Hope amidst hopelessness: life histories of illiterate Oraon women In Jharkhand, India.

Abstract

Hope Amidst Hopelessness: Life Histories of Illiterate Oraon Tribal Women in Jharkhand, India. This interpretive study asked the question: “What education and literacy insights can be gained from the studies of the life stories of illiterate Oraon women in Jharkhand, India?” Life history methodology was used to gain insights into the lived experiences of illiterate women. I hoped to provide meaning and give voice to the voiceless. Observations, in-depth and open-ended interviews were used for data collection. The six Oraon tribal women shared their life experiences in Sadri language with the researcher who was from the same group. Six themes were identified: First, our lives are heavy and painful because of daily hard work; second, we do everything to send our children to school hoping that their lives will be better than ours; third, why do our husbands who went to school live as if they have never been to school?; fourth, no one is there to listen to us; fifth, we look forward to cultural gatherings because they give us joy and satisfaction and sixth occasionally our hopes are raised by those in power but soon we are forgotten. The study emphasizes the role of women as major providers and loss of women’s work. The women felt shame because of illiteracy. The focus of the women’s lives was their children. Also the lack of support from spouses and feelings of isolation permeated their lives. Their lives were in flux due to change in household and loss of tribal identity. The one brighter spot was their joy in celebration. The study recommendations are for more in-depth study of Oraon women and in-depth study of the education system as related to the cultural identity of Oroans. The influence of patriarchy on women’s lives in the Oraon community. Adult education recommendations are for the implementation of culturally sensitive and comprehensive literacy campaign among Oraon women. The study of Oraon songs and dance can be used as a tool for literacy. Using a Frieran model of literacy is recommended for training adult educators from the Oraon community. Village involvement and supervision of community action programs is needed.