Women Beyond The Barriers: A Study On Social Taboos And Women Empowerment Among The Deories Of Assam

Abstract

  In contemporary society, researchers hold varying perspectives on the issues related to women's empowerment. Some researchers argue that tribal women are more empowered compared to non-tribal women, while some other researchers view empowerment as a broader issue encompassing all women. Diverse ethnic groups possess different cultures in Assam, which makes them unique to each other, wherein social taboos are deeply embedded to each culture. Similar to feminist theories, the gender division is not a natural phenomenon, it is seen as a social construct reinforcing patriarchal hierarchical structures and unequal social orders. Social taboos, gender dynamics, and empowerment are three interconnected subjects in societal existence, where social taboos significantly affect the empowerment process. The influence of social taboos on women’s empowerment varies depending on cultural norms, affecting tribal and non-tribal women differently. Despite these challenges, women from both segments of society are actively striving to overcome obstacles and address issues in their lives, demonstrating resilience and determination in their pursuit of empowerment. This paper aims to explore the impact of social taboos on women's empowerment among the Deori tribe, one of Assam's largest tribal communities and some other non-tribal women in Dhemaji district. The study draws on both primary field data and secondary sources for analysis.