important document 

that contains a long list of rights. Which has defined human right as ‘those human rights 

are those rights to which we are entitled as human beings, because without them we 

couldn’t be our best selves Human rights are also those things that are essential for 

ensuring a just, free and peaceful world. In the last two decades, as the influence of 

human rights has spread, Human rights commissions (HRCs) have been established in 

dozens of cities and counties and almost every state for Engaged in three broad activities: 

enforcement, prevention, and training to share a common goal of eradicating 

discrimination. The phenomenon of youth involvement in terrorism and its supporting 

criminal activities is not a temporary and transitional phenomenon. It has been the case 

since the mid-19th century and is not likely to change in the future. Despite this fact there 

is little attention in the larger terrorism discussion of particular characteristic of youth 

involvement in terrorism or the diverse criminal act that facilitate it. Therefore it is 

essential that much more attention to this aspect of the phenomenon in the future as it 

deserve more analysis because youth is future life blood of terrorism, effort to minimise 

the impact of its youth facilitators will have long term benefits. As today’s world terrorism 

has become the essential ingredients of the news headlines, all are living on the edge of a 

blade-called terror. It can come in any form, be it a bomb blast, a land mine, a bullet 

from AK-47 or keeping hostages. It is constantly been seen that a large number of young 

people specially the age group of 15 to 25 is playing this game of terror. The terror gurus 

take advantage of the conditions of these young men and with their evil preaching’s they 

brainwash them and force them into the ugly world of terror. By apply the instrument like 

training, unemployment, communalism, regionalism, physical effort and geography of the 

country and youth.Youth right should be beside the general human right available to all 

human being .The right to survival; The right to be cared for; The right to be kept safe 

from harm by others, and The right to fully participate in family, cultural and social life. 

PATEL, Rahul, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, 


In Search of God Fathers: An Anthropological Study of Musahar Children of Eastern 

Uttar Pradesh (India) 

Musahars belong to the scheduled castes and are widely distributed in various districts of 

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, they are called Banmanus, Banjara or Gonr and 

are mainly distributed in central and eastern districts of the state. The Musahars have 

remained socially excluded and marginalized community and in the era of globalization 

and information technology, they are forced to lead a life of hunters and gatherers.

Exploitation, starvation, deprivation, untouchability, indebtedness and bonded work 

(begar) are synonyms to their daily life. In comparison to children of various SC and ST 

populations of India, the life of Musahar children is very pathetic. The sagas of 

development are simply nightmare for children of this community. In this backdrop, the 

present study attempts to explore the status of health, nutrition and education among the 

Musahar children and also reveals the effects of nexus of social exclusion, vicious circle of 

poverty, bonded labour and low status of HDI indicators and deprivation from social, 

economic and political rights as well as social justice and equality. The study applying 

anthropological methods, also tries to investigate their case in the light of human rights 

too. 

PANEL-27(D): CHILD, YOUTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 




E-Mail: 


PANDAY, Reetika and Rahul Patel, Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, 


Dalit Children and their Rights 

Dalits, who are officially classified as Scheduled Castes (SCs), accounts for about 16.23 

percentage of total population of India. They are outcasts and are made to live in 

segregated colonies outside the village or town. Even today in many parts of our country, 

they are not allowed to enter into houses or temples and ostracised as “untouchables”. 

They are forced into the most menial occupations by reason of their descent. At many 

instances, Dalit children do not have access to education and they are forced to perform 

Begar and child labour. Even in rural areas where there may be schools, Dalit children are 

ostracized, oppressed and stigmatized from attending school. They suffer malnutrition and 

the status of their health is not up to the mark. Dalit girls suffer double discrimination as 

Dalits and as women. They are exposed to sexual abuse and various forms of atrocities 

even trafficking and flesh trade. Keeping these in mind, the present sociological study 

attempts to analyse various social disabilities being faced by Dalit children and efficacy of 

constitutional safeguards provided to them to protect their social & economic rights and 

also simultaneously explores the possible solutions to various problems being faced by 

Dalit children in rural areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh. 

SHUKLA, Umesh, Vice President All Indian Rights Organization, Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

 

Role of youth in electoral system in India: A case study of U.P. Assembly elections 

2012 

A child unbothered of laws, rules and regulations enjoys one’s child life in one’s available 

resources. One fine day at the crucial mid night of his/her 18th birthday the child 

becomes youth without any window period. Now this youth has a great responsibility of 

making nation by electing the members for different legislative bodies. The proposed 

paper is a research work upon this youth who participated in recent Uttar Pradesh 

Assembly elections 2012 as first time youth with voter right. The research work was

carried out from 1st Dec. 2011 to 10th Jan. 2012 in Lucknow during elections. 400 

respondents from both the sex were selected via random sampling and interview. Voters 

are reflection of youth’s right as around 17.5 million youth exercised its right first time to 

show the might of youth. The paper reveals that youth having voter right is far away from 

making his action in right direction to give strength to Nation. In this proposed paper I will 

discuss role of youth in electoral reforms. 

BISWAL, Sasmita, Sushree Sovana Mishra, , K.R Mohapatra, , S.P Singh, Srikanta 

Mohanty, S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, India, E mail: 

Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A General Population Based Study 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract 

which affects the quality of life, increases the economic stress and predisposes the 

patients to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Lifestyle modifications like increased body 

weight, consumption of alcohol, smoking and intake of non-steroidal inflammatory drugs 

are thought to be closely associated with it. So the present population-based study was 

aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors assessment and diagnosis and outcome 

of GERD, using the Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptom assessment scale (GSAS). 

This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The Gastroesophageal reflux disease 

symptom assessment scale and the Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was used as an 

outcome measure. Socio-demographic variables including age, gender, marital status, 

biological characteristics, such as BMI dietary habits, smoking, coffee and tea consumption 

and use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen was 

noted. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and the study protocol 

was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee, SCB Medical College and Hospital, 

Cuttack, Odisha .Patient data was recorded in a pre-designed Performa. The statistical 

program SPPS Version 12 was used and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered 

significant. The prevalence of GERD was higher in lower socioeconomic status and in 

subjects under 45 years of age. There was an association between smoking habits, obesity, 

pregnancy, analgesic intake and GERD. 

MISRA, Preeti, Associate Professor, Dept. of Human rights, School for Legal Studies, 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, E-Mail: 

Functioning of the Legislative Framework for Juvenile Offenders- An Assessment of 

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 

The last decade has been full of activity in the area of juvenile justice legislation in India 

as it saw replacement of the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 by the Juvenile Justice (Care and 

Protection of Children) Act, 2000, amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 in the 

year 2006 and framing of Model Rules, 2007 as well as a remarkable increase in the 

number of cases reaching the High Courts and the Supreme Court. This article aims to 

assess functioning of the legislative framework for juvenile offenders. It discusses various 

technical issues under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 such as the date of application of the 

Act, whether it overrides other special Acts in its application to children, methods for 

determination of age of children and procedural relaxations for raising the plea that the 

offender is a child. Paper analyses various problems which have been left unaddressed 

under the current legal framework for example the absence of an explicit provision for 

allowing legal representation before the Child Welfare Committee under the Act, 

interpretative ambiguities in the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and 

the lack of establishment of Children’s Courts. Present paper also assesses the role of 

judiciary in upholding the protection of child rights against procedural and formalistic 

hurdles.

UPADHYAY, Santosh, Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

 

Mass Media and Children Today in India: A Study with Special Emphasis on Rural Areas 

of Northern India 

In present days, mass media has been a major influential factor in directing the society 

worldwide. In Indian scenario also, this is becoming a major factor of social-cultural 

change. Here, the point is that whether this factor has yielded positive direction to 

society or this is going the society in the negative direction. Especially in the case of 

children in India, it had been felt that the effect of mass media on the children is in 

negative direction. The same has been discussed in this paper. First of all, this paper 

focuses on the global scenario of the mass media and then this focuses on the overall 

effect of mass media on the children especially in India. Suggestive measures for the 

eradication of the evil effects are also enlightened. The data used in this paper is of 

primary nature. Purposive sampling was done and for collection of data, field work was 

done in Lucknow and Jaunpur districts of Uttar Pradesh state of India. 

BHARTI, Mukesh, Research Scholar, Dept. of Human Right, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar 

University, Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

Media Vs Youth’s Human Rights 

Although media is known as the fourth pillar of democracy but it is in the stage of 

childhood now. No doubt, media has developed as an effective tool for protecting and 

promoting the human rights of the society as a whole but in the era of globalization 

media is losing steadily its identity as a fourth pillar of democracy. Nowadays media’s 

priorities are entirely commercialized and business oriented. In the race of 

commercialization, most of the media houses have forgotten the social journalism. Today 

media groups are not following ethics in news making and broadcasting. Arushi murder 

case was well exploited by the media houses continuously more than months. Media has 

unethically advertised the private issue without any restriction which seems as a separate 

trial by media outside the court. In this case media has not played its sensitive role in 

protecting and promoting of human rights of youth girl even after her death. Like this, 

several other cases related to human rights protection and promotions of youth have been 

found where media has taken a roll of business entity only. Apart from it media is serving 

superstitions among the society through the several serials on the name of broadcasting 

news. The paper explores the linkage among, youth human rights and concludes with some 

suggestions in the light of human rights. 

PANEL-27(E): CHILD, YOUTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 




E-Mail: 


DEVI, Mahima, Assistant Professor, Anthropology, DR RPPG College, Raja Ji Puram, 

Lucknow, India, E-mail:

Migration of Youth from Rural to Urban Areas with Special Reference to Lucknow City, 

UP 

Advancement of man on this earth is a good example of migration which was continued 

without any observation until an imbalance between population and natural resources 

occurred. Migration is a mode of mobility to get better livelihood and life style too and 

this feeling push an individual from rural area to urban area. Rural urban continuum came 

into light after the era of Neolithic when man started a settled life and adopted pastoral 

life but it was not a end and world became familiar with Indus valley and many others 

civilizations which encompassed the way of life of an individual in urban set up. It was a 

matter of observation for an individual who could reveal some inferences for betterment 

of life and he started to move from rural to urban set up. Present study has put its eyes on 

the youth of Lucknow city, state capital of Uttar Pradesh who is coming from adjacent 

districts of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow in the search of life. What is his aim regarding 

migration Did he get anything good from migration Is youth trying to secure human rights 

for himself Is he facing human right violation due to migration Does youth get desired 

life after migration Youth is responsible for social deviation due to migration Why do 

youth not get facility in rural areas Human rights may be secured by migration All these 

question based observations are put in my paper in depth. 

MISHRA, Preeti* and Jagadish Prasad, *Head, Department of Human Rights, Babasaheb 

Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, **Lecturer in Law Baba Saheb Bhimrao 

Ambedkar Law College, Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

Problem of Child Labour in India: As a Grave Violation of Human Rights 

Children are a supremely national asset and future of nation depends on how its children 

grow and develop. In a civilized society importance of child welfare cannot be under 

estimated because the welfare of the entire community its growth and development 

depend on the health and well being of its children. The problem relating to children are 

basically a gift of poverty and illiteracy but there are certain other causative dimensions 

of the problem including at some places, the social structures. Almost one third of the 

world’s populations comprise of children therefore they deserved to be care and protected 

to keep up and improve posterity. Unfortunately the problem of child labour still exists in 

our country. They are exploited and abused at large measure by the employers. Near 

about 246 Million of children are child labourers in the world. 73 Million Working children 

are less than 10 years old and every year 22 thousands children die in work related 

accident. The largest number of working children bellows the age of 14 years in Asian 

continent. The census of India 2001 states that in India only, 12.59 Million children are 

working in Hazardous place bellow the age group of 5-14 years. The states with higher 

child labour population in the country are Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra 

and Uttar Pradesh. Thus in can be seen the pathetic condition of the working children who 

are the future of bright nation. After the 62 years of the independence our country is still 

facing the child labour problem. Although many acts are enacted by the government of 

India to protect the right of children and our judiciary has given many remarkable guide 

lines to the government in the favour of children to save their life for the betterment for 

the country but these efforts are not enough. Because law cannot do anything without 

population of the society, so Law should be come in behaviour of the people to protect 

the children. Main objective of this paper is to explore the knowledge about the problem 

of child labour and provide appropriate remedy to them. 

SARKAR, Sukanta, Assistant Professor (Economics), Department of Humanities, Faculty of 

Management Studies, ICFAI University, Agartala, Tripura, India, E-mail: 

Special Care for Persons with Disabilities: A Human Rights Approach 

Disabilities are an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and 

participation restrictions. A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, 

emotional, and developmental or some combination of these. An individual may also 

qualify as disabled if he/she has had impairment in the past or is seen as disabled based 

on a personal or group standard or norm. Disabilities make it harder to take part in normal 

daily activities. India has some 40 to 80 million persons with disability. But low literacy, 

few jobs and widespread social stigma are making disabled people among the most 

excluded in India. A clear perception of the values that underlie the human rights mission 

is needed to understand the nature and significance of the switch to a human rights 

perspective on disability. These values form the bedrock of an elaborate system of basic 

freedoms supported and advanced by international human rights law. Disability challenges 

society to live up to its values and sets international law the task of engineering positive 

change. The main objectives of this paper are (i) to identify the status of disable persons 

in society and (ii) to discuss the legal mechanism for the protections of them. 

CHATURVEDI, Kshama, Department of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, India, E-mail: 

 

Trends of Growth and Development among the Children of Lucknow: The Case Right of 

Health 

Growth is a type of change in weight, size and structure whether it is increasing or 

decreasing. Growth is a complex combination of hyperplasia, hypertrophy and accretion. 

Development is evaluated by the perfection of function capacity and is always gradual 

progressive and diversified in form according to the different periods of childhood. Trends 

of Growth & Development differ from place to place, from community to community. If 

we talk about the trends of Growth & Development between rural and urban areas of 

Lucknow, we find that there are many variations in both types of areas. That’s why 

Growth studies, especially, of areas under acculturation, are so important. This paper 

highlights the trends of Growth & Development of Children of rural marginal areas of 

Lucknow. The paper incorporates the study of the various dimensions of growth & 

Development among the Children between 6-14 years. It is the outcome of one month’s 

intensive Field Work carried in the rural areas of Lucknow. The key area of study was 

‘Rudahi Village’. ‘Rudahi’ is a marginal rural village of Lucknow district. It is the 

adjunctive of rural and urban features, almost in every field of social-cultural life. That’s 

why this village was selected as the key area of the study. Since this village pose both 

types of social-cultural features viz. Rural/Traditional and Modern/Complex, this study 

throws light on the effect of acculturation and growth & development in this area. The 

data incorporated in this paper are the first hand data. Various Somatometric 

measurements were done for collecting the data. Some Somatoscopic Observations were 

also done for the same purpose. Other methods/techniques used in this study are 

Genealogy, Photography, Interview Schedule, Case Study method etc. The analysis 

interpretation is done using Statistical Method especially with the statistical software 

SPSS. 

SHARMA, Sandeep, PGT in DAV Public School and Shashi Punam, Research scholar, 

Department of Humanities and Social sciences, National Institute of Technology, 

Hamirpur, India, E-mail: 

Entrenched Culture of Son Preference and Female Foeticide in Himachal Pradesh: A 

Case Study

Sex ratio in India is getting more and more disproportionate over the years. Daughters are 

not rejected simply due to old traditions, but also because the changes in society do not 

leave any room for girls. The girl children become target of attack even before they are 

born. The latest advances in modern medical sciences – the tests like Amniocentesis and 

Ultra-sonography which were originally designed for detection of congenital abnormalities 

of the foetus, are being misused for knowing the sex of the foetus with the intention of 

aborting it if it happens to be that of a female. There has been an increase in the number 

of female foeticide cases in Himachal Pradesh resulting in a steep drop in the child sex 

ratio, despite the fact that the state ranks fourth in the country's human index ratio and 

boasts a high overall literacy rate of 80%, a recent census has revealed. Keeping in view 

the study was conducted by selecting villages by purposing sampling from four districts 

namely Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur having lowest child sex ratio (less than nine 

hundred female per thousands males) in Himachal Pradesh. The data for this purpose was 

collected through primary as well as secondary sources. Socio-economic and demographic 

profile of the respondents is described and to study the socio-cultural factors for female 

foeticide in Himachal Pradesh. The main statistical techniques employed in the present 

study were frequency, percentage and chi-square test in order to find the association 

between socio-psychological reasons of son preference and female foeticide. It has also 

found that socio-economic and psychological factors are responsible for female foeticide. 

SINGH, Bir Pal, Assistant Professor (Panchayat Admin.& Nyaya Panchayat),National Law 

Institute University, Bhopal, India, E-mail: 

Tribal Customary Law and Youth: The Development Dilemma 

Identity and crises of identity have become the talk of town in contemporary tribal India. 

Mainstreaming of tribal people with the others’ cultural word view has not only brought 

some positive changes but at the same time also affected lot to old age traditional 

behavioural aspects of the tribal society. Education has brought major shift in the Tribal 

India. The welfare measures provided by the Government and a zest for new identity 

among the tribal youths both have created chaos between the old generation and new 

generation. The new generation has its own life world being in touch with the others. The 

resultant is that some where positive changes and some where negative impact where old 

traditions, customs, norms, religious beliefs are in conflicting situation. Based on the 

doctrinal as well as non-doctrinal methods of data collection, the present paper seeks a 

critical note on the life and living of tribal youths of State of M.P. 

PANEL-28(A): JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: WORLDWIDE THEORIES AND PRACTICES 



CHOUDHARY, Paras Kumar, Head, Department of Sociology, Ranchi University, 

Jharkhand, INDIA, E-mail: 


A juvenile delinquent is a person who is typically under the age of 18 and commits an act 

that otherwise would've been charged as a crime. Several theories have been given by 

social thinkers behind the juvenile crime. We can categories the theories as follows:

• Rational Choice theory: Classical Criminologist stress that causes of crime lie 

within the individual offender not in external environment. These offenders are 

motivated by rational self interest. 

• Social Disorganization theory: Current Positivist theorists believe that it’s an 

absence or breakdown of communal institutions (such as family, school, church) or 

relationships that insist juvenile delinquency. The reason behind the crime lies in 

the culture itself. 

• Strain Theory: Strain theory is advocated by R K Merton where he raised the issues 

of dilemma between cultural goal and institutional means. 

• Differential Association Theory: This theory deals with young people in group 

context and looks how young people with bad peer group indulge themselves in 

crime. 

• Labeling theory: Labeling theory states that once young people have been labeled 

as criminal they are more likely to offend. Edwin H. Sutherland is one of the 

pioneers of this theory 

• Social Control Theory: Social Control theory believes that its lack of socialization 

process that leads to Juvenile delinquency and it can be control through means of 

social control. 

Above reasons which have been already covered in these theories, there are other factors 

which are in practice like —including parental alcoholism, poverty, breakdown of the 

family, overcrowding, abusive conditions in the home, the growing HIV/AIDS scourge, or 

the death of parents during armed conflicts—are orphans or unaccompanied and are 

without the means of subsistence, housing and other basic necessities are at greatest risk 

of falling into juvenile delinquency. Furthermore, young people are more likely to become 

victims of crimes committed by juvenile delinquents. 


HA, Do Thu, Dean of Faculty for Oriental Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 

Vietnam 

Confucian Values and the Impacts on Children’s Rights in Contemporary Vietnam 

Traditional values of Vietnamese lifestyle were deeply affected by Confucian ethics. 

Vietnamese culture was also permeated by their Confucian philosophical beliefs. As a 

matter of fact, the study of Confucianism in the context of modernity is to examine its 

relevance to Vietnam’s national modernization. Confucianism’s positive values are 

“obvious,” its negative aspects are equally “glaring”.The article mentions about how what 

are Confucian positive and negative aspects; what does it offer to present-day Vietnamese 

society at a time of industrialization, modernization, and globalization in term of 

children’s interests. The article presents the hot issues that Confucian philosophy presents 

Vietnamese families and children with a “multitude of changing challenges” such as 

conflict between parents and children, fetus- gender choosing, gender- inequality in 

education, child labor. Confucian values also cripple Vietnamese family in carrying out its 

essential functions of child-bearing and nurturing, love and care for all its members 

though on the other hand, it stabilizes Vietnamese family in many aspects. 

SHAFI, Aneesa, Associate Professor, University of Kashmir, India 

Children of War: The Real Casualties of the Kashmir Conflict

In conflict situations, children are often the innocent victims of deliberate attacks on the 

civilian population, which are increasingly used as a tactic of war. Children are at risk of 

dying as an indirect result of armed conflict in other countless accounts. Disruption to 

food supplies, health services, water systems and sanitation are just some of the causes of 

premature and unnecessary deaths, particularly for those under five years of age. Two 

decades conflict in Kashmir has not only done irreparable loss to life and property but has 

done unimaginable harm to the women and the children folk, who are at the receiving end 

directly and indirectly. Untold thousands of children have been disabled, orphaned or 

separated from their parents in the conflicts. Thousands have been left homeless or forced 

to flee, with or without their families, in search of safety. Tens of thousands of orphans 

are suffering from trauma and other stress related diseases including depression, 

sleeplessness and nausea due to the ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri 

children are socialized to violence. Children of Kashmir who have witnessed human rights 

abuses, which have had their education disrupted and lives distorted by a climate of 

violence, are ill-equipped for normal life. Based on the empirical findings, the present 

paper attempts to highlight the influence of the Kashmir conflict on the children with 

special focus on the socio-psychological dimensions. 

PASHA, S M Fahimuddin, Assistant Manager, Computer Society of India, Unit No.3, 4th 

Floor, Samrudhi Venture Park, MIDC, Andheri East- Mumbai, India, E-mail: 

Cultural Conflict and Criminal Activities of Children in present Scenario 

Conflict is competition by groups or individuals over incompatible goals, scarce resources, 

or the sources of power needed to acquire them where as Culture is all the ways of doing 

and thinking of a group. Regarding Cultural Conflict it is said that conflict occurring 

between individuals or social groups on the basis of cultural boundaries (Avruch, 2001). 

Now the question arises that how Cultural Conflict is having influence on criminal 

activities of Children in Present Scenario. Colonialism, westernization and globalization 

have considered as major vehicles of social change in different part of the world. No 

doubt these processes have lead to the cultural conflict too. Children who have introduced 

in the new kind of cultural arena are confused about their cultural traits. Many of them 

are in dilemma of traditional and modern culture which causes them towards 

delinquencies behavior. New Culture or Popular Culture which is introducing throughout 

the world is mainly based on individualistic approach and monetary behavior. Family 

relationship has fragmented due to individualistic approach and also having an adverse 

impact on upbringing of Children. In the new era, family is losing its position as a means of 

Social Control which is an alarming position for the Social Researcher. 

KUMAR, Mithlesh, Assistant Professor, Ranchi University Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, Email: 

 

Factors behind the Criminal Activities in Children 

Sometimes it sounds awkward that why we are in need to study the criminal tendency of 

children. We have a belief that no one is born with criminal attitude. And somehow it’s 

true nobody is born criminal but somehow situation makes them criminal. As in many 

cases we can found juveniles involvement in certain crimes, .there are many reasons 

behind it. It’s hard to come up with all the forms of norms. Poverty, the primary source to 

indulged the children in illegal activities although. Children can be easily impressed by the 

others, and once they see someone in certain place enjoying his/ her life they want to do 

so. Not having proper Socialization + Availability of using Non Institutional Means = Child 

Criminals. Although there are many other reasons too, such as competition for luxuries

life leads children to crime. Upbringing is the one another factor, if we fail to lead our 

children in a good way then we are adding new criminal in the society. Even we can’t deny 

with the fact that many children are forced to indulge themselves in criminal activities. 

One of the other major factors is negative role of media for sensitizing and generalizing 

crime in society. The adverse impact of media creates a false role model in society which 

children follow. No doubt, there are several reasons can be jotted down for leading 

criminal activities among Children. But with the proper intervention from family and other 

social institution can minimize this social evil. 

PANEL-28(B): JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: WORLDWIDE THEORIES AND PRACTICES 



CHOUDHARY, Paras Kumar, Head, Department of Sociology, Ranchi University, 

Jharkhand, INDIA, E-mail: 


SUMANTA, Amitav, College St.Coloumbus, Vinoba Bhava University, Hazaribagh, India, 

Email: 

Socialisation and Child Delinquency 

Cultural politics all around the world in the past has made efforts to mobilize 

constituencies by focusing on the socialization of children. The present era has witnessed 

a outburst in the number of cases related to juvenile delinquency. The average age of the 

arrests of the children has come down drastically. The increase in the number of juvenile 

cases and the decrease in the average age of children committing crimes have a strong 

linkage with the socialization process of the children. The environment in which a child 

grows up is the first socialization place and if right socialization occurs at this stage than 

half the task is done. Poverty in the household is one of the most crucial factors that have 

to be examined while looking at the concept of juvenile delinquency. The other 

socialization spaces for a child include places like school or communication media. Schools 

play an important role because they act like centers which provide ideological education. 

Resources that a child acquires either for the family or public life can act as a preventive 

measure. The degree to which adolescents involve in prodelinquent peer activities has a 

direct relation to the cultural context in which the child resides. However it can be noted 

that there are a lot of rules relating to delinquency of children but institutionalization is 

the last resort to solve this problem. The problem of delinquency is persistent in almost all 

countries therefore there is a need to sensitize the officials dealing with the delinquents. 

PANDEY, Surendra, Assistant Professor, Ranchi University Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, E- 

mail: 

Child Delinquency Prohibition and Reform – Need for an Integrated Solution 

The studies related to child delinquency have emphasized independently on role of family, 

society, personal behaviour and surroundings. In individual cases the role of one single 

variable in delinquent behaviour is useful, but when we have to generalize it over a 

spectrum, an integrated multi facet approach is needed. This integrated approach neither 

stress on a single causal agent for delinquent behaviour nor provide one unique solution 

for tackling such problem. This integrated approach utilises multiple level analysis to

come up with most probable circumstances, which motivates a child to commit crime. The 

first unit identified is family, followed by society, kind of people in surroundings, financial 

conditions and local circumstances, which are case specific. In this multidimensional 

approach the delinquent behaviour of child is traced back to probable multiple reasons. It 

does not look only the last moment impulse for committing the crime, but also take into 

account the possible deception or the circumstances, which played with the child’s 

psychology, which motivated him/her for crime. Furthermore, some child delinquents 

suffer from unique personality trait error, which makes them act like deviants. These 

types of delinquents require psychological counselling or at times might also need relevant 

medication. The rehabilitation process is equally multi layered in approach that requires 

that requires behavioural change counselling, education, case specific monetary help, and 

livelihood earning skills for orphans and in some cases sending the child away from the 

influence of unscrupulous elements. Depending on the quantum of crime committed the 

type of remedial behavioural training; medical treatment and rehabilitation process is 

decided. The task of adopting a multiple factor analysis of delinquency requires great 

expertise as a novice can easily be misguided with superficial evidences and can be 

mislead for an inappropriate course of action for rehabilitation. An expert, however, using 

this multi-scalar and multi dimensional approach cans not only prohibit the future crimes 

but also implant back the child in society as a law-abiding and successful citizen. 

MOHAPATRA, Gadadhara* and Kiran Sharma**, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Tripura 

University (A Central University), Suryamaninagar-799022, Tripura, India, **Doctoral 

Candidate, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, E-mail: 

*/ ** 

The Dynamics of Childhood Poverty and Juvenile Delinquency: Emerging Issues and 

Policy Options 

Recent participatory poverty assessments around the globe clearly document that children 

are the most vulnerable groups in society as they have little power or influence over the 

social processes that govern their lives and little ability to protect them from abuse 

(Narayan, et. al. 2000). Juvenile delinquency, also known as juvenile offending, or youth 

crime, is participation in illegal behaviour by minors or juveniles (Siegel and Brandon, 

2011). A juvenile delinquent is a person who is typically under the age of 18 and commits 

an act that otherwise would have been charged as a crime if they were an adult. The 

plight of children from poor families in India particularly in towns and cities is increasingly 

getting worse over the years. The breakdown of joint family system and bonds of 

community, high growth of population and increasing rural out-migration and growth of 

slums in urban areas are further aggravating dehumanization of children. The helpless 

children in the cities often indulge in begging, rag-picking, runaways and vagrants, 

orphans and destitute, forced child labourers and delinquents, child prostitutes and pimps 

etc. reflect the deeper social and economic maladies such as the problems of 

unemployment and poverty, family disorganisation and inadequate measures of social 

security (Boszormenyi-Nagy and Spark 1984, Jamadar, 1995). It is in this context, the 

paper attempts to analyze the key factors that contribute to childhood poverty and the 

causes and correlates of juvenile crime. Here, an effort is made to understand how 

individual, peer-groups influence delinquents and the approaches to delinquency 

prevention. Finally, the paper reviews India’s juvenile justice policy and the extension of 

the provisions of the poverty alleviation programmes for the juveniles that lead towards 

an effective juvenile justice system. 

JAHANGIR, Saleem, Associate Professor, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, India, E-mail: 

Learning Disability and Criminal Activities in Children: An Overview 

Social problems do vary not only within societies but also across societies and historical 

time periods. Social problems can be highly complex; therefore, it is important to have a 

framework within which one could view them. Engagement of children in anti-social 

behaviour and criminal activities is a major concern of any nation and there are enormous 

causes behind it. There is a general and strong agreement that children’s involvement in 

criminal activities is related to school failure. Learning disability is one of the major 

causes i.e., characterized by a condition where children have average and above average 

intelligence, sufficient teaching-learning instructions and materials, proper motivation and 

adequate home environment but fail to achieve minimum level of learning. Evidences have 

been found that 10-20 percent of school children faced learning disability that often end 

up in school failure and school dropout. School failure gives rise to many emotional 

problems, for instance, feeling of frustration, rejection, self blame, low self-esteem, and 

poor adjustment in school settings. Consequently they seek like-minded companions and 

together engage in anti-social behaviours. In this condition the role of teachers and 

parents become very significant. However, school may mediate these effects by taking 

steps to improve the scholastic performance and self-image of academically backward 

children. The present study will provide an overview that learning disability of children 

shared co morbidity with conflict and criminal activities. This paper will take a position 

that occurrence of the criminal activities in children could be prevented through the 

prevention of learning disability at an early age in school settings. 

PANEL-29(A): ROLE OF REWARD AND PUNISHMENT IN DISCIPLINING THE CHILD 



(1) RATH, S.N., Dean of Humanities Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi National 

Institute of Research and Social Action (MGNIRSA), Hyderabad, E-mail: 

 

(2) MALA, K.V., Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research and Social Action 

(MGNIRSA), Hyderabad, E-mail: 


DEVI, M. Sarada* and Alka Pandey**, *Professor, Department of Human development and 

Family Studies, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, AP, India. E-mail: 

 

Role of Reward and Punishment in Disciplining the Child 

Present paper on “Role of Reward & Punishment in Disciplining the Child” clearly points 

out the positive attributes of parents. It also points out certain skills that parents should 

posses effectively to shape their children’s behaviors. Effective parenting includes 

developing and clarifying clear expectations, staying calm in the midst of turmoil when 

child gets upset, consistently follow through with positive and negative consequences, 

being a positive role model, role playing corrective behaviors and lastly, praising child for 

his behavior. All gives sound basis for making good relationship between parents and their 

children. Parents use different strategies to discipline their children but those parents 

who use physical punishment are setting an example of using violence to settle problems 

or solve conflict. When parents use physical punishment, their children also imitate them.

These kids are more likely to use violent acts to settle their conflicts with others. 

Disciplining children without using violence are also possible. There are certain other 

strategies for effective disciplining includes positive, supportive, loving relationship 

between the parent(s) and child, use of positive reinforcement strategies to increase 

desired behaviors, and removing reinforcement or applying moderate punishment to 

reduce or eliminate undesired behaviors. Disagreement and emotional discord occur in all 

families, but families which reinforce positive parent–child relationships and clear 

expectations and goals for behavior, these episodes are less frequent and less disruptive. 

CHAKRA, Arati and K. Lavanya, Lecturer(s), Department of Human development and 

Family Studies, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, AP, India, E-mail: 

 

Impact of Westernization and Globalization on Indian Adolescents 

Adolescent is the most productive period of one’s life. It is the transitional period in which 

we can see an appreciable change in their intelligence, thinking power, logical reasoning 

and understanding. The adolescents are rich in memory, perceiving things, concept 

formation, association, generalization, imagination and decision making. As India is the 

home for the largest adolescent population in the world (243 million), the resources can 

be tapped for the betterment of the society. But with the changing conditions in India, the 

opportunities for risk-taking behavior among adolescents seem to be increasing. Though it 

is a period of great prospect, it can be a period of great confusion and anxiety as there is 

a pressure to fit in socially, to perform academically, to act responsibly, growing self 

identity and need for autonomy which often conflict with the rules and expectations set 

by others. Adolescents especially in urban areas and metros show risky behavior. They are 

vulnerable to the exploitive and manipulative marketing strategies. They believe in 

partying, smoking, drinking, trying drugs, watching porn sites and developing physical 

intimacy with opposite sex. Suicide is also major problem among Indian teens (CMC, 

Vellore). In a study conducted by Samir Parikh in Delhi and its suburbs, it was found that 

most of the adolescents are vulnerable and could get trapped into committing risky 

behavior. It was also found that most of the boys and girls get involved in sexual 

relationship due to pressure of peer group or media. Majority admitted that they consume 

alcohol at parties. Smoking cigarettes in school premises was also found to be a frequent 

occurrence. In a study SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration) found that there is a strong relationship between alcohol use among youth 

and behavioral problems especially aggressiveness, delinquent and criminal behaviours, 

fighting, stealing, skipping school, feeling depressed, and deliberately trying to hurt or kill 

themselves. Hence there is a need for parents, school personnel and peers to recognize 

the warning signs, so that immediate intervention can be taken to safeguard the youth. If 

parents, counselors, teachers and other caring adults reach children early enough, they 

can intervene before troubling behavior lead to serious behavioral problems. There is also 

a need for adolescents to be trained in life skills which is unfortunately lacking in India. 

SAHOO, Ranju Hasini, Associate Professor, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, 

Amarkantak, Dist- Anuppur, MP – 484884, India, E-mail: 

Disciplining the Children in a Tribal Village in Chattisgarh, India 

Consisting of 252 households and a population of 1500 the studied village ‘Jhagrakhad’of 

Gorella block, district Bilaspur of North Chattisgarh is a multi tribe and multi caste village 

having Gond and Bhaina as major tribes and Ahir and Chamar as Other Backword Caste and 

Scheduled tribes respectively. The present study endeavored to analyse how the social 

value of different community reflects in the desired and undesired behavior of the 

children in different stages of their life that guide the disciplinary action of the parents 

and family members. Analyzing how children are being valued by different communities ,

the present study found out that beating children as a punishment is almost negligible 

among all the community .Sometimes symbolic punishment is enough to control the 

behavior of adolescent children. Impact of modernization on play, privilege and recreation 

of the children is associated with the disciplinary action of the parents. 

BHATTACHARJEE, Somenath* and Raka Bhattacharjee Roy**, *Assistant Professor, Assam 

University (Diphu Campus), Assam, India/Manoprabha Appartment, Flat. No.2, 2nd floor, 

76/1-B, R.B.C. Road, DUM DUM, Kolkata, West Bengal-700028, India, E-mail: 

*, ** 

Poverty, Hunger and Insecure Childhood: An Anthropological Observation on the Child 

Worker 

In the Indian society, irrespective of multifarious developmental perspective, poverty is 

still prevailing to a larger extent. It has emerged as a major social problem, and it 

generates some other critical social circumstances. Inequal distribution of resources is one 

of the root cause related with the exploitation and deprivation of a large section of people 

who are poor and downtrodden. In these societies, poverty, hunger and scarcity become 

an inseparable aspect ever since the childhood of an individual. Ultimately, their entire 

socialization process is intimately related with the culture of poverty. For the sake of 

survival, irrespective of tender childhood emotions, their hands play a crucial role to earn 

a fold of rice for their family members. Such a situation has been observed in case of an 

unorganized occupational sector which is discussed in the present study. 

RAO, Allu Gowri Sankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology & Social Work, 

Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, AP, India, E-mail: 

/ 

Street Children in Kolkata City- An Empirical Study 

In India there are over 18 million street children which is equivalent to the population of 

the small continent Australia. CALCUTTA (present name KOLKATA), the old city of India 

famous from the British reign depicts a vivid structure of various form of life “ KOLKATA” 

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 26 May, 2011 (1) contributed that KOLKATA 

metropolitan area including suburbs has a population exceeding 15 million. It has become 

the third most populous metropolitan area in India and are of the most populous urban 

area in the world. The famous story of Narayana Gangopadhya, in his book “HAAD” 

(English meaning Bone) has written the real picture of big difference between the haves 

and famine affected (during Second World War) have–nots, regarding their living 

conditions. The class difference highlights the poor people or homeless people residing on 

the Sidewalks, Railway platforms, Parks, Slums, etc. Of them there are at least 1, 00,000 

street children presently at KOLKATA. It is important to study the profile of street children 

thereby their needs based upon different domains of their life to improve their condition. 

In this study the author would like to analyse the profile, psychosocial aspects and to 

find the needs of the street children to bring them in the main stream. 

PANEL-29(B): ROLE OF REWARD AND PUNISHMENT IN DISCIPLINING THE CHILD 








ACHARYA, Sanghmitra S., Associate Professor, Centre of Social Medicine and Community, 

School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067. 

Punitive Action, Humiliation and Consequences for Young People - Examining Public 

Policies and Programmes 

Till about early 1990s critical issues in health and development did not include youth. 

Impacts of development policies, structural adjustment and cost recovery programmeson 

the vulnerable groups were important concern. Youth have been vulnerable among the 

‘vulnerables’- the urban poor; the victims of violence and as the refugees. A large 

proportion of urban population is comprised of migrant population. The adolescent and 

youth among migrant encounter the perils of change in their socio-cultural milieu. The 

trauma inflicted by violence may render physical and/or mental disabilities or direct them 

towards socially disapproved activities. These are likely to result in punitive action against 

them and humiliation both for them and the adults associated with them. All this has 

detrimental impact on the adolescents and youth. Impacts of development policies, 

structural adjustment programmes are directly linked with adolescent population by way 

of how policies address the issues concerning the adolescent population; retrenchment of 

workers on whom the adolescents and youth are dependent is likely to affect their 

continuation of education, provision of health care and access to resources which were 

otherwise available. Outsourcing of young population in the Call Centres is most likely to 

drain out their potential earlier than due and is likely to impact on their health, capacity, 

intelligence and psyche. The present paper endeavours to understand indulgence of young 

people in socially disapproved activities; punitive action; humiliation and consequences of 

such behavior; and to examine relevant public policies and their scope to address the issue 

of the adolescents and youth. 

ALVARADO, Arturo* and Jesica Vega**, *Professor-Reseracher, El Colegio de México, 

Camino al Ajusco 20, pedregal M. Contreras México DF cp 10740, Mexico, E-mail: 

 

Juvenile Violence in Latin America 

This paper is a summary of a study on juvenile violence in Latin America in five countries 

(Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Guatemala). We analyze violence experienced by 

young people in three major dimensions: the first one is an epidemiological study of youth 

violence in the last decade; in second place a study on access to justice for young people 

and in third place a review of relations with the police. It is a comparative study 

combining qualitative and quantitative methods. We will present the major trends of the 

violent deaths of young people in these countries of Latin America in the last decade, 

discuss the major changes in mortality and propose a discussion on the notions of 

vulnerability and risk. 

NAYAK, Abhaya Narayan, Investigator (Social Studies) Grade 1, Directoriate of Census 

Operations, Ministry of home affairs, Govt. of India, Odisha, India/ II/3, Census Colony, 

Baramunda, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

The Process of Rearing and Discipling Children in the Context of Social Exclusion and 

Social Change: The Case of Ganda Children of Subarnapur, Odisha, India 

In the process of child rearing, socialization and enculturation there are certain expected 

and accepted social behavior. Those behavioural traits are reflected differently from

culture to culture and community to community in the heterogenous society. Those 

elements of social behaviour are handing down from generation to generation in the arena 

of asslimilation and acculturation. Taking account into those social change processes 

within a rural milieu how the norms of rewards and punishments are continuing and 

changing rapidly it has been examined in the present paper. The case of socially excluded 

Scheduled Caste Ganda community of Subarnapur District, Odisha has been taken as 

sample of the present qualitative study. The influences of caste-oriented factors in the 

disciplining of children have been examined in the context of social exclusion and social 

change. 

KODAGUNTI, Basavaraja, Asst. Professor, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga- 

585106, Karnataka, India, E-mail: 

Punishment to school children for misspelling in writing Kannada at primary level 

The present study concentrates on a problem of misspelling, which is observed widely in 

students’ writing. More number of students are making similar kinds of mistakes in the 

writing. This problem is found all over the state who are learning Kannada, and in the 

students with different social and economical background. One needs to understand the 

reason behind the particular problem. Mistakes in using scripts for aspirated sounds are a 

major ‘problem’ found in the children. There are ten aspirated sounds in Kannada script 

system, which follow the script of their counter non-aspirated sounds. Always the scripts 

of aspirated sounds are misplaced by their counter scripts of non-aspirated sounds and 

vice-versa. Difference in the language usage in society and language teaching in the 

system is a major reason for this kind of spelling ‘problem’. The present study afoot in this 

direction to understand the problem and it attempts to explain the most possible reason 

for the problem. The present study based on the wide range of data collected from 

different primary schools. 

DEB, Sibnath, Head, Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University (A Central 

University), R.V. Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry-650014, India, E-mail: 

 

Role of Rewards and Punishment for Motivating Students 

Reward and punishment for motivating students has been a long debated issue. However, 

both reward and punishment are essential in a balanced form for improving the 

performance of the students. Reward could be in the form of verbal appreciation for small 

achievements of the students in front of others, through certificate as appreciation of 

good performance and medals. At the same time, reward should not be given easily 

without minimum reason, but continuous verbal encouragement could be immensely 

beneficial. So far as punishment is concerned, it should be more of a verbal in nature and 

in warning form; it should be non-humiliating and not in front of other students, like 

asking students to complete the task then and there. Under no circumstances corporal/ 

physical punishment should be applied which is violation of child rights as per UN 

Convention on Right of The Child (1989). In addition to reward and punishment, there are 

so many other factors which should be taken into consideration for motivating the 

students like quality parenting, family violence, guidance and supervision of day to day 

study, encouragement from parents, not exposing wealth of the parents, parents’ life 

style, parents’ expectations, values, source of income, and education of parents. School 

also plays an important role like school discipline, teachers’ personality and punctuality, 

attendance of the teacher in schools, teacher as a role model, appearance of the teacher, 

updated knowledge of the teachers, teaching style, audio-visual aids, availability of 

educational materials, school curricula, and distance of the school and so on. Child 

intellectual development and/or cognitive functioning, childhood disorders and experience 

of violence, especially sexual, are some other factors which can influence the motivation

of the students. Therefore, individual differences, identification of childhood disorders 

and any traumatic experience should be taken into consideration while attempting to 

motivate students in studies. Otherwise, there might be injustice to a child with childhood 

disorder and/or psychological trauma for under performance if they experience corporal 

punishment and/or humiliation. Child aptitude and interest should also be taken into 

account for future career selection. 

PANEL-29(C): ROLE OF REWARD AND PUNISHMENT IN DISCIPLINING THE CHILD 

30 th November, 2012 Time: 10.30-13.00hrs Hall No.: 03 




 




SAH, Bindu*, Ranju Hasini Sahoo** and Abhijit Srivastava***, *Research Project 

Assistant, Anthropological Survey of India, Chattisgarh, India, **Associate Professor in 

Sociology, Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal 

University, Amarkantak, Dist: Anuppur, MP-484 886, India. E-mail: 

 

Growing Too Fast for Adulthood: A Case Study of Dhuruwa Tribe of Bastar, Chattisgarh, 

India 

The universe of our study is village Chindawada of Dhuruwa belt of Bastar, Chattisgarh. 

Data are collected through participant observation, interview, case study method and 

Focused Group Discussion. We found out that this Parjee-speaking tribals discipline the 

behavior of children through household and livelihood earning tasks. Long hours of absence 

of parents in home to earn livelihood ,the angry father ,poverty and accompanying the 

grand parent and father to agriculture field or to tend the cattle at an early age of two or 

three makes a child to grow faster ,thereby disciplining the child for an adult behavior. It 

is no wonder than a girl child at age nine and a boy child at age ten is perceived as an 

adult person when she cooks food for the family and he learns to pick up plough. Taboos in 

puberty are related to internalization of adult behavior of a girl child. 

MARAK, Quinbala, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill 

University, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya, India, E-mail: 

The Son and the Daughter: Gendered Perspectives in Disciplining Children among Garos 

Disciplining a child plays an important part in the child rearing process of all societies. 

Similar is the case among the Garos of north-eastern India. Their forms of discipline 

ranged from reproach of varying degrees to beating with sticks. Making a child ashamed of 

his or her behaviour through various means was another common form. The idea behind is 

to conform to correct behaviour so that the child does not become a cause of 

embarrassment and shame in public life at present and in future. However, in such an 

upbringing of children, a minute difference can be seen in the ways a daughter was 

disciplined in comparison to a son. This paper proposes to look at the differences existent 

in the disciplining of a daughter and son and the reasons behind it. Finally, it will conclude

y revealing some of the facets of the society that such a mode of disciplining children of 

different sexes reveals. 

BISWAKARMA, Beena*, Ranju Hasini Sahoo**, Abhijit Srivastava***, *Research Project 

Assistant, Anthropological Survey of India, Chattisgarh, India, **Associate professor in 

Sociology ,Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal 

University, Amarkantak, Dist: Anuppur, MP-484 886,India, E -mail: Sahoo.ranju@gmail.com 

Disciplining the Behavior of Children of Bison Horn Maria Tribe of Bastar, Chattisgarh, 

India 

With 4404 population consisting of 2203 (50.02 %) males and 2201 females (49.97 % ) 

village Kodenar of Bison Horn Maria tribe in South Bastar is the universe of our study. One 

of the objectives of the study is to analyse how this much aggressive Maria Tribe having 

high statistics of murder and suicide discipline their children through their kin members, 

various institutions and organizations. The present study is very interesting for the reason 

is that the adult members of this tribe do not have control over their emotions like anger, 

jealousy and revenge and high rate of crime is due to this uncontrolled emotion. It is 

evident from our study that grandparents play an important role in early childhood, 

whereas participation in community meeting and festival of clan God ‘Kaksad’ play a 

pivotal role in late childhood, adolescent and adulthood period for disciplining the 

behavior of the children. 

SARDAR, Vinita*, Abhijit Srivastava** ad Ranju Hasini Sahoo***, *Museum Guide, Vimla 

Rojgar Sewa, Bastar ,Chattisgarh, India, ** Associate professor in Sociology ,Dept. of 

Sociology and Social Anthropology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 

Dist: Anuppur, MP-484 886,India,E-mail: Sahoo.ranju@gmail.com 

Mother’s Brother’s Role in Disciplining the Boy Child of Halba Tribe: A Case Study of 

Village Madhota, Bastar, Chattisgarh, India 

Chattisgarh Modhota, with 1050 houeholds and 10,765 population, a Halba tribe dominated 

village of Bastar, Chattisgarh is the universe of our study. In Halba tribe which is an 

agricultural community maternal uncle plays an important role in disciplining the boy 

child. The child is born in maternal uncle’s house and entire expenditure of child birth is 

born by him. Important symbolic rituals relating to agriculture during rite de passage 

i.e., on six day and marriage of the boy child is performed by the maternal uncle. Besides 

late childhood, important stages of adolescent and adulthood of the boy child is spent in 

maternal uncle’s house where he stays as a lamsena, gets training to be a full fledged 

citizen of the society and prepares to enter into marital bliss with the daughter of his 

maternal uncle. Adulthood impulse of the boy is controlled through affectionate advice or 

engagement of household work. 

PANEL-30(A): GROWTH AND NUTRITION: A BIO-CULTURAL SYNTHESIS, WITH SPECIAL 

REFERENCE TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH 



(1) GAUTAM, K. Rajesh, Department of Anthropology, Dr. H.S. Gour University, 

Sagar, MP, India, E-mail:

(2) PATRA, K Prasanna Reader, P.G. Department of Anthropology, Utkal 

University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, PIN-751004, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 


Children are future of nation and society. According to Population Reference Bureau 2011 

a total of 27% of population around the globe are of youth below 15 years of age. Their 

total population is around 2 billion. Most of these populations are in developing countries. 

In Africa they are 41 percent, whereas in sub Saharan Africa their proportion is 43%. In 

Asia (Excluding China) their proportion is 30%, whereas in India the population of less than 

15 years of age is 33 percent. Malnutrition is more common in India than in Sub-Saharan 

Africa. One in every three malnourished children in the world lives in India. Malnutrition 

limits development and the capacity to learn. It also costs lives: about 50 per cent of all 

childhood deaths. In India, around 46 per cent of all children below the age of three are 

too small for their age, 47 per cent are underweight and at least 16 per cent are wasted. 

Many of these children are severely malnourished. The prevalence of malnutrition varies 

across states, with Madhya Pradesh recording the highest rate (55 per cent) and Kerala 

among the lowest (27 per cent). Malnutrition in children is not affected by food intake 

alone; it is also influenced by access to health services, quality of care for the child and 

pregnant mother as well as good hygiene practices. Girls are more at risk of malnutrition 

than boys. In many parts of the world there are double burden of malnutrition at one end 

there are children with greater proportion of underweight, wasting and stunting on the 

other hand the childhood obesity is increasing. An estimated 170 million children 

(aged

condition for a considerable period and these children are having by and large same kind 

of food habit and way of living, which have resulted in the status of nutrition among them. 

DAS, Tultul Hazra * and Ramesh Sahani, **, Family Planning Association of India /o Mr 

Goutam Das, 2 nd Floor, E/5/28, Sector-16, Rohini, Delhi-110089. India* Assistant 

Anthropologist, Anthropological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd., Kolkata- 

700016**, E-mail: / 

A Study on Growth Performance of 0-5 years Children in Resettlement Colonies in 

North-West Delhi 

The slum children are likely to be victim of under nutrition due to extreme poverty, lack 

of dwelling, inadequate access to food and exposure to polluted environment resulting in 

growth hampering. The objective of the present study is to assess growth performance of 

0–5 years using cross sectional approach for collecting the growth data from children living 

in urban slums in North-west Delhi. A total of 250 subjects of age group 0–5 years and both 

the sex were evaluated and compared with ICMR (1976) growth standard to elicit the 

growth difference of slum children with the standard. It was found, the boys in the 

present study were heavier than girls with a significant difference (at 1, and 2 years in 

weight). There was also a bigger difference in weight in slum children while compared 

with ICMR (1976) growth standard. Though the difference of weight was less in slum boys 

than ICMR boys in the beginning at 0.5 year, and in girls again it was less on initial stage 

mounted to 3.40 kg at 5th year. A continuous weight gain was also noted both in slum boys 

and girls. The growth retardation in slum children may be related to the family 

complexes, economic status, cultural practices, gender preference, birth order and birth 

interval. Adversity of these factors may lead to growth retardation. 

BISWAL, Debendra Kumar, Assistant Professor ,Centre for Anthropological Studies 

(CAS),Central University of Orissa, Landiguda, Koraput, Odisha PIN-764020, E-mail: 

/ 

Double Edge Sword in between Societal Sentiment and Individual Privacy: Life Skill 

Education for Adolescents In Rural Areas 

Adolescence (10-19 years) is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood and is 

marked by rapid physical, psychological and physiological changes of the individuals. This 

period results in sexual, psychological and behavioural maturation. Adolescents are a 

diverse group and are in varying situations of risk, status and environments. Keeping in 

mind this sort of diversity, the government has introduced different versions of integrated 

Life Skill Education (LSE) for the betterment of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) of 

school-going adolescents. This paper has critically evaluated the suitability of the training 

material under LSE in different cultural ethos, different approaches to implement the SRH 

component of LSE for high school students at village level and the programmes to ensure 

involvement of teachers and parents. It was observed that it is like a double-edged sword, 

in-between the sentiments of the society and the privacy and sensitivities of individuals. It 

was found that the success of a pilot initiative in one place need not be successful in other 

areas. Most of the successful models cater to particular geographical region or group of 

adolescents. Therefore, it is vital to analyse the different approaches and experiences of 

others, and judiciously adapt to the local needs and cultural milieu. In any case, no one 

can ignore LSE, which grooms adolescents and facilitate the realisation of their full 

potential as human beings. 

DHANJAL, Harshdeep Singh, Jail Road, Babu Para, Behind Gurudwara, Ambikapur, 

Surguja, Chhattisgarh, E-mail:

Some Observations on Nutritional Status among the Mawasi Tribe of Chhindwara 

district (M.P.) 

Food is the basic need for growth and nutrition of the body. Most of the people, specially 

the tribals are not properly aware of the proper nutrition and balanced diet. This paper is 

based on primary information collected from Mawasi tribe of Chhindwara district of 

Madhya Pradesh. The objective of the study was to understand the status of nutrition, 

dietary practices and food consumption. A total of 80 households were covered and more 

than 100 individuals were interviewed. It was found that the nutritional status of the 

participants was not good. Most of them had thin and lean body built. Mawasis are 

basically agriculturalists and labours. Their crops include paddy, wheat, pulses, beans, 

peas, brinjal, pumpkin, etc. Their staple food is rice, jwar and maize and besides this they 

fairly consume kodo & kutki (the derivatives of rice). The findings indicate that Mawasis 

are not properly aware of their diet. They have very lean and thin body built. At the same 

time, nobody among them was found obese. Thus, there is need to provide some 

supplementary food rich vitamins and proteins; as carbohydrates alone are not sufficient 

for good health. It is suggested that the necessary actions and steps is urgently needed to 

improve the economic status of these people as the economy of the village is very poor 

and one of the important determinant of poor health of children also. 

GOUDA, Sunil Kumar, Project Fellow, Dept. of Anthropology (CAS), Utkal University, 

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, E-mail: 

Nutritional and Haematological Status of Migrated Pano of Slums in Bhubaneswar, 

Odisha 

The present study was on the Migrated Pano community (S.C) in slums of Bhubaneswar to 

determine the nutritional status. Incidences of malnutrition and under nutrition among 

adolescents & children and epidemiology of blood pressure and haematological status as 

an indicator of nutritional health are also examined. The study is based upon 111 

households comprising 502 Individuals. Mean intake of energy and protein per day was 

calculated and compared with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Indians. 

Percentage of subjects suffering from Grade I (35%), Grade II (30 %), Grade III (17.8%) and 

Grade IV (7.8%) malnutrition indicates that higher incidence of malnutrition among the 

studied community. Half of the population belong to low calorie range. Only 30.63% 

households consume recommended calorie per day. The value of Blood Pressure increases 

with Age in both sexes. Study reveals that 13% have low WBC counts, 26% that of low RBC, 

29% have low Platelet counts, 23% have low haemoglobin counts. The study reveals the 

community is still nutritionally vulnerably. 

SATAPATHY, Kanhu Charan, Reader, Department of Anthropology, Utkal University, 

Bhubaneswar-4, Odisha, E-mail: 

Growth and Nutrition Status of Adolescent Tibetans in Odisha 

Study on the growth and nutritional status of adolescent Tibetans born and brought up in 

coastal Odisha was compared with high altitude studies by using standard anthropometric 

technique. In the present study it has been observed that Tibetans in costal Odisha shows 

a trend towards become taller and heavier when compared in terms of their height, 

weight, BMI and birth weight. Blood pressure level of adolescent Tibetans show a trend 

towards higher prevalence of hypertension and is similar to that of high altitude studies 

.In terms of Nutritional status the present generation exhibits a better picture when 

compared to other populations

RATH, Kalyani, Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Anthropology, Sambalpur University, 

Odisha, E-mail: 

Growth and Nutritional Status of Babies at Birth: A Study on the Newborns of Middle 

Income Group Population of Odisha 

Live born babies of women belonging to lower middle income group of Odisha were 

comprised of the studied sample. Birth parameters such as weight at birth, crown –heel 

length, head, chest and arm circumferences of 684 newborns were measured within 24 hrs of 

birth. Clinical assessments of nutritional status (CAN) scores were also obtained. The study 

shows that, Prevalence of low birth weight among the newborns of rural middle income 

group of women in Orissa could still be considered high 37.13% (for babies weighing 


Sagar, MP, India, E-mail: 

(2) PATRA, K Prasanna ,Reader, P.G. Department of Anthropology, Utkal 

University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar,PIN- 751004, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 


SAHANI, Ramesh, Assistant Anthropologist, Anthropological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal 

Nehru Rd., Kolkata-700016. E-mail: 

Physical Growth and Nutritional Status of Nicobarese and Moplah Children of Andaman- 

Nicobar Islands in India 

Growth studies can be used as a powerful tool to monitor health and nutritional status. 

The objective of the present cross sectional study was to assess growth and nutritional 

status of Car Nicobarese and Moplah children living in a proximate environment having 

genetic differences. A total 436 of Car Nicobarese children and 438 of Moplah children, 

aged 6 to 10 years were selected. Percentile growth curves were calculated and compared 

with other children. Z-score of W-A, H-A, W-H, BMI-A and MUAC-A were computed using 

NCHS references. The Car Nicobarese were shorter but heavier than Moplah children of 

both sexes all through the ages. Though Car Nicobarese children were showing higher 

prevalence (42.0% ) of stunting, but nutritionally better than Moplah children. The major 

differences were observed through their muscularity rather than arm fatness. 

SIKDAR, Mithun, DNA Laboratory Unit, Anthropological Survey of India, Western Regional 

Centre, Udaipur, 313001, E-mail: 

Population Specific Physical Growth Reference Values among a Tribal Children Group 

of Northeast India: A Methodological Approach to Evaluate the Health Profile 

World health Organization recommends updating the physical growth reference for each 

country after every decade. To measure the health profile of various communities there is 

an urgent need to construct physical growth reference values for each community. Despite 

that preparation of population specific reference values remain very far from reality. 

Therefore the present study is a preliminary step to generate such population specific 

reference values of different parameters. A total of 2965 tribal children (1459 boys and 

1506 girls) from Mising community of Northeast India have been measured for their height 

and weight. Before conducting the study technical error of measurement was evaluated 

for each parameter which was found to be well below the minimum acceptable limit. The 

age of the children ranges from 6 to 20 years. LMS method was used for fitting and 

summarising growth standard among the children to monitor the changing skewness of the 

growth distribution during the whole childhood period. The method sums up the changing 

distribution of anthropometric parameters by three curves representing the median, coefficient 

of variation and skewness. The Box-Cox power transformation was applied to 

bring the distribution close to normality. The results are compared with the recently 

developed World Health Organization 2007 reference values. The height-for-age, weightfor-age 

and BMI-for-age shows consistent deficit in anthropometric status among the 

Mising children compared to the local as well as international reference. The logistic 

regression analysis finds a strong correlation of nutritional deficit with per capita monthly 

income of the family. The study calls for development of physical growth references for 

several tribal population groups residing in Northeast India to evaluate their nutritional 

status in proper perspective.

PATRA, Prasanna Kumar, Reader , P.G. Department of Anthropology, Utkal University, 

Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751004, Odisha, INDIA, E-mail: 

Adolescent Growth Spurt as an Indicator of Nutritional Status: A Study of Secular Trend 

among the Tribals of India 

Secular changes in growth and maturation is a patterned phenomenon in all societies and 

these changes are more pronounced during the adolescent period. Adolescents experience 

remarkable physical growth and development during puberty which ultimately increases 

their requirements for energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and other micro-nutrients. 

Based on review of studies conducted on adolescent growth spurt among tribal 

populations, in the context of socio-economic and health intervention programmes in India 

in last four to five decades, this article tries to find out if there has been any significant 

change. Findings indicate uneven secular changes across population groups which may 

imply larger maladies in areas such as; peoples’ right to resources, food security and 

public distribution system. This article urges for more and concerted longitudinal studies 

on adolescent growth spurt that would help understand short-term and long-term 

consequences of uneven secular changes among tribal population in India. 

MONDAL, Chitaranjan, Anthropological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, 

Kolkata-700016. E-mail: 

A Study on BMI among the Adolescent Bhotia of Uttaranchal 

The Bhotias are a tribal and migratory population, with mongoloid morphological features. 

In Uttaranchal, the Bhotias are one of the earliest inhabitants of the Kumaon and Garhwal 

hills. The Bhotias are divided into eight sub-groups on the basis of religion, territory, 

occupation and dialects. The present data were collected among the Tolcha and Marcha 

sub-groups of the Bhotia residing in Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. The Bhotia households 

in this area are located in 6,107 ft. above sea level. The sample consists of 282 subjects. It 

is interesting to note that Bhotias in this altitude depend upon different kind of food 

habit. In this backdrop, the present study was undertaken in terms of BMI among the 

adolescent Bhotias. Findings of the present study were compared with other published 

reports. 

DAS, Megha * Ratnesh Das**, UGC Post Doctoral Fellow*, Department of Education, Dr. 

H.S. Gour University Sagar, MP, E-mail: 

Zinc Deficiency and Cognitive Development in Children 

It is estimated that, in developing countries, around 26 percent of children under five 

years of age are growth retarded by international standards. Linear growth retardation is 

considered evidence of inadequate nutrition over a long period of time. Several studies 

show that malnutrition during the first years of life can have long-lasting cognitive 

implications. Compared to well-nourished children, children that were malnourished early 

in life are more likely to start school late, to have lower schooling attainment and to score 

poorly in cognitive tests. Zinc is a trace metal that is present in the brain and contributes 

to its structure and function. Limited evidence from both animal and human studies 

suggests that zinc deficiency may lead to delays in cognitive development. Although the 

mechanisms linking zinc deficiency with cognitive development are unclear, it appears 

that zinc deficiency may lead to deficits in children’s neuropsychologic functioning, 

activity, or motor development, and thus interfere with cognitive performance. This paper

highlights the role of zinc on cognitive development of children, as well as various 

methods by which zinc deficiency in children could be prevented. 

THAKUR, Rachna* & Rajesh K. Gautam**, Department of Anthropology, Dr. H.S. Gour 

University, Sagar (MP), E-mail: 

Age at Menarche and BMI: A Comparative Study among Population of Two Different 

Ecological Zones 

Age at menarche is a sign of puberty among women. It is dermined by bio-social 

charecteristics viz. socio-economic condition, culture ecology etc. Similarly body mass 

index (BMI) is an scale to assess the level of nutrition. In the present study women of 

different ecological setup as well as culture were studied for their onset of age at 

menarche and level of nutrition. Cross sectional data was gathered on a total of 446 

women aged 18-60 years from six different endogamous group of two ecological zones. 

The mean age at menarche varies from 13.66 years among Brahmins of Madhya Pradesh to 

16.23 years among the Rajput of Uttarakhand. Similarly, variation in mean BMI was ranging 

between 18.56 and 20.71. It was found that altitude is one of the derminant of the age 

menarche. Similarly socio-economic status also has impact on puberty of children. On the 

basis of present study it can be postulates that the nutritional status of Indian women is 

not doubt improved during last two decades. But still large numbers of women are 

malnourished, especially in deprived section of the societies and require special attention. 

PANEL-30(C): GROWTH AND NUTRITION: A BIO-CULTURAL SYNTHESIS, WITH SPECIAL 


29 th November, 2012 Time: 14.00-16.30hrs Hall No. 




(2) PATRA, K Prasanna ,Reader ,P.G.Department of Anthropology, Utkal 

University,Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar,PIN- 751004, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 


CHATURVEDI, Kshama, Manak Nagar, Lucknow – 226011, Uttar Pradesh, India, E-mail: 

 

Trends of Growth and Development among the Children of Lucknow: The Case Right of 

Health 

Growth is a type of change in weight, size and structure whether it is increasing or 

decreasing. Growth is a complex combination of hyperplasia, hypertrophy and accretion. 

Development is evaluated by the perfection of function capacity and is always gradual 

progressive and diversified in form according to the different periods of childhood. Trends 

of Growth & Development differ from place to place, from community to community. If

we talk about the trends of Growth & Development between rural and urban areas of 

Lucknow, we find that there are many variations in both types of areas. That’s why 

Growth studies, especially, of areas under acculturation, are so important. This paper 

highlights the trends of Growth &Development of Children of rural marginal areas of 

Lucknow. The paper incorporates the study of the various dimensions of growth & 

Development among the Children between 6-14 years. It is the outcome of one month’s 

intensive Field Work carried in the rural areas of Lucknow. The key area of study was 

‘Rudahi Village’. ‘Rudahi’ is a marginal rural village of Lucknow district. It is the 

adjuncture of rural and urban features, almost in every field of social-cultural life. That’s 

why this village was selected as the key area of the study. Since this village pose both 

types of social-cultural features viz. Rural/Traditional and Modern/Complex, this study 

throws light on the effect of acculturation and growth & development in this area. The 

data incorporated in this paper are the first hand data. Various Somatometric 

measurements were done for collecting the data. Some Somatoscopic Observations were 

also done for the same purpose. Other methods/techniques used in this study are 

Genealogy, Photography, Interview Schedule, Case Study method etc. The analysis 

interpretation is done using Statistical Method especially with the statistical software 

SPSS. 

KULKARNI, Shaunak, Sun City Road, Off Sinhgad Road, Pune 411051, India, E-mail: 

 

Growth at Adolescence: A Study of School Going Children of Sangise Village 

The present study aims to study the growth status and patterns of school going adolescent 

boys and girls of Sangise village near Mumbai –Pune highway and to observe age and time 

specific annual pattern of growth in various measurements and to study the demographic 

factors affecting growth. Using de facto population, total 58 individuals were screened 

longitudinally. Total three visits were conducted. Data were collected through 

anthropometry (Height, Weight, MUAC) and questionnaire. The growth pattern for all 

measurements among boys and girls is almost same. The status of growth among boys and 

girls for height, weight and MUAC at 13, 14, and 15 years is low than NCHS standard values 

for the same measurements of the same age groups. The absolute growth in height is 5.05 

cm during 14-15 years of age of girls; however the absolute growth in height is 5.28cm 

among boys of 13-14 years of age group. The trends of growth in second and third visits 

are not uniform in all measurements. 

CHAKRABORTY, SONALI, School of Management, KIIT University, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 

An Empirical Study on Child Education and Health in India: With Special Focus on 

Odisha 

The India’s economy is growing; 20 per cent of the child populations of the world from 0 

to 4 years are found in the country. The number of live births in the country is estimated 

to be 27 million and the number is still growing. Disparities among the states of India in 

terms of ; health indicators like infant mortality rate, high malnutrition rates, sanitation 

etc and lack of proper education makes a vast differences between the best performing 

states and worst performing states . This study focuses on Childs’ health and education in 

India with special focus on Odishaalong and the progress made by the states in achieving 

the Millennium Development Goals .This paper concludes that the children of Odisha are 

not among the best states but still ranks above the BIMARU states but lags far behind the 

best performing states in India like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

DASH, Mamata, R.A. School of Women’s Studies, Utkal University, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 

Issues and Challenge of Children Living with HIV- A Study in Bhubaneswar, Odisa, India 

Children are the most beautiful gift of God to mankind and the future of the Nation. But 

millions of the children are facing innumerable challenges even before their birth to 

death. One of the many challenges is health in general and HIV in particular which has 

been a global threat so far as children are concerned. According to WHO Progress Report 

on HIV/AIDS in South-East Asia 2011, an estimated 140,000 children were living with 

HIV/AIDS in 2010. Odisha, one of the five highly vulnerable states in country (NACO) , has 

1567 nos. of children (under 14 years)living with HIV including 883 males and 684 females 

by December 2011 (OSACS report). HIV and AIDS have a devastating effect on the lives of 

millions of children across the globe. The effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on children are 

manifold: most are left undiagnosed, do not access treatment and die very young, 

differently treated by their family members, community members, peers. Those who are 

not infected may live in families and communities where AIDS reduces the productivity of 

their households and aggravates poverty. In a state like Odisha where poverty, illiteracy 

and poor health are rife, the prevalence HIV particularly in children presents a daunting 

challenge. For this work 70 no. of infected children (under 18) and their parents and 

friends were interviewed through open-ended schedule, group discussion and informal 

one-to-one interaction. Some case studies were also taken to enrich the analysis. Key 

Words- Children, HIV, Perception, Parental Attitude 

PANDA, Niharika, Dept. of Anthropology, Sambalpur University, Sambalpur-768 019, 

Odisha, E-mail: 

Growth and Nutritional Status of Children: A Study among the school going children of 

Sambalpur city, Odisha. 

NAIK, Iswar Chandra, National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences (NISWASS), 

Bhubaneswar-23, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

Tribal Children and the Primary Health Care: A Study of Kashipur Block of Odisha 

It’s almost six decades over since independence the misery of tribal people living in 

Rayagada. The epidemic like measles, acute poverty, starvation deaths, cholera and 

diarrhea deaths situation brought to the light those tribals of Kashipur block are still 

deprived of getting the developmental benefits. In 2007 More than 300 people died due to 

cholera and diarrhea in Kashipur, again in 2010 same thing repeated and more than 200 

people died in Kashipur block. In 2012 within one month more than 100 people died in 

Kashipur block due to measles and more than 200 infected. However, the government 

maintains silences and not able to controlled and eradicate these epidemic from this 

areas. Doctor doesn’t seem much bothered with it as they believe these areas is a malaria 

endemic zone and malaria is a regular feature here. This paper is tray to analyze that, 

thousands of Crores of rupees have been spent for provide accessible, affordable, 

accountable, effective and reliable primary health care, especially to poor and vulnerable 

people in these areas. Here, I have tray to explore the reasons of the epidemics like 

measles, acute poverty, malaria, starvation deaths, cholera and diarrhea deaths which are 

regular feature in these areas.

BASU, Debashis*, Banerjee, Indraneel** and Sun, Deimaphishisha. Research Associate 

(Phy), Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata*, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, 

UK** Anthropological Survey of India, NERC, Meghalaya*** Email: 

Cross-sectional Reference Values of Height and Weight of Khasi Tribal Adolescents of 

Meghalaya, India 

The Khasi tribal population living in the state of Meghalaya in the North-eastern India 

belongs to the Indo-Mongoloid racial Group and they speak Austro-Asiatic language. Their 

social structure centers on matriarchy and the lineage they follow is about matrilineal. In 

the present paper an attempt has been made to explore the status of physical growth 

based on lms analysis and creating cross-sectional reference values of height and weight 

among the Khasi adolescents numbering 467 boys and 490 girls aged 11+ years to 17+ 

years. The data on height and weight were calculated for weight- and height centiles using 

lmsChartmaker Pro; weight-for-age z scores, and height-for-age z scores by age and sex 

with reference to WHO 2007; and compared with Indian Affluent Children. The proportion 

of the present adolescent sample remains lower while comparing with the Indian Affluent 

Children in terms of growth retardation, than that of the WHO 2007 sample. 

PANEL-30(D): GROWTH AND NUTRITION: A BIO-CULTURAL SYNTHESIS, WITH SPECIAL 


30 th November, 2012 Time: 10.30-13.00hrs Hall No. 




(2) PATRA K Prasanna, Reader ,P.G.Department of Anthropology, Utkal 

University,Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar,PIN- 751004, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 


KOLAY, Swapan Kumar, School of Studies in Anthropology & Tribal Studies, Basttar 

University, Jagdalpur: 494005, Chhatisgarh, India, E-mail: 

Assessment of Nutritional Status and their Associated Socio-Cultural and Environment 

Factors among the Tribal Children of Himalayan, Desert and Coastal Region 

The study reflects the nutritional status of preschool children and its influencing factors. 

Side by side degrees of nutritional status indices have been estimated. Twenty seven 

villages selected from three different States. We used the data from selected Kinnaura, 

Bhil and Dhodia households. Household data were collected using structured 

questionnaire. Height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height were calculated to 

assess the influence of the explanatory variables on nutritional status. Results revealed 

that bisexual differences for 12 body measurements were not statistically significant for 

most of the measurements, revealing similar pattern of growth among boys and girls of 

Kinnauras and Dhodias. However, bisexual differences among Bhils are statistically 

significance for most of the measurements and growth pattern of boys are better than 

girls. A comparison of Kinnaura and Dhodia boys and girls with comparable data on India 

rural boys from better socio-economic class did not reveal any great difference with them. 

But the Bhil boys and girls are lagging behind. About 63 percent of Bhils and 58 percent of 

Dhodia Boys and girls suffer from mild to moderate form of malnutrition and 89 percent 

of Kinnaura boys and girls fall in the normal to mild range for nutritional status according

to weight for height and height for age. In the present study girls are found to be more 

vulnerable as compare to boys in weight for age. Mean and range of all the 12 

measurements are supervisor among the Kinnauras is better than Dhodias and Bhils. Bhils 

are usually lagging behind in the overall nutritional. Dietary consumption, mother’s 

education, mother’s position among housewives and child’s height were positively related 

to the child’s nutritional status. Also, mother’s age, child’s age and dependency ratio had 

negative influence on nutritional status. Policy options that would promote formal 

education for women, home use of nutritional diet and reduction in dependency ratio are 

recommended to achieve meaningful improvement in nutritional status. 

SREE, Vinay, Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, 

E-mail: 

Role of Self-help Groups in Providing Food Security and Health Care with Reference to 

Children: A Case Study in Andhra Pradesh 

In the lean periods of agriculture season, most of the rural poor have barely one square 

meal a day. Hence, Health & Nutrition strategy is being implemented through woman self 

help groups under the Andhra Pradesh Rural Poverty Reduction Program (APRPRP). The 

program demystifies the concept of health so that it is not only understood in a simplified 

manner by the rural poor. The paper describes the socio-economic profile of the woman 

SHGs in providing food security and health care to children and also discusses the role of 

line department as well as NGOs to address health related activities to the community. 

ROSHAN, Rajesh, Dharmpura No. 1, Jagdalpur, C.G.Mail, E-mail: 

/ 

Physical Growth Status and Nutritional Status among School Going Children 

This study has been carried out to physical growth of school going children aged 6 to 13 

years of Dhurwa tribes of Bastar District. Standard Anthropometric Methods were applied 

to measure the growth height and weight of the children. The children were selected 

randomly from the low socio-economic group. For the study 200 students both sexes boys 

and girls were selected from four villages namely Sergipal, Aghanpur, Kangoli, Kalipur 

selected during fieldwork. From each village 50 school going children were selected (25 

boys and 25 girls). The results revealed that the mean height and weight of rural boys and 

girls were significantly below NCHS (50th percentile) and ICMR standards. This study 

shows that average height of the girls were more than boys. Physical growth as well as 

nutritional status of boys was affected more than the girls. 

BISWAL, Sasmita, Namita Mohapatra, Sabita Mohapatra and Abhiseka Biswal, SCB 

Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 

A Prospective Observational Study on the Rationality of the Use of Antimalarial 

(Artemesinin Based Combination Therapy) in Febrile Outpatients, as Per the National 

Drug Policy of Malaria 2010 

Abstract missing 

VALENTIN, Graciela and Federico Dickson, , Department of Human Ecology, Cinvestav- 

Merida, Mexico, E-mail:

Height and Body Composition Characteristics of Pre and Post-Menarcheal Girls Aged 11 

to 13 Years in Merida, Yucatan 


AHEMAD, Mohammad Nasir, Department of Anthropology Dr. H.S Gour Central University, 

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, E-mail: 

Antenatal and Delivery Health Practices among Minicoy Islanders 


JAISWAL, Ajeet, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India, 

E-mail: 

Effect of Domestic Cooking Fuel on the Health of Non-smoking Women of Uttar 

Pradesh, India 


RODRÍGUEZ, Rosa María Ramos, Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas, E-mail: 


KUMAR, Raj, Department of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies Babasaheb Bhimrao 

Ambedkar University, Lucknow (A Central University), Uttar Pradesh, India, E-mail: 

 

Abstract title missing 

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. It attacks on human beings irrespective of the 

poorness, richness, caste, gender, sexual orientation, religion, adults, childhood and 

youth. Most of the tuberculosis is transmitted into children through the adults tuberculosis 

patients because they produce infected sputum .The children are more vulnerable towards 

tuberculosis in comparison to adults. Children are neglected in the field of diagnosis 

technique for tuberculosis. Mostly children with pulmonary tuberculosis not produce 

sputum like adults so the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is difficult. Every year 

several children and youths become orphan due to tuberculosis. These groups of children 

face enormous human rights violations in the society. several children, after the death of 

one or both of parent , be compelled into the child labor and also loose an opportunity of 

education and other elements of social development. After the documentation of human 

rights at universal level in the form of milestone document is known as Universal 

Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, several covenants on human rights have come into 

existence for the protection and promotion of human rights for different groups including 

children. The paper explores the human rights of children and youths living with 

tuberculosis and concludes with some suggestions. 

PANEL- 31(A): EFFECT OF SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF 

WOMEN 



AGNIHOTRI, Vibha, Nari Siksha Niketan P. G. College, Lucknow, University of Lucknow, 

UP, INDIA, E-mail: 


The relationship between social conditions and factors influencing health has been a 

major interest of mankind- people are generally tended to view health problems from the 

perspective of their own social and cultural norms. Socio economic statuses of individuals 

influence fertility. It has been normally observed that the people belonging to the higher 

income bracket have lower fertility rates while people belonging to low socio – economic 

group have higher fertility rates. Reproductive Health Concept implies that people are 

able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and they have the capability to reproduce and 

the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Thus in above urgency, the 

present study is based on to study the influence of socio-economic status on the 

reproductive health of women of Lucknow city. Many socio-economic and demographic 

variables like Age and Sex Composition, Rate of Literacy, Occupation, Health Condition 

and knowledge about reproductive health with special reference to STDs and HIV/AIDS 

have been analyzed with the help of Interview technique. 


AGNIHOTRI, Vibha, Nari Siksha Niketan P. G. College, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 

UP, India, E-mail: 

Effect of Socio Economic Status on the Reproductive Health of Women of Lucknow 

Reproductive Health Concept implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe 

sex life and they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and 

how often to do so. Thus in above urgency, the present study is based on to study the 

influence of socio-economic status on the reproductive health of women of Lucknow city. 

Many socio-economic and demographic variables like Age and Sex Composition, Rate of 

Literacy, Occupation, Health Condition and knowledge about reproductive health with 

special reference to STDs and HIV/AIDS have been analyzed with the help of Interview 

technique. 

SABAT, Arpita, Associate Professor, Sambhalpur Govt College, Odisha, India, E-mail: 

 

Reproductive Health Awareness of Adolescent Girls: An Intervention Study 

This Study described in this paper takes a participatory and positive approach to improve 

adolescent’s reproductive health in an urban community i.e. Sambalpur City in Western 

Orissa. It shows that adolescent girls have dreams and aspiration of a better future. But 

their lack of awareness towards reproductive health creates hindrance between girl’s 

aspiration and realities. Adolescent girls of age 13 to 19 years constitute nearly 66 million 

of population in India. The lives of girl at adolescence stage are prone to sexual 

harassment due to their ignorance. Thus the reproductive health awareness help them to 

safe themselves from the unprotected reproductive growth. The mission of International 

Women’s Day 2012 is to give security to women. It means to safe the women from all 

types of harassment. Thus, awareness is one major factor for development of this group of 

population because of the fact that these adolescent girls would be the future housewives. 

A study was undertaken to see the awareness of adolescent girls regarding reproductive 

health aspects through an intervention study. The study adopted a pretest post test design

with an intervention for a specific period. A total 100 adolescent girls in the age group of 

15 to 19 years were selected randomly from Govt. Women’s College and G.M. College, 

Sambalpur. The tools for assessment consisted of Socio-economic scale of Kupuswamy and 

a reproductive health awareness scale. The sample group was pretested on the their level 

of health awareness which focused specially on reproductive health aspects. An 

intervention package was developed on the aspects of health including general health, 

reproductive health, child health, environmental health and nutritional aspects, 

unprotected diseases related to reproduction, preventive steps for protected reproductive 

health. The intervention was given for one month to the sample girls through lectures, 

discussions and demonstrations. The sample is divided into experimental and non 

experimental group. The experimental group got the intervention progremme for one 

month. Post testing was done on the sample girls after the period of intervention. Results 

showed that the knowledge of girls regarding reproductive health aspects improved 

significantly after intervention. There was considerable increase in the awareness level of 

girls with regard to knowledge of health problem, preventive steps in reproductive health, 

environmental health, nutritional awareness of reproductive and child health are essential 

for the adolescent. Hence informative and educable intervention seems to have a Positive 

effect on reproductive awareness of adolescent girls. Girls at young stage are prone to 

sexual harassment due to their ignorance. 

BHARDWAJ, Anuradha, NSN P.G. College, Lucknow University, Lucknow, UP, India, E- 

mail: 

Reproductive Health Status of Gaddi’s Women 

In the present study an attempt has been made to present the health status of Gaddi 

Women of Bharmaur District (H.P.) .To find out whether a society is under developed or 

developing it require the interpretation of population composition in terms of Social, 

economic and affecting features. As regard the assessment of physical status there are 

several methods, however in the present study Total 300 subjects were interviewed for 

the purpose. Various socio-economic and demographic data were also collected along with 

physical status indicators like nutritional status, stature and weight etc. 

MISHRA, Rashmi, 3/416, Vishwas Khand, Gomti Nagar, NSN P.G. College, Lucknow 

University, Lucknow, UP, India. E-mail: 

The Study of Reproductive Health of Women among Bhoksa Tribal Group of Uttrakhand 

In the eyes of many demographers and development planners women lives consists of little 

more than their reproductive roles. Thus the role of women is conceptualized as a 

simultaneous system of micro decision regarding contraceptive use, fertility, labour force 

participation, education, occupational choice , migration ,marital status and nutritional 

status within an environmental condition by a range of government policies.The present 

paper focesues on fertility,child health care,socio economic and environmental factors 

that influences the health of Bhoksa women and also the study the role of primary health 

centers. 

SHUKLA, Tripti, Deptt of Anthropology, Lucknow University, Lucknow, E-mail: 

 

Disaster of Anemia Affecting The Baiga Tribal of Mandla District of Madhy pradesh 

The present paper focus on the data collected from baigatribals of Mandla district of 

Madhya Pradesh. The study was conducted on 90 baiga females. Females need good

health, balanced diet, peace and relax mind. Mostly the females feel that they are not 

healthy as they are suffering from body pain, swelling and dizziness and even have low 

hemoglobin. Mostly females are underweight. The main reason behind this is unhygienic 

condition, bad habits, malnutrition and under nutrition, and tensions etc. When the 

females were studied it was found that out of 90 females none of them were normal. They 

all were anemic. 20% of them were severely anemic, 44.44% were moderately anemic and 

35.55% were mildly anemic. The health of these females is very poor and none of the 

females are healthy. They are all anemic and this disaster will on go to their children. A 

sick mother will only give life to sick offspring only and sick women can not look at the 

house properly. 

PANEL- 31(B): EFFECT OF SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF 

WOMEN 



AGNIHOTRI, Vibha, Nari Siksha Niketan P. G. College, Lucknow, University of Lucknow, 

UP, INDIA, E-mail: 


BAJPAI, Vibha, Research scholar, Lucknow University, Lucknow, UP, India, E-mail: 

 

Demographic Factors Affecting the Reproductive Health of Women of Lucknow (UP) 

Present paper focuses on the conclusion of the data collected during the field work among 

urban and rural women of Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh. The study based on the main 

reproductive health measures like fertility, mortality, morbidity etc. Gynecological 

morbidity is much higher among the women of rural area. It is concluded that the women 

are suffering from several reproductive health problems. Lack of education and awareness 

to various policies are the real hindrance in improving their health status. Most of the 

women are anemic. For ill health main symptoms responsible are bad habits, unbalanced 

diet irregular eating habits. Early marriage, early child bearing and poor nutritional status 

also contribute to early menopause. 

AGARWAL, Pooja, Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, NSN P.G. College, Lucknow 

University, Lucknow, UP, India. E-mail: 

The Pattern of Reproductive Health among the Agarwal Women of Lucknow City 

Every one has the right to enjoy reproductive health, which is the basis for having healthy 

children, intimate relationships and happy families. Reproductive health means that 

individuals can manage their own sexuality. Reproductive health Is a critical of women , s 

general health. It is prerequisite for women ’ s social, economic and human development. 

According to WHOs definition of Health, “It is a state of complete physical, mental and 

social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health 

or sexual health.” Therefore, reproductive health is right of men and women to be 

informed and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of 

birth control of their choice. It foc author uses that every child is wanted, every birth is 

safe, every young person is free to HIV and every girl and women is treated with dignity 

and respect. The present paper explores the pattern of reproductive health of Agarwal 

womens which includes age at marriage, age of menarche, age of menopause and

eproductive history, i.e. number of abortions, still births, neonatal birth, death under 1 

year, mothers age at first conception and reproductive span of life etc 

SRIVASTVA, Aneeta, Nari shiksha Niketan P. G. College, Lucknow, University of Lucknow, 

UP, India. E-mail: 

Mundaris Reproductive Health (Munda tribe of Ranchi district in Jharkhand) 

Munda tribe is the third most populous tribe of Jharkhand having time immemorial 

traditional knowledge about health care practices derived through close observation of 

nature and socio-cultural diversity. Due to acculturation, change in economy, impact of 

market, constant intervention of state for system and such other factors there has been 

significant changes in their medical beliefs and practices in particular and in their world 

view as a whole.The methodology comprises of primary source data collected through 

interview schedule and quasi-participant observation as well as secondary sources of data. 

Mundaris critically evaluating the bio-medical approach of health and medicinal system 

discuss about the alternative path of health care by integrating the ethno medicinal 

therapeutic system embedded in their bio-cultural diversity with the existing health care 

system for an easily accessible, affordable, holistic, safe and equity health. 

PANEL- 32(A): PERSISTENCE AND CHANGE IN HUNTER-GATHERER INFANT, CHILDREN, 

AND ADOLESCENT SOCIAL LEANING, PLAY AND PARENTING 



HEWLETT, Barry S., Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, USA, E-mail: 

 


Hunter-gatherers are known for their egalitarianism and extensive sharing of food and 

childcare. How are these values transmitted and acquired What is the nature of social 

learning in hunter-gatherers What is the role of play in social learning What are the roles 

of parents versus others How are play, social learning or parenting similar or different 

from those in farming or pastoral groups How do national governments, missionaries and 

NGOs impact social learning, play and parenting What aspects of social learning, play and 

parenting persist or change with acculturation What can developed countries learn from 

hunter-gatherer social learning, play and parenting 


HEWLETT, Barry S., Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, 

Vancouver, WA USA 98686. E-mail: 

Teaching in Hunter-Gatherers 

Cultural anthropologists Mead, Lancy and Rogoff indicate that teaching does not exist or is 

rare in small-scale cultures. By contrast, cognitive scientists Gergely and Csibra 

hypothesize that one type of teaching, called natural pedagogy, is a human universal and 

that it emerges in infancy. They propose that it is part of human nature and distinguishes 

human and great ape social learning. All of their research has been conducted in 

laboratories with Western infants. Videotapes of 10 Aka forager 12-14 month-olds in 

naturalistic settings are analyzed to evaluate the Gergely and Csiba hypothesis. Results 

and a tentative taxonomy of teaching are presented.

HEWLETT, Bonnie L., 13204 NE Salomon Creek Ave Vancouver, WA USA 98686-9600, WA, 

USA, E-mail: 

Social Learning among Aka Adolescents of the Congo Basin 

This paper examines social learning among adolescents Aka forest foragers of the Central 

African Republic. The study was conducted with 20 Aka older children, adolescents, and 

young adults (i.e. ages 10-20. roughly divided between males and females). In-depth 

formal and informal interviews, limited behavioral observations were utilized to examine 

the modes (e.g., vertical versus horizontal/oblique) and processes (e.g., teaching versus 

observation and imitation) of cultural transmission. By looking to these hunting gathering 

populations, it is possible to gain an understanding of how social learning during 

adolescence unfolds in contexts that characterized most of human history. Life history 

theory suggests that hunter-gatherer adolescents should adapt and adjust to diverse 

ecological settings and conditions, and not follow a single pattern of development and 

social learning, as many human behavioral adaptations are facultative, they are also 

constrained by a deep phylogenetic history. An integrated evolutionary and developmental 

approach, which considers cultural influences on developmental outcomes and social 

learning, can provide insights for predicting developmental and behavioral responses 

within high risk environments and for analyzing past features of social learning and 

contemporary settings, thus providing a powerful tool for understanding our world’s 

adolescents. 

HELFRECHT, Courtney, Washington State University, 735 NW State St., Pullman, WA 

99163, USA, E-mail: 

Sociocultural and Cognitive Development among Aka Children 

Middle childhood is typically demarcated by the co-occurrence of rising sociocultural 

competency and cognitive shifts in reasoning ability. Among many small-scale societies, 

there is evidence that socio-cultural skills acquisition begins earlier. This paper examines 

middle childhood among the Aka tropical forest foragers of Central Africa, within the 

context of emic life history stages. As in the West, Aka evaluate child development using 

markers of physical, social, and cognitive changes, but mother’s reproductive status is also 

significant. To explore Aka middle childhood, I outline the emic categories of 

development, investigate the socio-cultural skills Aka children expect and are expected to 

acquire across childhood, and test the cognitive shift described as occurring at the onset 

of middle childhood using Piagetian tasks. Despite significant differences from Western 

models, many parallel factors of development emerge, suggesting the importance of 

examining variability in how cultural phases map onto biological stages across the lifespan. 

PANEL- 32(B): PERSISTENCE AND CHANGE IN HUNTER-GATHERER INFANT, CHILDREN, 

AND ADOLESCENT SOCIAL LEANING, PLAY AND PARENTING 



HEWLETT, Barry S., Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, USA, E-mail: 

 


PANDYA, Vishvajit, DA-IICT, Near Indroda Circle, Gandhinagar, Gujurat-382007, India, 

E-mail:

When Hunters Gather but Do Not Hunt: Play Among The Jarawas 

Children of the Jarawa society (South and Middle Andamans) played games that replicated 

animal movements that their parents hunted in the forest. Boys often replicated the 

hunting practices of adults by making replicas of the bow and arrow. As a consequence 

Jarawa children and youth grow up observing adults' activities and incorporating them into 

their play making children never isolated from adult activities. Jarawa adults view 

children as complete individuals, and assume that children will, of their own accord, begin 

contributing to the political economy of the band when they are ready to do so. This also 

implies that children learn on their own not just finite skills but through play learn to 

negotiate diverse situation in the changing world. Since 1999 the world of the Jarawas 

underwent a rapid transformation as the ’hostile and self imposed isolation’ of the Jarawa 

community was eroded and the young boys started hanging out at the major road passing 

through the reserve forest. This paper considers the changes from 2001 to present that the 

Jarawa children have undergone in the games they have created by living in a world where 

the traffic, tourists, and state authority played a more explicit role and have a visible 

power influence. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork the paper illustrates aspects of 

children's play: the different ways in which play facilitates power relations to be 

articulated, upheld, and challenged. In this sense play is revealed to be far from just 

‘hanging out at the road side’ but children grow up to conduct new political economic 

relations in a place where state, forest and outsiders collide. 

RUIZ-MALLEN, Isabel*, Carla Morsello** and Victoria Reyes-Garcia***, Universitat 

Autònoma de Barcelona , Department of Anthropology, ICTA, Campus UAB, 08193. 

E-mail: 

Children Use of Time and Traditional Ecological Learning in The Amazon. A Case Study 

In Two Brazilian Indigenous Societies. 

The way indigenous children use their time conditions the type of knowledge they learn 

because the cultural transmission of traditional ecological knowledge among children 

generally occurs during labor and play activities in which children participate outside 

formal schooling. In this article we document and analyze time budgets of children, 

adolescents, and adults from two Amazonian small-scale indigenous societies: the Kayapó 

and the Araweté. We describe patterns of time use and differences in children's time 

budgets among gender, age, and indigenous groups. Our results show that children spent 

half of their daylight time engaged in playing and subsistence work, but almost never went 

to school. Although children participated in labor, their contribution to household income 

was extremely low. In communities lacking effective formal education institutions and 

with low levels of integration into market economies, children mostly rely on traditional 

ecological knowledge as the only form of human capital. 

WILCOX, Jennifer, Washington State University, United States, Washington, E-mail: 

 

Knowledge and Beliefs about Disease, Illness, and Medicine: Perspectives from Aka 

Forager Children 

Aka forager children grow up in an environment where infectious and parasitic diseases 

are a major cause of death. While infant and child mortality is high among the Aka little is 

known about how children perceive the diseases and illnesses that impact their lives. I use 

free-list exercises, focus group and semi-structured interviews to better understand how 

Aka children between 4 and 17 years of age think and feel about disease, illness, and 

medicine. This study is cross sectional and integrates cultural models of disease and illness 

with cognition; it focuses on understanding children’s learning processes and conceptions 

of disease, illness and medicine throughout stages of cognitive development. In this paper 

I discuss what children say about the etiology of particular diseases and illnesses, why they

choose certain remedies over others, why they think these remedies are effective, and 

how this medical knowledge changes with age 

CRITTENDEN, Alyssa, Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 

S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-5003 

The Ontogeny of Pro-social Behavior: Foraging and Food Sharing among Hadza Hunter- 

Gatherer Children 

Human prosociality is one of the defining characteristics of our species, yet the 

developmental origins of altruistic behavior remain little understood. The evolution of 

widespread food sharing in humans helped shape cooperation, family formation, life 

history, language, and the development of economies of scale. While the behavioral and 

ecological correlates of food sharing among adults are widely studied, very little is known 

about what motivates children to share food. Here, in the first study to analyze food 

collection and distribution of hunter-gatherer children, a higher degree of genetic 

relatedness between sharing partners correlates with both a higher frequency of sharing 

and a greater amount of food shared. Among genetically unrelated sharing partners, 

reciprocity appears to motivate food sharing. These results support recent suggestions 

that prosocial behaviors and egalitarianism develop strongly in middle childhood when 

children acquire the normative rules of their society. 

PANEL-33(IAA-SP): GENDER AND CHILDHOOD: ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSIGHTS 



PATTNAIK, Soumendra M., Associate Professor, Department Of Anthropology, University 

of Delhi, Delhi, INDIA, E-mail: smp_du@yahoo.com 

Panel abstract 


PATNAIK, Soumendra Mohan, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, 

University 0f Delhi, Delhi, India, E-mail: smp_du@yahoo.com 

Childhood Experiences in the North East of India 

This paper examines the early childhood experiences of children from North Eastern states 

of India through their eyes and Narratives. It argues for paying attention to children as 

subjects in their own right. 

MEHROTRA, Nilika, Associate Professor, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Jawahar 

Lal Nehru University, New Delhi -110067, India. E-mail: 

Childhood with Disability: A Neglected Agenda 

This paper explores the reasons for invisbility of children with disabilities in 

anthropological literature. Through a discussion on case studies from different parts of 

North India, it underlines the issues and agendas in disability research with children. 

CHAUDHURY, Sukant K., Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Lucknow 

University, Lucknow, UP, India, E-mail:

Contemporary Childhood among Tribals in India: Some Issues 

Contemporary India is marked with the inevitable forces of globalisation and is fast 

changing in all aspects to coup up with the process. It is gradually bringing a kind of 

structural change in this vast and complex society. Children are an integrated part of the 

Indian population and the tribal children are no exception. Anthropology of childhood 

though a relatively recent phenomenon, has established itself to a considerable extent. 

Children have become the focus of many studies due to the fast changing world. Abram 

Kardiner said that childhood is a determing phase of constituting the basic personality 

structure, i.e. common experiences during childhood and adulthood constructs the 

primary institution and give rise to the constitution of basic personality structure. Hence 

the study of tribal childhood is imperative in order to know the tribal personality 

structure.Under this backdrop the present paper attempts to analyse how the changing 

childhood experience among tribals is also changing the personality structures of tribal. 

For the purpose of analysis I have taken the emprical account of Tharus of Uttarakhand 

and Kondhs of Orissa. Today childhood experiences among the above two tribes are 

gradually changing in light of modernization and globalisation. New forms of 

communication, education, employment, reservation in education and jobs consumption 

pattern, identity assertion, etc. are having a changing impact among them. 

REDDY, Sunita, Assistant Professor, Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health 

School of Social Sciences, JNU, E-mail: 

Social Vulnerabilities and Gendered Nature of Disasters: Experiences of Women and 

Children Post Tsunami in Andaman Nicobar Islands 

A liberated fictional character always invites greater attention than any other traditional 

fictional character. The progressive voice of a marginalized female character in a fiction 

attracts more audience and remains in the popular reading list for long time. Young minds 

are always there to support them. Imprint of such characters in the reader’s mind can play 

the role of a healer or a teacher or a guide. It may initiate a revolutionary step. The 

characters exploring issues like sexuality, reflecting upon the odd experiences in the 

process of socialization actually speak about the social reality. Sometimes it becomes 

more of a case study than a fictional account. This paper would reflect upon such fictional 

characters talking of social reality related to gender issues and the process of socialization 

from the narratives of Assamese literature. It would explore three different genera 

involved- the character itself, the creator and the readers or the audiences. 

SAIKIA, Prarthana, Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, 

Delhi, India, E-mail: 

Gender and Socialization: A Reflection on the Narratives from Assameese Literature 

A liberated fictional character always invites greater attention than any other traditional 

fictional character. The progressive voice of a marginalized female character in a fiction 

attracts more audience and remains in the popular reading list for long time. Young minds 

are always there to support them. Imprint of such characters in the reader’s mind can play 

the role of a healer or a teacher or a guide. It may initiate a revolutionary step. The 

characters exploring issues like sexuality, reflecting upon the odd experiences in the 

process of socialization actually speak about the social reality. Sometimes it becomes 

more of a case study than a fictional account. This paper would reflect upon such fictional 

characters talking of social reality related to gender issues and the process of socialization 

from the narratives of Assamese literature. It would explore three different genera 

involved- the character itself, the creator and the readers or the audiences.

TANDON, Chaitali, Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, 

Delhi, India, E-mail: 

Cartoons and Gender Stereotyping among Children 

It’s interesting to see how a biological being through the process of socialization develops 

into a social being. The very process of socialization starts as soon an infant is born in a 

family and his socialization process varies and depends on the ‘sex’ he/she belongs to. 

Being born as a ‘he’ and being born as a ‘she’ in a family has different implications in 

terms of expectations, roles, duties, which child needs to perform and fulfill as being part 

of the society which is different for a boy and a girl. Among different agencies of gender 

socialization and stereotyping, the role of visual media in creating gender awareness and 

gender stereotyping among children has been growing over the decades. It’s quite 

intriguing to see how visuals on televisions can affect and mould understanding of genderrelations 

in a child’s behavior and it is this understanding of gender that helps a child to 

understand gender-roles, expectations, and gender-relations in society. My research paper 

focuses on ‘Role of Cartoons in gender-stereotyping among children’ as on one such aspect 

of visuals children are fond to watch on television universally. My study will examine how 

cartoons on television help in gender-stereotyping among children. This work will show 

how children use portrayals of male cartoons and female cartoons to analyse, demarcate, 

and understand the behavior patterns , gender-relations in society they live in because 

children through cartoons understand physical and social attributes of males and females 

which results in gender-stereotyping. 

PANEL-34: DEPRIVATION OF EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN 



HERATH, Tikiri Nimal, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sri 

Jayawardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, E-mail: 

PAPER PRESENTER 

JAYASINGHE, N. M. A., Department of Economics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 

Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. 

Impact of Parental Education Level on Empowering Children 

PANEL-35: YOUTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND HOUSEHOLD RELATIONS 

(Panel Abstract) 



JAGGANATH, Gerelene, Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, University of Kwazulu Natal, 

South Africa, E-Mail: 

A significant momentum in the anthropological study of childhood has enriched the 

neglected area of understanding children’s engagement with their changing environments 

and transforming kinship structures. The anthropological study of youth is integral to the

household dynamics in any given society. Africa and other developing nations are no 

different and where youth experience substance abuse problems, their lives reflect the 

larger social climate experienced in society. Historically, youth have endured severe 

injustices fostered by war, colonialism, socio – economic crises and more recently, the 

challenges of globalization. As in other parts of the world, their experiences are further 

shaped by political and socio economic pluralities. Ghetto and township youth represent a 

socially marginalized group whose evolving identities indicate an increasing exposure to a 

youth oriented media where role models and life opportunities project negative 

stereotypes. In the context of post coloniality, the youth are also victims of past legacies 

of structural violence and familial substance abuse. Continuities with the past and 

contemporary stresses such as the availability and youth accessibility to mind altering 

drugs exacerbate their daily realities and compound the complexities of their existence. 

The first casualty in these abusive types of behaviour is the family/household. We propose 

a panel that will bring together ethnographic studies and narratives of children and 

adolescents in the following broad contexts: 

1. youth, the family/household and substance abuse 

2. youth, substance abuse and crime 

3. rehabilitation of youth substance abusers 

4. youth substance abusers and community engagement 


PADHI, Itishree, Associate professor, Anthropology, at present a Post Doctoral Fellow, 

ICSSR,(Indian Council of Social Science and Research) New Delhi, India, 

Child Abuse and Teenage Trauma: Dalit Girls in a Slum of Odisha 

Abuse of any form is always bad. If such abuse is sexual in nature, it is worse and if it is a small child 

particularly a girl child, it is the worst. It is shocking but true that abuse of children, whether male or 

female, has become a wide spread phenomenon in both developing and developed countries. The 

most pathetic situation is that such heinous and abhorrent cases o sexual assault and child abuse are 

increase. And in most cases such assaults are committed in home and that too by members of family 

or close relations. Keeping in view, the alarming increase in sex offence committed on children, 

especially on girl children the present paper tries to study the teenage or adolescent trauma of those 

girl children who have had painful experience of sexual abuse during childhood. Sexual abuse can 

take place in various forms and degrees entailing different consequences and impact. It may be brutal 

or subtle, can be physically violent and can also be without touching – through facial expressions and 

body language. The present paper will focus only those girl children who have painful experience of 

sexual abuse before attaining to puberty, now at their teens or adolescence. 

SINGH, Shanta Balgobind, Associate professor, Criminology, UKZN, South Africa, E-Mail: 

 

This paper explores the nature and extent of crimes committed by youth in South Africa and its 

correlation to drug usage. Media reports of children as young as 11 years old provoked this study. The 

paper takes a further cue from national incarceration statistics which reveals that there is a high level 

of incarcerated youth within South African Correctional facilities. Drug abuse has escalated rapidly in 

recent years, with the point of escalation traceable to the liberalization of most aspects of society in 

the years immediately surrounding the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Drug misuse is a 

major social, legal and public health challenge. Data for this paper was utilize from personally 

administered questionnaires and focus group discussion with incarcerated youth at the Westville 

Youth orrectional Facility, in Durban, South Africa. The research aimed to record the voices of the 

youth and ascertain whether drugs were consumed during the commission of their offences. Drug 

prevention, treatment, education programs and strategies which are important in reducing drug use

would stand to benefit immensely from this research by getting a insightful understanding into the 

research subjects, their drug-related offences, involvement in gangs, and other criminal activity 

JAGGANATH, Gerelene and Sam Pillay, Lecturer in Anthropology, UKZN, South Africa & 

Mr Sam Pillay, Director of ADF, South Africa, E-Mail: 

Drug, Youth and Crime: The South Africa Predicament 

This paper is part of an ongoing study of the youth in the township of Chatsworth in post apartheid 

South Africa. Fieldwork conducted over three different periods including 2007, 2010 and 2012 among 

predominantly Indian youth addicts, their caregivers and members of the Anti Drug Forum (ADF) and 

other community based organizations indicate a drug scourge that has debilitated youth, households 

and the general community. Three sections address the trajectories of the study of youth addicts and 

related household dynamics since 2007. The first section briefly highlights socio economic 

developments in post apartheid Chatsworth, the unease of being Indian within the larger national 

identity, the sugars trade and fieldwork conducted between 2007 and 2008. The second section 

elaborates the physical effects of sugars, the relationship between drugs and taxis, drugs and crime, 

the reconfiguration of township youth identity as well as domestic violence. The last section provides 

some insight into the gendered experience of sugars addiction and fieldwork conducted between 2010 

and 2012. The last section focuses on the most recent developments made in the treatment and 

rehabilitation of the youth as well as the education awareness programmes being instituted by the 

ADF. The ADF has faced many challenges in its efforts as a community based voluntary organization 

in addressing the problem of sugars problem on 3 levels: on a social level by identifying and targeting 

youth at risk for counseling; on a physiological level where addicts are medically treated with 

effective drugs in a joint initiative with medical doctors and staff; and through education awareness 

programmes such as the ADF smart clubs. 

SINGH, Anand, Professor of Anthropology, UKZN, South Africa. E-Mail: 

 

Rich Kid Poor Kid: A Comparative Analysis of the Rehabilitation in Two Types of 

Household Settings 

This paper is about an investigation into the consumption and effects of substance abuse among youth 

from two different class backgrounds vis. Upper middle class and working class. Both sets of children 

are school going, or are studying at tertiary institutions, have fallen victim to one or more types of 

drugs and have succumbed to parental and peer pressure to engage in rehabilitation programs. The 

situation in each of the groups demonstrate distinctly contrasting criteria that led to their introduction 

to the drugs, their consumption of it, the circumstances that led to their rehabilitation, their support 

networks and their post-corehabilitation settings. The approach for this research adopts the 

anthropological position of using the household as a unit of analysis, for the purposes of ascertaining 

how it contributes towards the adoption of these habits as a form of escapism, as well as how it assists 

in rehabilitating such victims. I begin from the hypothesis that the household is not always the root 

cause for substance abuse or wayward behavior. 

GOPAL, Nirmala, Lecturer in Criminology, UKZN, South Africa, E-Mail: 

Through a quantitative comparison and analysis of data, obtained from a Durban KwaZulu Natal 

treatment centre for individuals with alcohol and drug use problems, this paper provides and insightful 

understanding of clients seeking treatment at the centre using use and age, sex ad educational levels. 

A baseline analysis has shown males in the 20 to 35 year age category with standard 8 to standard 10 

education levels to be more prone to alcohol and drug abuse. Female students are also more prone to 

alcohol and drug use as opposed to other categories. The study also notes the positive significance

level, of both sexes, between alcohol and drug use and students/scholars. The study makes 

recommendations for focused intervention based on the data. 

PANEL-36: STUDIES ON DIFFERENT FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH 

IN MEXICO 



CUEVAS, JOSE RAÚL LUYANDO, Research Professor, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas Ote. y Paseo de la Reforma 

S/N, Campus Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico 


(Panel Abstract Missing) 


RODRÍGUEZ, Mtro. Jesús Sergio Sánchez, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 


S/N, Campus Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico, 

The Workforce Development of Young Workers in Mexico 

The main objective of this document is to show the workforce development in young 

workers from Mexico, specially based in the idea of Amartya Sen. The workforce 

development is evaluated through components which are integrated by the Social 

Competitiveness Index (ICS). This ICS shows the conditions that young teenagers faced in 

the labor market. The results of this research work visualize the working level and the 

ability to generate welfare society from job performance for this market segment. 

LAGUNAS, Mtro. Elías Alvarado, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Universidad 

Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas Ote. y Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Campus 

Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico 

Healthy Foods: the Perception of the Children and the Youth in Monterrey, Nuevo 

León 

This is a study about the characterization of consumption of healthy foods in Monterrey, 

N.L. The objective is to know the ordinary perception that the children and youth have 

about the security and risk that exist around their daily alimentation, with an emphasis in 

the consumption of the different types of meat. In the article is analyzed the importance 

of awareness among children and teenagers in the consumption of healthiest foods, 

describing the myths or beliefs about the convenience, or not, of the consumption of 

organic foods. 

PALENCIA, Mtro. Esteban Picazzo, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Universidad 

Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas Ote. y Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Campus 

Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico 

Health Inequality and Infant Development in Mexico and Nuevo Leon State during 

2000-2007

This paper analyzes the advance in equality and the development of health opportunities 

of infants in Mexico and Nuevo León state. We use the Gini and Concentration Coefficients 

applied to child health indicators in order to analyze the inequality in health development 

of infants. 

RODRÍGUEZ, Jeyle Ortiz, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Mexico 

Who Should Receive Money Transfers from Mexican Social Programs that Intent to 

Improve Children’s Welfare 

When purchasing goods and services, intra-household allocations analysis represents a 

relevant way to measure welfare distributions and gender biases. This helps to determine 

mothers or fathers’ income effect on children welfare, thus to design public policies that 

include money transfers with the best distribution channel. However, due to usually 

household surveys do not register expenditures for each member, but globally, this 

allocation is not observable directly. In this paper a methodology proposed by Deaton 

(1997) is adapted in order to separate household expenditure by member. The results will 

provide inputs to determine who should receive government transfers in order to 

maximize Mexican children’s welfare. 

PANEL-37: CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN CHILDHOOD: CULTURAL CHANGES AMONG 

CHILDREN IN WEST AND CENTRAL FRANCOPHONE AFRICA 



1. KAMEI, Nobutaka, Aichi Prefectural University, Japan, E-Mail: 

 

2. SHIMIZU, Takao, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan, E-Mail: 

 


This panel approaches multiple aspects of childhood in contemporary African contexts, 

focusing on cultural changes among and around children. Owing to the rapid spread of 

school education in Africa, certain aspects of children's traditional lifestyle are changing. 

These changes include not only "modernization by school education" but also a newly 

created culture by the children in and out of schools as well as recent economic and 

political impacts and children's strategies against adults, organizations and institutions. 

This panel will report cases in rural and urban contexts in the Francophone African 

countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Cameroon. Perspectives for studies on 

African childhoods, focusing on both "society of children" and "children in society," will be 

propounded for future collaborative research. 


IMANAKA, Ryosuke, Kyoto University, Japan, E-Mail: 

SHIMIZU, Takao, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, E-Mail: 

 

AMO, Kae, Centre d'Etudes Africaines, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, E- 

Mail:

KAMEI, Nobutaka, Aichi Prefectural University, E-Mail: 

PANEL-38: LIFE SKILLS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN GLOBALIZED WORLD 



CHANDRA, Vinod, Reader and HOD, Sociology Department, JNPG College, Lucknow, India, 

E-Mail: 


(Panel Abstract) 


POLIT, Karin, Institute of Ethnology, University of Heidelberg, Sandgasse 7, 69117 

Heidelberg, Germany 

Education in India: A Ritual of Capitalism 

In this paper I will take a critical look on the effects of education among young North 

Indian people. I will argue that it puts many people in distress. It seems that the children 

of the new lower and middle classes are increasingly suffering from intensifying 

competition for middleclass adulthood in the capitalist educational system and 

employment sector of India, particularly North India. While in many other countries of 

South Asia, access to education is still the greatest issue, in India, the problems have 

complicated as the educational system has developed into a hierarchical system with 

respect to quality which, in many cases is directly related to the financial abilities of the 

parents to effort an elite school. While many families are investing a lot of money into 

their children’s education, many young people feel they cannot live up to their own, their 

family’s, friend’s, neighbour’s expectations. So, in my attempt to grasp the problem 

theoretically I will suggest that educational related suicide among many young Indians 

today are rituals of resistance against the rather ritualized educational system, that is 

supposed to produce young middle class adults but in fact takes part in refusing entrance 

into middle class adulthood to too many people. While sociological, psychological, 

psychiatric or philosophical theoretical assumptions have their value, they do not seem to 

satisfactorily explain the epidemic of suicide or fatalistic thoughts about suicide among 

many middle class children and young adults. Instead, I am tempted to think that the 

epidemic is in fact related to the capitalization of the educational system, which 

reproduces middle class adulthood only for a certain percentage of the people. Many 

young students never make it through the system and end up never entering middle class 

adulthood. These thoughts draw heavily on the ideas of Mark Liechty, who in a recent 

conference we held in Heidelberg on Ritual and Youth in South Asia suggested that looking 

at the educational system of Nepal (and many other capitalist societies) as a life cycle 

ritual for complex societies may help us to understand the pressures it produces for young 

people. 

SUBASREE, R. Lecturer, School of Counselling, Rajiv Gandhi national Institute of Youth 

Development, Sriperumbudur, 

Emerging Challenges in Career Decision Making in the Globalized Era – Need for Life 

Skills among Youth

Youth in the present century are facing newer challenges to decide a right career path. 

Current social, political and technological developments across the globe pose greater 

challenges towards them and learning to be independent is just not enough, they are 

expected to be highly productive and competent within a specific social context as well as 

technologically renowned to fit into the global society. With regard to Career 

Development, it has gone through dramatic changes over the past five decades (AMWAC 

Report 2005). Selection of Career is now linked with multi-faceted factors which pave 

way to choose a right career for an individual. The integral dimensions like- global market 

trend, multicultural influences, geographic preferences, migration, ethnicity, labour 

market shifts, economic fluctuations, gender based preferences play an inevitable role in 

choosing the right career track. And youth are also in flux to decide based on the set of 

predictable factors Viz. lucrative or passionate, trendy or traditional, power or fame, 

desired or available, so in this Global village it becomes absolute necessary to prove 

sufficient skills to survive and sustain in the chosen field of career. Today’s world 

demands higher skills for every level of jobs. According to a review report by Mangrulkar 

et al, (2003), cognitively based competence-building model of primary prevention 

theorizes focus on teaching interpersonal- cognitive-problem solving (ICPS) skills to 

children at a young age which can reduce and prevent negative inhibited , impulsive 

behaviours. The Skill development programme in early years of schooling can be the most 

appropriate tool for youth to get shaped and enter into the desired promising career. In 

recent years there has been increased usage of life skills as an arena for developing skills 

in youth, with life skills being viewed as those personal characteristics and skills such as 

goal setting, emotional control, self-esteem, and hard work ethics that can be facilitated 

or developed in academics and potentially transferred for use in non- academic settings in 

early years of schooling itself. (Gould et. al. 2006).As life skills plays a vital role in 

competence building, it has to be initiated among school children at the earliest possible. 

The life skills approach also seeks to fill the gap in modern education and it creates an 

awareness of individual’s environment, of social dynamics and of the roles one plays and 

wants to play. It requires individuals to be empowered to manage their lives in meaningful 

and responsible ways by exercising control over their living and working conditions. In this 

connection it is highly imperative to be potentially proficient individual to compete in the 

global race. In light of these concerns, the researcher embarked on multipronged attempt 

on the issue of practical intelligences and competency building through life skills training. 

This current study discusses on the changes and challenges in Career Development within 

the context of Globalization. Further it explores the role of life skills training in early 

years of schooling to gain and sustain in the world of career. In this geneses the following 

objectives are framed for this present study 

• To explore the conceptual review on globalization and its impact on career 

decision making. 

• To identify the factors influencing career decision making based on the current 

changing trends in world of work. 

• To relate the importance of life skills in promoting and supporting the individuals 

to optimize their potentials. 

• To help the youth in choosing the right career path and make informed decisions. 

• To critically analysis the need for life skills training among youth to suit the 

emerging competence based world of work. 

The present study will be utilizing the qualitative approach by adopting conceptual and 

critical analysis of the career development in connection with globalized era and how life 

skills can build competence among youth to decide the right career. Content analysis of 

various models of competence in connection to suit the sustaining career development will 

be discussed in detail.

*MOHAR, Sonal, ** Vinod Chandra and ***A. K. Sharma, *Research Scientist, Center for 

Exact Humanities, IIIT-Hyderabad, **Reader and HOD, Sociology Department, JNPG 

College, Lucknow, ***Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur. 

Coping with a Chronic Disease: Life skills of Indian Youth to Face Health Challenges 

The paper examines the health challenges faced by youth who are infected with 

tuberculosis (TB) and the life skills helping them in facing health challenges. The study 

focuses on 104 respondents (53% male and 47% female, aged 18-40 years), registered with 

DOTS programme, at Sonam Nubro Medical Hospital, Leh, Ladakh during April 2008-July 

2009. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule. The findings revealed 

that 30.8% of the respondents blamed their condition to the past sins (bad karma) and 

propitiation of gods. 51% of the respondents believed that they got the disease because of 

living and travelling in harsh weather conditions, eating bad food, infection from tourists 

and migrants and also because of living in poor conditions. Some also harboured 

misconceptions such as drinking butter tea and eating uncooked noodles led to their 

disease. As far as testing for TB was concerned, 59.6 % of the respondents were initially 

reluctant to get themselves tested but after being advised by doctors, they underwent 

testing for TB. Since Ladakh has minimum medical facilities available, it was found that 

90.3% preferred to get themselves treated at the government hospital and 9.6% preferred 

going to the private hospital. There was also a small percentage that believed in the 

indigenous medical system ‘Amchi’. The study found that there were certain factors such 

as perceived stigma attached to TB, fear of ostracisation, fear of loss of image, lack of 

faith in treatment and long duration of treatment that affected their treatment seeking 

behaviour of the people. However, it was conjectured that coping with the disease 

becomes easy as Ladakhis are followers of Buddhism which propagates tolerance and 

compassion. Also, provision of better health facilities and spreading knowledge and 

awareness about them will help in combating the existing challenges that hinder coping. 

The local NGO volunteers seem to be actively involved in spreading the message across in 

their close-knit community. 

TIWARI, Aparna, Research Associate, Circle for Child and Youth Research Cooperation in 

India (CCYRCI), Lucknow. 

Life Skills Approach in Teaching Methods: A Case Study of Government Aided Primary 

School of Lucknow City 

Disinterest and less concentration in studies of children in Government run schools and 

colleges are very common in Uttar Pradesh. Evaluative studies of performance of school 

going children have informed that the main reason of drop-out rate in such schools is 

children’s loosing interest in their studies. The load of curriculum in schools and family 

circumstances of children of poor families are believed as major reasons for possible dropout. 

Life skills education is an approach through which children can be motivated for 

studies. An experiment was conducted in Arya kanya Pathshala- a government aided 

primary school of Lucknow City – by a group of researchers of the Circle for Child and 

Youth Research Cooperation in India (CCYRCI) in 2010-2012. The project was known as – 

“Rochak Shiksha -Ek Prayas”. In this project two classes were selected for an experiment. 

Teachers were given training to teach pupil with great caution. Life skills approach was 

followed for teaching methods. The present paper is discussing the methodology and the 

preliminary findings of this project. It is argued that if life skills are added with curriculum 

in an informal way, the problem of drop-out can be tackled to a greater extent. 

PANEL-39: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES OF YOUTH IN MEXICO 



ACHARYA, Arun Kumar, Research Professor, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 


S/N, Campus Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico, E-Mail: 

 


The social, economic and demographic transformation in Mexico induced by neoliberal 

globalization, it is important to explore, analyze and explain the situation past, present of 

young people and their development prospects in the XXI century. Within these 

perspectives, it is necessary to understand and analyze the current process of 

development of our youth, discussing their economic, political, cultural and social 

aspects. Thus, objectives of the session are: 

• Analyze and describe the effects of neoliberal globalization on youth in Mexico 

• Explain how neoliberal globalization has transformed the economic environment 

and affecting to youth in Mexico 

• Examine the changes in the political arena and effects has brought among youth in 

Mexico 

• Analyze the socio-cultural context in which youth grow in Mexico 

Taking into consideration, this session deal with four important papers and explain the 

current situation of youth in Mexico. 

PAPER PRESENTER 

CONDINA, Mtro. Manuel R. Barragan, Director and Research Professor, Instituto de 

Investigaciones Sociales, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas Ote. 

y Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Campus Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico. 

International Migration, Remittance and their Impact on Economic Development in 

Mexico 

The present paper analyze the current situation of international migration involves in the 

study the process of evolution and the causes of its growth in recent years and review the 

effects of population migration especially from Mexico to the U.S.A. The paper also 

considers the economic impact of remittances on individual family. It examines the 

significance of these flows of money in the economic development of Mexico, deriving 

conclusions relating to operating as subsequent research that will contribute to clarifying 

the way in which economic policy favors growth remittances support local, regional or 

national level. 

NINO, Jose Juan Cervantes, Research Professor, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 


S/N, Campus Mederos U.A.N.L. C.P. 64930, Monterrey, Mexico. 

Informal Economy and Youth in Mexico: Precarious Employment in the Future 

The global economic crisis and its impact on Mexico, specifically on the labor market have 

forced thousands of youth employed in the informal economy. This employment meets 

their basic needs first to survive, however, in the medium and long term involves these 

strata of population fall in a vicious circle, where these sector trap easily young people in 

precarious employment due to their simple accessible to work, performance, and without 

many requirement. Ultimately insecurity becomes an anchor that increases poverty and

exploitation, which many people left out of the benefits that should ensure the rule and 

therefore fail to contribute to development and progress of Mexico. 

CUEVAS, Jose Raúl Luyando, Research Professor, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 



The Wage Characteristics of Children and Youth in Mexico 

The paper analyzes the wage characteristics of children and young in Mexico, from the 

perspective of inequality in wage and employment opportunities. Besides, the paper is 

going to analyzing the laboral conditions of this type of workers. Work will be performed 

with four surveys: one in 1984 (before Mexico joined the GATT), 1994 (before Mexico 

joined NAFTA), 2000 (when they were running both conventions and treaties) and 2006 

(more than 20 years of trade liberalization). 

ACHARYA, Arun Kumar, Research Professor, Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, 



Single Motherhood, Migration and Women Trafficking in Mexico 

Single mother women from rural areas in Mexico are encouraged to migrate to urban areas 

to help their families and are then exposed to highly vulnerable situations of sexual 

exploitation. Every year 10,000 women trafficked internally in Mexico to meet the demand 

of sex market. This process results a greater health risk in particular to their sexual 

health, which explored in this research. Hundred ten trafficked women were interviewed 

in Mexico City and Monterrey. Trafficked women in Mexico were basically young women 

and single mother, little educated and unmarried. They were working as prostitutes in 

hotels and living with pimp. The suffered a wide range of physical and sexual violence. 

Unwanted pregnancy and forced abortion were common. All most all women had been 

infected by sexually transmitted diseases due to their sexual behavior and violence which 

they confront in their daily life. 

_________________

PANEL ORGAN - KIIT University

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?