CHAPTER IV THE SOCIAL IMPACT ON THE MEMBERS OF...

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CHAPTER IV

THE SOCIAL IMPACT ON THE MEMBERS OF SHGS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

One of the most essential features of development is the transformation of society,

which embraces the movement from traditional relations, social norms, and traditional

ways of health care, education and methods of production to more modern ones. All

societies present a blend of the traditional and the modern. However, change from old to

new is not an end in itself, but only a means to achieve the end. The changes associated

with development provide societies as well as the individuals more control and influence

over their own destiny. Development enriches the lives of individuals by widening

horizons of the choices and freedoms and at the same time by reducing their sense of

isolation. Hence, the development strategy must be aimed at facilitating the

transformation of society in identifying the potential catalysts and barriers to change.

The SHG programme is an attempt, which provides enough opportunities to

women to participate in the affairs of the family as well as in the society. When women

are inculcating with confidence and a sense of belonging to the group, it is found that they

show greater diligence than men.

The SHG programme provides adequate scope for the rural households, especially

women, to develop their self-confidence and social behavior through a series of training

programmes and group meetings organised by the NGOs and the banks.

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An assessment of the social impact of the SHGs on its members is attempted in

this chapter. Social issues like self-confidence, awareness of social evils, behavioural

changes, changes in literacy level, access to amenities and political participation are also

discussed in this chapter.

4.2 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SAMPLE

RESPONDENTS

The demographic characteristics of the sample respondents are presented in this

division.

4.2.1 AGE OF THE RESPONDENTS

There is no maximum age limit for becoming members in the SHGs. But the

minimum age limit is 18.

It has been observed that majority of the members are young persons. They want

to do some income generating activities to increase the income of their families. It has

also been found that old people are not generally intended to become members of SHGs,

since they cannot undertake any income generating activity and they are in care of their

sons, daughters and daughters in law.

Table 4.1 shows the distribution of the sample members according to their age.

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TABLE 4.1

Age-wise Classification of Sample Members

Sl.No. Age No. of Members Percentage to Total

1. Below 30 291 51.0

2. 30 – 40 132 23.2

3. Above 40 147 25.8

Total 570 100.0

Source: Primary Data

It could be seen from Table 4.1 that 291 (51 per cent) sample members are less

than 30 years of age, 132 (23.2 per cent) belong to the age group of 30 to 40 years and

147 (25.8 per cent) are in the age group of above 40 years. It is also evident from Table

4.2 that majority of the members are below the age of 30 years.

4.2.2. COMMUNITY WISE CLASSIFICATION OF THE SAMPLE MEMBERS

There is no contemplation for community in becoming the members of the SHGs.

Women belonging to any community can become members of the SHGs. They all work

together for their social and economic development. In a village where a particular

community is dominant, the SHG of that village may have more members from that

community. The social grouping of the members of the SHG is largely decided on the

basis of the domicile temperament of the people. The community wise classification of

sample members is depicted in Table 4.2.

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TABLE 4.2

Classification of Sample Members According to Their Community

Sl.No. Community No. of Members Percentage to Total

1. Scheduled Caste 274 48.1

2. Most Backward Class 56 9.8

3. Backward Class 218 38.2

4. Forward Caste 22 3.9

Total 570 100.0


It is seen from Table 4.2 that 48.1per cent of the sample members belong to the

scheduled castes, 38.2 per cent come under the category of backward class. 9.8 per cent

of the sample members belong to most backward community and only 3.9 per cent fall

under the category of forward community.

4.2.3 OCCUPATIONAL STATUS OF THE SAMPLE MEMBERS

Before the formation of the SHGs in the villages most of the women remained

housewives and their involvement in economic activities was insignificant. After the

formation of the SHGs in villages, women enrolled themselves as members and their

occupational status has been improved. The micro-credit through the SHGs enabled the

members to promote their income generating activities such as dairy farming, making

handicraft products, herbal products and the like. In turn, the standard of living of the

members had improved. Table 4.3 reveals the distribution of members according to their

occupational status.

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TABLE 4.3

Occupational Status of the Sample Members

Sl.No. Category No. of Members

Percentage to Total

1. Farmer 145 25.45

2. Labourer 205 35.96

3. Petty Shop owner 15 2.63

4. Artisans 100 17.54

5. Others (Beedi & Match

factory workers)

105 18.42

Total 570 100


It could be seen from Table 4.3 that about 36per cent of the members are labourers

and 25.45 per cent are farmers. Next comes artisans who are 17.54 per cent and in the

remaining 18.42per cent are find beedi and match factory workers.

4.2.4 LITERACY LEVEL OF THE RESPONDENTS

Education plays an important role in moulding an individual’s life and its main

aim is to provide better, richer, peaceful and purposeful life. It develops the capacities of

an individual member. Those who are well qualified can migrate to any place for better

jobs. But illiterate people find it difficult to move from the rural area. Hence they become

village artisans or agricultural labourers. Therefore, education plays a vital role in the

economic and social emancipation of the members of SHGs. The allocation of sample

members according to their literacy level is portrayed in Table 4.4.

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TABLE 4.4

Literacy Level of the Sample Members

Sl.No. Literacy Level No. of Members Percentage to Total

1. Illiterate 125 21.9

2. Can sign 261 45.8

3. Up to V Standard 92 16.1

4. Up to XII Standard 75 13.2

5. Graduate 17 3.0

Total 570 100.00


From Table 4.4, it could be deduced that 45.8 percent of the sample members can

sign whereas 21.9 percent of the sample members are illiterates. Among the remaining

members 16.1 per cent are educated up to V standard level, 13.2 per cent are educated up

to XII Standard level and Graduates form 3 per cent of the total.

4.2.5 MARITAL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENTS

A married woman has to depend on the income of her husband. She has no chance

to earn money, as she is not empowered to do so. Especially, when the family size is

expanding with children, she could not manage the family affairs with husband’s income.

If there occurs the sudden demise of husband her condition will be very pathetic. Hence,

after marriage, out of necessity they undertake some income generating activities to

enhance the income of the family.

The details of marital status of sample members are shown in Table 4.5.

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TABLE 4.5

Marital Status of the Sample Members

Sl.No. Marital Status No. of Households Percentage to Total

1. Married 512 89.8

2. Widow 58 10.2

Total 570 100.00


From Table 4.5 it is evident that 89.8 per cent of the members are married and

10.2 per cent of the members are widows. It is interesting to note that there is no

unmarried woman as member.

4.3 SELF-CONFIDENCE

Every member of SHGs can have the opportunity to intermingle with the other

members to get the relevant information with regard to their environment, behaviour of

the people in various activities and the part of the government in creating the social and

economic empowerment of women.

Self-confidence creates a drastic change in the attitude of people. If any body has

self-confidence he / she can achieve the economic betterment by doing various income

generating activities without minding the ridicules of the public.

She improves her capability in making intentional verdict and possesses full

confidence in her ability to take decisions. Self-worth, communication and interaction

strengthen the self-confidence of a member.

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4.3.1 SELF-WORTH OF THE RESPONDENTS

The very status of being a member of SHG has provided social status and self-

esteem, which are the hallmarks of women emancipation and empowerment. Members’

insight about themselves and other members is a decisive factor for developing their self-

worth. Self-worth means escalating a positive opinion of oneself. The positive opinion

of oneself is a positive motivation in an individual. Positive motivation alone helps the

member to empower her and other members. Self-worth enables a person to acquire

general confidence, confidence in facing financial crisis in the family, capability to help

neighbours and the confidence to take important decisions.

4.3.1.1 GENERAL CONFIDENCE OF THE RESPONDENTS

The membership in the SHGs and participation in the various activities of the

SHGs encourage confidence in the hearts of members to face any contingency in life.

This is termed as confidence. Table 4.6 shows the opinions of the sample members

regarding their general confidence.

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TABLE 4.6

Opinions of the Sample Members Regarding Self-worth Before and

After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Response Before Joining After Joining

1. Acquired Confidence 35

(6.1)

502

(88.1)

2. No Confidence 535

(93.9)

68

(11.9)

Total 570 570


Figures in brackets indicate percentage to total.

It is seen from Table 4.6 that out of the 570 members only 35 (6.1per cent)

members had self confidence before joining the SHGs but 502 (88.1per cent) members

had gained confidence after joining the SHGs. Thus association with the SHGs pervades

a large cross section of people with self-confidence.

4.3.1.2 CONFIDENCE OF THE RESPONDENTS TO FACE FINANCIAL CRISIS IN THE

FAMILY

Mostly the women depend on the male members for meeting their financial needs

and family expenditure. Any time they need finance, they have to expect the helping

hands of their husbands. If their husbands deny giving money for the needs, the women

have to face critical situations. But membership in the SHGs provides ample

opportunities for women to save borrow and invest money on some income generating

activities. They acquire courage and gain confidence to manage any financial crises. The

distribution of members based on their confidence to face financial crisis before and after

joining the SHGs is shown in Table 4.7.

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TABLE 4.7

Distribution of Members Based on their Confidence to Face Financial

Crisis Before and After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)


1. Confidence 46

(8.1)

546

(95.8 per cent)

2. No Confidence 524

(91.9)

24

(4.2)

Total 570 570



From Table 4.7 it could be inferred that 46 (8.1 per cent) sample members have

shown positive response to face financial crisis before joining SHGs whereas 546 (95.8

per cent) show a positive response after joining them. This shows that after joining the

SHGs, the confidence level of the members has increased remarkably.

4.3.1.3 HELPING TENDENCY OF THE RESPONDENTS

The members of the SHGs can associate themselves with the other members.

Because of this association, every member can mutually help the others. Through the

continuous association, a spirit of helping others is stamped in the minds of the members

of the SHGs. Therefore, they willingly help their neighbours.

Table 4.8 shows the distribution of sample members according to their response in

helping the neighbours before and after joining the SHGs.

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TABLE 4.8

Distribution of Members According to Response in Helping Neighbours

(No. of Members)


1. Help Neighbours 59

(10.4)

535

(93.9)

2. Do Not Help Neighbours 511

(89.6)

35

(6.1)

Total 570 570



Table 4.8 shows that 59 (10.4 per cent) members show the positive response

before joining the SHGs whereas 535 (93.9 per cent) members show their positive

response in helping neighbours after joining them. This shows that association with the

SHGs increases the helping tendency of the members.

4.3.1.4 DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE RESPONDENTS IN THE FAMILY

The members of the SHGs become partners of all income-generating activities of

the group as and when they joined. The partnership gives them training in taking

decisions jointly and severally. In the family, the male members never disregard the

women members while taking important decisions relating to the education of the

children, health-care, management of the family, construction of a house, purchase of

two-wheeler and any other home needs. Thus, the membership in the SHGs gave

importance to women while taking decisions in family life.

The distribution of members according to the response to important decisions

with regard to house construction and education of children taken by members themselves

before and after joining the SHGs is shown in Table 4.9.

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TABLE 4.9

Distribution of Members According to Response on Decisions on

Important Matters Taken by Themselves Before and After

Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Response Before joining After joining

1. Take Decision 24

(4.2)

524

(91.9)

2. Do Not to Take Decision 546

(95.8)

46

(8.1)

Total 570 570



It is seen from Table 4.9 that only 24 (4.2 per cent) members have shown positive

response towards taking decisions on important matters before joining the SHGs. But 524

members (91.9 per cent) have shown their positive response towards taking the decisions

on important matters after joining the SHGs.

4.3.1.5 TREATMENT OF THE RESPONDENTS IN THE FAMILY

Generally, women were denied to have a gentle treatment on par with male

members prior to the formation of the SHGs. They were taken for granted. But after

becoming the members of the SHGs, they could improve their economic and social status

and so they meet with better treatment in the family.

Table 4.10 shows the distribution of members according to their response to the

treatment they meet with in their families.

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TABLE 4.10

Distribution of Members According to Response about Treatment in

Their Family Before and After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Response Before joining After joining

1. Usual 66

(11.58)

55

(9.64)

2. More Respectful 504

(88.42))

515

(90.36)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.10 that there was improvement in the quality of the

treatment for the SHG members by their family members in their houses. While 504

(88.42 per cent) of them experienced a better treatment in terms of respect commanded

before joining as members in the SHGs, 515 (90.36 per cent) of them experienced similar

treatment after joining the SHGs

MC NEMAR TEST

In order to test whether there is any significant difference in self worth among the

sample members before and after joining the SHGs, the following null hypothesis was

framed.

“There is no significant difference in self worth among the sample members

before and after joining the SHGs”. To test the above hypothesis, the Mc Nemar Test was

applied. The results of the Test are depicted in Table 4.11.

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TABLE 4.11

Result of Mc Nemar Test for Self Worth

Sl.No. Measures of Self Worth Calculated

Value of X2

Level of

significance Result

1. Gaining Confidence 465.002 0.000 ***

2. Confidence to Face Financial

Crisis

498.002 0.000 ***

3. Helping Neighbours 474.002 0.000 ***

4. Decision on Important

Matters

498.002 0.000 ***

5. Treatment in the Family 477.002 0.000 ***

***Significant at 5 per cent level.

It is evident from Table 4.11 that the calculated values of the Chi-Square for self

worth are more than the table value (3.84) at 5 per cent level and hence the null

hypothesis is rejected. Hence it is concluded that there is significant difference in self-

worth among the sample members before and after joining the SHGs.

4.3.2 COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF THE RESPONDENTS

The periodical meetings conducted by the SHGs either monthly or fortnightly or

weekly, had induced the members to express their views, opinions and suggestions on

issues raised in the meeting. They become well informed on various matters coming up

for discussion. In due course, every member is capable of contributing something in the

discussions of the SHGs. Through the continuous process of expressing their views the

communication skill improves slowly and gradually.

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4.3.2.1 DEGREE OF COMMUNICATION OF RESPONDENTS

The members of the SHGs acquire some knowledge and skill while talking about

the issues discussed in the meeting. Participation of members in the meetings and

proceedings and the speech they deliver may vary from person to person. The

distribution of members according to the level of communication in the meeting is

depicted in Table 4.12.

TABLE 4.12

Distribution of Members According to Nature of Communication in the

Meeting Before and After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Nature of Communication Before Joining After Joining

1. Hesitates to Talk 501

(87.9)

56

(9.8)

2. Talks Only if Asked 46

(8.1)

252

(44.2)

3. Sometimes Talks 23

(4.0)

149

(26.1)

4. Freely Talks NIL 113

(19.8)

Total 570 570



It is seen from Table 4.12 that most of the members 501 (87.9 per cent) were

hesitant to talk before joining the SHG, but after joining only 56 (9.8 per cent) were

hesitant to talk. Some 46 (8.1per cent) talked only if they were asked before joining the

SHGs but 252 (44.2 per cent) expressed that they could talk to others after joining the

SHGs. And 149 (26.1 per cent) talked some times and 113 (19.8 per cent) members freely

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talked after joining the SHGs. Thus there is a significant shift in the level of

communication, which might be due to the association with the SHGs.

4.3.2.2 NUMBER OF OFFICIALS MET BY THE RESPONDENTS

Regular participation in the meetings gives confidence to talk about their

problems to government officials, bank officials, and office-bearers of NGOs. The

responses of sample members related to the number of officials met before and after

joining the SHG are shown in Table 4.13.

TABLE 4.13

Distribution of Members According to Number of Officials Met by

Members Before and After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Meeting of Officials Before Joining After Joining

1. None 465

(81.6)

59

(10.4)

2. Up to 2 Officials

35

(6.1)

194

(34.0)

3. 2 to 4 Officials 35

(6.1)

125

(21.9)

4. Above 4 Officials 35

(6.1)

192

(33.7)

Total 570 570



From Table 4.13 it could be seen that 465 (81.6 per cent) members did not have

any opportunity to meet officials before joining the SHGs. However, after becoming

members in the SHGs, about 194 (34 per cent) members could meet more than one

official and about 192 (33.7 per cent) members could meet more than 4 officials and 125

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(21.9 per cent) members could meet 2 to 4 officials during the reference period. This

indicates that association with the SHGs improves the self-confidence of the members by

providing opportunities to meet the officials of different organisations.

In order to test whether there is any significant difference in the level of

communication among the members and the number of officials met before and after

joining the SHGs, the Sign Test was used. For that purpose, the following null hypothesis

was framed.

“There is no significant difference in the level of communication between the

members and the number of officials met by the members before and after joining the

SHGs”.

The results of the Sign Test for the level of communication and the number of

officials met are depicted in Table 4.14.

TABLE 4.14

Results of Sign Test for Communication Skill

Sl.No. Particulars Z Value Level of

significance Result

1. Level of communication 17.854 .000 ***

2. Number of officials met 20.308 .000 ***

*** Significant at 5per cent level.

It is observed from Table 4.14 that the calculated values of Z for different types of

communication and the number of officials met are more than the Table value (1.96) at

the 5 per cent level and hence the null hypothesis is rejected. It is concluded that there is

a significant difference in the level of communication between the members and the

number of officials met by the members before and after joining the SHGs”.

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4.4. AWARENESS OF SOCIAL EVILS

The membership in the SHGs helps to inspire a better way of life among the

members. Frequent meetings and association with the government officials and the

officials of NGOs create social awareness among the members. Members of the SHGs

are imparted education on the social evils such as harassment of wife by husband,

gambling and drinking, child labour, child marriage, female infanticide and dowry. These

social evils not only obstruct the development of the members but also hinder the

progress of the society at large. The awareness of the members towards the social evils is

given below.

4.4.1 HARASSMENT OF WOMEN

In Indian society women are given a noteworthy place in the relationships of the

house. The woman’s role as mother in giving birth to good citizens has been recognised

by all spiritual texts. Any harassment of woman undermined her importance. Such

harassment is against the Indian Constitution, which protects human rights and guarantees

a dignified living. Harassment of women takes away the rights of women protected in the

Indian Constitution. Hence not only organisations but also individuals protest against

harassment of women.

In the study, the harassment of women includes teasing of women by their

husbands. When a husband is harassing his wife, she protests in all possible ways.

Table 4.15 reveals the distribution of members protesting against harassment of

wife by the husband before and after joining the SHGs.

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TABLE 4.15

Protest against Husbands’ Harassment Before and After

Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Category Before Joining After Joining

1. Protesting 35

(6.9)

453

(88.47)

2. Not protesting 477

(93.1)

59

(11.52)

Total 512 512



It could be seen from Table 4.15 that 453 (88.47 per cent) members protested

against the harassment of husbands after joining the SHGs whereas only 59 (11.52 per

cent) of the members did not protest against the harassment. Further, out of the 570

sample members, 58 sample members told that they did not have such problems.

4.4.2 ALCOHOLISM AND GAMBLING

Alcoholism is also a disturbing and often recurring social evil that exists in the

society. The women SHG members have shown a remarkable degree of appreciation of

the ills that arise out of alcoholism in the society and they often work as a group to try

and eradicate alcoholism in their areas. Drinking alcohol in public places and gambling of

different types demoralize the society. Being women, the members have to protest

against such evils so as to make their children as responsible citizens. The SHGs create

awareness of such social evils.

The distribution of the members protesting against gambling and drinking before

and after joining the SHGs is shown in Table 4.16.

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TABLE 4.16

Protest against Drinking Alcohol and Gambling Before and After

Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)


1. Protesting 69

(12.1)

488

(85.6)


(87.9)

82

(14.4)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.16 that out of the 570 members 488 (85.6 per cent)

members registered strong protest against gambling and drinking after joining the SHGs

whereas only 82 (14.4 per cent) did not raise any protest.

4.4.3 CHILD LABOUR

During the course of the field study, the issue of child labour and its existence was

examined. There was a significant level of awareness of the problems of child labour and

its ramifications among the women. The women SHG members indicated that they are

campaigning against child labour and sensitizing people on this issue. Since child labour

makes the children illiterate and affects their healthy growth, it has been energized among

the people to abolish child labour. Any person practicing and promulgating child labour

is punishable under the Indian Criminal Procedure Code. Hence every member of the

SHGs is taught about the social evil of child labour.

Table 4.17 shows the distribution of the members protesting against child labour

before and after joining the SHGs.

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TABLE 4.17

Protest against Child Labour Before and After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)


1. Protesting 90

(15.8)

479

(84)


(84.2)

91

(16)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.17 that out of the 570 sample members, only 90

(15.8 per cent) members protested against the child labour while 480 (84.2 per cent) did

not raise any form of protest before joining the SHGs. But, 479 (84 per cent) members

protested against the child labour whereas only 91 (16 per cent) members did not protest

after joining the SHGs.

4.4.4 FEMALE INFANTICIDE

The SHG movement has created awareness about the importance of women in the

family as well as in the society and their role in eradicating the obnoxious and inhumane

practice of female infanticide is remarkable. Generally people feel that nurturing a female

child is difficult and expensive. Due to the evil of dowry at the time of marriage, parents

do not want to share their property equally among male and female children. Because of

social customs and conventions, the female child is considered a liability. More female

children mean more liability. But in the case of boys the family does not have any

commitments at the time of marriage. Parents, their relatives and the society look down

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on female children. Consequently many illiterate parents resort to killing their female

children immediately after their births. As a precaution they scan the pregnant woman

and abort the pregnancy at a very early stage. But the Government and the NGOs

protest against infanticide and they take all possible steps to prevent this menace.

The distribution of the members protesting against the female infanticide before

and after the SHGs is shown in Table 4.18.

TABLE 4.18

Protest against Female Infanticide Before and After Joining the SHGs

(No. of Members)


1. Protesting 90

(15.8)

465

(81.6)


(84.2)

105

(18.4)

Total 570 570



Table 4.18 shows that only 90 (15.8 per cent) members protested against female

infanticide before joining the SHGs whereas 465 (81.6 per cent) stated doing it, indicating

an increase of 65.8 per cent after joining as members in the SHGs. This shows the

positive impact on the members in resisting the social evils.

4.4.5 DOWRY

The dowry system is a social evil prevalent in the Indian society. The bridegroom

(male) demands dowry from the bride (female). At the time of engagement the amount of

dowry is fixed and it is payable in cash and kind either before or at the time of marriage.

If there is any dispute regarding the amount of dowry and the quality of things given,

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there will be litigation, separation of husband and wife, death of bride and harassment of

bride and her parents. This is a great evil faced by innocent parents and couples. The

Government and the NGOs have conducted many activities creating resistance to the

dowry system.

Table 4.19 shows the distribution of the members according to their protest

against demanding of dowry before and after joining the SHGs.

TABLE 4.19

Distribution of Members Protesting against Demand for Dowry

(No. of Members)


1. Protesting 68

(11.9)

487

(85.4)


(88.1)

83

(14.6)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.19 that 487 (85.4 per cent) members protested

against dowry after becoming members as against 68 (11.9 per cent) before becoming

members. But the members not protesting against the demand for dowry are 502 (88.1per

cent) before becoming members as against 83 (14.67 per cent) after becoming members.

MC NEMAR TEST FOR REACTION TO SOCIAL EVILS

To test whether there is any significant difference in the reaction to social evils

among the sample members before and after becoming members the following null

hypothesis was framed.

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“There is no significant difference in the reaction to social evils among the

members before and after joining the SHGs”.

The McNemar Test was used to test the above hypothesis. The results are shown

in Table 4.20.

TABLE 4.20

Results of Mc Nemar Test for Reactions to Social Evils Before and After

Joining the SHGs

Sl.No. Protesting Chi-square

Value

Level of

significance Result

1. Harassment of Husband 474.002 0.000 ***

2. Gambling and Drinking 417.002 0.000 ***

3. Child Labour 387.003 0.000 ***

4. Female Infanticide 373.003 0.000 ***

5. Demanding Dowry 417.002 0.000 ***

*** Significant at 5 per cent level.

It could be observed from Table 4.20 that the calculated values of the Chi-Square

for all kinds of social evils before and after joining the SHGs are higher than the table

value (3.84). Therefore the null hypothesis is rejected. There is significant difference in

reaction to the social evils among the sample members before and after joining the SHGs.

4.5 SOCIAL CHANGES

India today is moving to a position of considering people as strategic resources.

Panchayats are units of local government, which have been empowered to intervene in

areas like health, nutrition, sanitation and safe drinking water supply. The SHG members

play a facilitative role to bring Panchayats in the domain of womanhood, emancipation

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and empowerment. They gain experience after joining the SHGs in a broad spectrum of

development activities.

In order to assess the social changes in the behaviour of the sample respondents

due to association with the SHGs, a set of different situations like verbal abuse, physical

violence, neglect, psychological and emotional abuse are identified and the reactions of

the sample respondents to such situations were obtained during the survey.

4.5.1 VERBAL ABUSE

While conversing there might be disagreement among human beings. There may

be exchange of good or filthy words, which may bring about a positive or negative

impact. The receiver likes the words that create a positive influence. If the words create

a negative influence it will wound the feelings of the receiver. Such words are considered

words of abuse to which the receiver of the words may or may not react. If the receiver

reacts it will lead to conflict and quarrel. If the receiver is passive and does not react

there is scope for continuous use of such rude words. If there is any resistance there will

be an end to using such insulting words. The membership in the SHGs gives the guts to

the members to resist and complain to group members or relatives.

The allocation of members according to the reaction to the verbal abuse before

and after joining the SHGs is shown in Table 4.21.

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TABLE 4.21

Members’ Reaction to Verbal Abuse

(No. of Members)

Sl.No. Reaction Before Joining After Joining

1. Remain Passive 434

(76.1)

12

(2.1)

2. Resist 136

(23.9)

34

(6.0)

3. Lodge Complaint to the Groups 0

(0)

384

(67.4)

4. Complain to Relatives 0

(0)

0

(0)

5. Warn the Culprits 0

(0)

140

(24.6)

Total 570 570



Table 4.21 shows that 434 (76.1per cent), members reported that they had no

options except to remain passive and 136 (23.9per cent) said that they would resist verbal

abuses before joining the SHGs. However 12 (2.1per cent) members said that they would

remain passive after becoming members of the SHGs. Since the SHGs extended their

support during such adverse situations, about 384 (67.4per cent) members preferred to

lodge their complaints with the groups and 140 (24.6 per cent) members warned the

culprits.

4.5.2 PHYSICAL VIOLENCE

In everyday life, people have social interaction which is a common incidence.

Oral and written communication and use of body language facilitate the interaction. The

149

communication among persons about various issues of day-to-day life creates

understanding and misunderstanding among people.

If the communication leads to misunderstanding among people there will be

dispute between the giver and the receiver of the communication. Such a dispute could be

settled by use of words. The sudden outbursts of one of the parties in communication

makes the party emotional and it leads to physical violence.

The distribution of the members according to that reaction to the physical violence

before and after joining the SHGs is depicted in Table 4.22.

TABLE 4.22

Distribution of Members Based on Their Reaction to Physical Violence

(No. of Members)



(10.65)

14

(2.71)

2. Resist 461

(89.34)

15

(2.90)

3. Lodge Complaint to Groups 0

(0)

154

(29.84)


(0)

60

(11.62)


(0)

273

(52.90)

Total 516 516



It could be seen from Table 4.22, 55 (10.65per cent) and 461 (89.34 per cent)

members said that they would remain passive and resist respectively during physical

violence before joining the SHGs. However, after association with the SHGs, 273 (52.90

per cent) members were able to warn the culprits. And 154 (29.84per cent) of them

preferred to lodge complaints to the groups and only 15 (2.90 per cent) members said that

150

they would resist and 14 (2.71per cent) members remain passive. This indicates that the

association with the SHGs improves the positive reaction during encountering problems.

It is noted that out of the 570 sample members, 54 of them do not have any physical

violence.

4.5.3 NEGLECTING

Man as a social animal cherishes the desires to converse with different cross

sections of people. The conversation may be between two individuals or more than two

individuals. When there is a dialogue in a group, one member of the group may be

unnoticed and his or her presence is taken cognizance of. He feels that he is neglected

and insulted. For such insult some persons react and some may not react. When there is

a reaction that the other members express their regret and if the reaction is not expressed,

this type of ignorance will continue as a regular habit and behaviour.

Table 4.23 shows the distribution of members according to reports of neglect


TABLE 4.23

Responses of Members for Ignoring and Insulting (No. of Members)



(57.5)

0

(0)

2. Resist 242

(42.5)

0

(0)


(0)

383

(67.2)


(0)

99

(17.4)


(0)

88

(15.4)

Total 570 570



151

From Table 4.23 it is clear that 328 (57.5 per cent) members expressed their

opinion that they had no option except to remain passive when they were ignored before

joining the SHGs. But after joining the SHGs 383 (67.2 per cent) members lodged

complaints with the SHGs. and 88 (15.4 per cent) members were able to warn the culprits.

This indicates that there is a shift in the pattern of their resistance to adverse situations.

4.5.4 PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTACK

In routine social life, people exchange words and do various activities in different

manners. Some words and manners create a deep impact on the minds of the receiver of

the words. If the impact is very deep, and if it influences the mind it is called

psychological impact. If the psychological impact so created brings an adverse reaction

there is scope for psychological attack in the minds of the receivers. For such

psychological attack the receiver has to overcome the situation either through giving

warning, complaining to relatives or groups or resisting or remaining passive.

The distribution of members according to the psychological reaction to emotional

abuse before and after joining the SHGs is shown in Table 4.24.

152

TABLE 4.24

Members Reaction to Psychological Attack

(No. of Members)



(90.4)

0

(0)

2. Resist 55

(9.6)

0

(0)


(0)

225

(39.5)


(0)

22

(3.9)


(0)

323

(56.7)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.24 that 515 (90.4 per cent) members expressed their

desire to remain passive and 55 (9.6 per cent) members were resist in psychological

attack before becoming members. After joining the SHGs 323(56.7 per cent) members

were able to warn the culprits and 225 (39.5 per cent) members prefer to lodge complaints

to the SHGs. This shows that the association with SHGs improves the behaviour of the

members positively.

In order to test the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in

behavioural changes of the members in problematical situations before and after joining

the SHGs, the sign test was used.

Table 4.25 shows the results of the sign test on the reactions of members to

behavioural changes before and after joining the SHGs.

153

TABLE 4.25

Result of Sign Test on Reaction of Members to Behavioural Changes

Before and After Becoming Members in the SHGs

Sl.No. Problematic situation Z Value Level of

significance Result

1. Verbal Abuse 22.847 0.000 ***

2. Physical Violence 22.564 0.000 ***

3. Ignoring & Insulting 23.833 0.000 ***

4. Psychological Attack 23.833 0.000 ***

*** Significant at 5 per cent level.

It is evident from Table 4.25 that the calculated values of Z for all types of abuses

are more than the table value (1.96). Hence the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence it can

be concluded that there is significant difference in the reactions of the members to

behavioural changes before and after joining the SHGs.

4.6 CHANGES IN LITERACY LEVEL

An individual can gain knowledge either through formal courses conducted by the

educational institutions or through experience of the individual or that of others. The

members of the SHGs are poverty stricken and illiterates. With a view to enable the

members to sign, every illiterate member is taught to sign gradually. Later on they are

taught the alphabet in the mother tongue. With the help of this, the members start reading

newspapers slowly. Hence membership in the SHGs facilitates the improvement of

literacy level.

Table 4.26 shows the distribution of members according to the level of literacy


154

TABLE 4.26

Distribution of Members Based on Literacy Level (No. of Members)

Sl.No. Qualification Before Joining After Joining

1. Illiterate 392

(68.77)

0

(0)

2. Able to Sign 135

(23.68)

527

(92.45)

3. Upto Vth Standard 28

(4.91)

28

(4.91)

4. Upto XII th Standard 15

(2.63)

15

(2.63)

5. Graduate 0

(0)

0

(0)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.26, there is no improvement in educational

qualification after joining the SHGs. But 527 (92.45 per cent) members said that they

could sign after joining whereas 135 (23.68 per cent) members said that they could sign

before joining the SHGs. Further, 28 (4.91 per cent) said they could complete fifth

standard and 15 (2.63per cent) completed their twelfth standard before joining the SHGs.

In order to test the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the

literacy level of the members before and after joining the SHGs, the sign test was used.

The result of the sign test is as follows:

Calculated value of Z = 23.833

It is observed that the calculated value of Z for educational qualification among

the members before and joining the SHGs is 23.833 and the value in the Table was 1.96

at the 5per cent level and hence the null hypothesis is rejected. It could be concluded that

there is significant difference in literacy level of members before and after joining the

SHGs.

155

4.7 AVAILING AMENITIES

In support of better social living amenities like health care, sanitation, drinking

water, education, market and facilities of transport, and dispensary for livestock are quite

obligatory. Sometimes these facilities are available but not useful to the people. The

extent of utilisation of these facilities was shamefully poor before the formation of the

SHGs. The SHGs create awareness among the members to avail themselves of all the

infrastructural facilities available in the urban and rural areas to the fullest level possible.

A detailed discussion of each type of amenity available to the members of the SHGs is

presented below.

4.7.1 HEALTH CARE FACILITY

Different types of health-care facilities such as homeopathy, allopathic, unnani,

siddha, ayurvedic and herbal medicines are available to both the urban and the rural

people. Private and the government sectors provide these medical facilities. The

membership in the SHGs creates awareness among the members to avail themselves of

the different types of medical facilities provided by different agencies to lead a way to

happy life. There are some members who are shy of going to medical practitioners for

treatment and they resort to self-medication.

Table 4.27 shows the distribution of members based on the extent of availing

themselves of medical facility before and after joining the SHGs.

156

TABLE 4.27

Availing of Medical Facilities by the Sample Members

(No. of Members)


1. Availing 79

(13.9)

481

(84.4)

2. Not Availing 491

(86.1)

89

(15.6)

Total 570 570



It could be observed from Table 4.27 that 79 (13.9 per cent) members availed

themselves of medical facility before joining the SHGs whereas the number of members

increased to 481 (84.4 per cent) after joining the SHGs.

4.7.2 SANITATION

Sanitation inside the house, in the locality of the village and in the urban area is

indispensable for healthy living of people. Poor sanitation results in the spreading of

different types of diseases among the people. Therefore the individuals and local

government authorities like corporations, municipalities and panchayats pay special

attention to the provision of sanitary facilities to the people. The banks grant loan to the

people for construction of toilets. The improvement in sanitation by availing of the

existing facilities and creation of new facilities is due to the awareness created by the

SHGs among the members.

The distribution of members with sanitary facilities in their houses before and

after joining the SHGs is depicted in Table 4.28.

157

TABLE 4.28

Members having Sanitary Facility within Their Houses

(No. of Members)


1. Having 0

(0)

482

(84.6)

2. Not having 570

(100)

88

(15.4)

Total 570 570



It is evident from Table 4.28 that 482 (84.6 per cent) members reported having

sanitary facility within their houses after joining the SHGs. But the members with

sanitary facility in their houses before becoming members in the SHGs are nil.

Table 4.29 discloses the distribution of members with sanitary facilities within

their residential localities before becoming members in the SHGs and after becoming

members in the SHGs.

TABLE 4.29

Sample Members Having Sanitary Facility in the Residential Locality

(No. of Members)


1. Having Facility 103

(18.1)

458

(80.4)

2. Not Having Facility 467

(81.9)

112

(19.6)

Total 570 570



158

It could be understood from Table 4.29 that sanitary facilities within the locality

improved after their joining the SHGs. About 458 (80.4 per cent) members said that they

had sanitary facilities within the locality after joining the SHGs whereas only 103

(18.1per cent) members reported the same opinion before joining the SHGs.

4.7.3 WATER SUPPLY

It is the foremost duty of the government to make available good drinking water to

its citizens. Keeping this in view, the government, corporations, municipalities and

panchayats provide drinking water facility in public places and also to residence of

individuals. The water tax is also collected from the individual users. During deficiency

situation, special efforts are made to provide drinking water in the rural and in the urban

areas. The membership in the SHGs creates awareness among the members to get

drinking water facilities to their houses by using of facilities available in the residential

localities. If the water facilities are not available from government sources, they

themselves take the initiative for digging bore-wells to augment their water resources.

Table 4.30 discloses the distribution of members according to responses on water

supply within the house before and after joining the SHG.

159

TABLE 4.30

Members Having Water Supply within Their Houses

(No. of Members)


1. Having Water Supply 0

(0)

547

(96.0)

2. Not Having Water Supply 570

(100)

23

(4.0)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.30 that about 547 (96 per cent) members reported

that they had water supply within their houses after joining the SHGs whereas none of the

members expressed their opinion that they had such facility before becoming members of

SHGs.

The distribution of sample respondents having water supply within their

residential locality before and after joining the SHGs is depicted in Table 4.31.

TABLE 4.31

Members Having Water Supply within Their Residential locality

(No. of Members)


1. Having Water Supply 296

(51.9)

570

(100)

2. Not Having Water Supply 274

(48.1)

0

(0)

Total 570 570



160

It is evident from Table 4.31 that the position of water supply within the

residential localities improved after joining the SHGs. Five hundred and seventy (100 per

cent) members said that they had water facility within their residential locality after

joining the SHGs. Whereas only 296 (51.9 per cent) members had water facility before

joining the SHGs. It indicates that the SHG members could negotiate better to get water

supply after joining the SHGs.

4.7.4 CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Education is a device for social transformation. Only through education people

could develop their individual and social life. Keeping this in mind, the SHGs educate

the members to send their children to schools. Through rigorous efforts the members of

the SHGs are made to realise the benefits of sending their children to schools and

colleges.

Table 4.32 discloses the number of members sending their children to schools and

colleges before and after joining the SHGs.

TABLE 4.32

Responses of Members Regarding Sending of Children to Schools and

Colleges

(No. of Members)


1. Sending to Educational Institutions 187

(32.8)

570

(100)

2. Not Sending to Educational

Institutions

383

(67.2)

0

(0)

Total 570 570



161

It is evident from Table 4.32, that all the 570 (100 per cent) members are

educating their children after joining the SHGs.

4.7.5 MARKET FACILITIES

The accessibility of market in the locality would enable the people to buy fresh

commodities at competitive prices. In the absence of market facilities, the members have

to buy the necessaries in the few shops in the locality that charge overprice for the

commodities.

Table 4.33 highlights the opinions of the members regarding market facilities


TABLE 4.33

Opinion of Members Regarding Market Facility

(No. of Members)


1. Adequate 99

(17.4)

570

(100)

2. Inadequate 471

(82.6)

0

(0)

Total 570 570

Table 4.33 shows that about 570 (100 per cent) members expressed the opinion

that they had adequate market facilities only after joining the SHGs whereas 99 (17.4 per

cent) members alone expressed the same opinion before joining the SHGs.

162

4.7.6 TRANSPORT FACILITIES

In Tamil Nadu the urban and rural areas are well connected by the network of

road transports. If there is no bus facility in the particular locality, the members of the

SHGs after becoming members could approach the appropriate authorities to provide

transport facility.

Table 4.34 discloses the distribution of members with adequate transport facility

to go to markets and nearby towns before and after joining the SHGs.

TABLE 4.34

Availability of Adequate Transport Facilities

(No. of Members)


1. Having Adequate Facility 110

(19.3)

500

(87.71)

2. Not Having Adequate Facility 460

(80.7)

70

(12.28)

Total 570 570



It could be observed from Table 4.34 that 110 (19.3 per cent) members expressed

positive opinions on the adequacy of transport facilities before joining the SHGs while

500 (87.71per cent) members expressed the same opinion after joining the SHGs. This

shows that SHG members could negotiate for better transport facilities after joining the

SHGs.

163

4.7.7 AVAILING VETERINARY FACILITIES

The primary occupation of the members of the SHGs is agriculture and they

undertake various allied agricultural activities such as dairy, poultry, sericulture and the

like. Before joining of the SHGs, they had never taken their animals and birds for

treatment to the veterinary doctors working in the locality due to lack of awareness. But

in the SHG, awareness has been created among the members for availing themselves of

the various facilities like insemination by pedigree bulls and medical treatment.

The distribution of the members of the SHGs who avail themselves of the medical

facilities for livestock before and after joining the SHGs is depicted in Table 4.35.

TABLE 4.35

Accessibility of Veterinary Facilities for Livestock

(No. of Members)


1. Having Access 72

(15.31)

470

(100)

2. Not Having Access 398

(87.4)

0

(0)

Total 470 470



It could be seen from Table 4.35 that medical facilities for live stock were availed

of by 72 (15.31per cent) members before becoming members in the SHGs and the

situation improved subsequently wherein 470(100 per cent) members availed themselves

of these facilities after joining the SHGs. It is found that only 470 members are having

livestock out of the 570 sample members.

164

MC NEMAR TEST FOR AVAILING OF AMENITIES BY MEMBERS BEFORE

AND AFTER JOINING THE SHGs

To test the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in availing

themselves of the amenities by the members before and after joining the SHGs, MC

Nemar Test was conducted. The results are shown in Table 4.36.

TABLE 4.36

Mc Nemar Test for Availing of Amenities by Members Before and After

Joining the SHGs

Sl.No. Particulars Calculated

Chi-square

Value

Level of

significance Result

1. Health Care Facility 20.000 0.000 ***

2. Sanitary Facility Within

House 21.909 0.000 ***

3. Sanitary Facility Within

Village 18.788 0.000 ***

4. Water Supply to House 23.345 0.000 ***

5. Water Supply Within the

Residential Locality 16.493 0.000 ***

6. Educational Facility 19.519 0.000 ***

7. Market Facility 21.656 0.000 ***

8. Transport Facility 21.401 0.000 ***

9. Medical Facility for Livestock 22.271 0.000 ***


It is evident from Table 4.36 that the calculated value of the Chi-Square for all

facilities acquired by the sample members before and after joining the SHGs is more than

the table value (3.84). Therefore the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence, it could be

inferred that there is significant difference in availing themselves of the facilities by the

members before and after joining the SHGs.

165

4.8 POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Generally women hesitate to take active part in politics. After the formation of

the SHGs it was found that women came forward to participate in politics because of their

education and the training imparted to them. The NGOs involvement in politics is also

another parameter to assess the social impact of these associations.

4.8.1 CONTESTING IN ELECTION

In a democratic country like India there are different political parties with diverse

policies. People with faith in a particular political party join the party and work for its

promotion. The involvement of an individual in political parities is known by his

participation in various activities of the particular party. One of the important activities

of the political parties is contesting elections in local authorities, legislative state

assemblies and the parliament. If an individual contests an election, his/her participation

in the activities of the SHG will be very high.

The distribution of members according to their willingness to contest in election

before and after joining the SHGs is highlighted in Table 4.37.

TABLE 4.37

Members’ Willingness to Contest Elections

(No. of Members)


1. Willing 0

(0)

548

(96.1)

2. Not willing 570

(100)

22

(3.9)

Total 570 570



166

From Table 4.37 it could be observed that the attitude towards contesting in

election after joining the SHGs has improved. This is due to the training given by the

NGOs. About 548 (96.1 per cent) members have shown their interest in contesting

elections after joining the SHGs whereas none of the members (0 per cent) showed the

tendency before joining the SHGs.

4.8.2 ASSUMING LEADERSHIP

Every political party organises meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and

the like. They also organise protest programmes like demonstrations, dharnas, satyagraha

and strikes. The members of party and such associations take part in such programmes.

But very often disputes occur among party workers and common workers of other parties

or disputes among public. Under such circumstances, the party worker assumes

leadership and strives to settle the disputes harmoniously. This spontaneous leadership

indicates the political participation of a person.

The experience in the SHGs enables the members to acquire skill in settling such

disputes in the SHGs. Later on, when members of the SHGs become the members of

political parties, they could exhibit their skill proficiently.

Table 4.38 discloses the distribution of the members’ willingness to assume

leadership before and after joining the SHGs.

167

TABLE 4.38

Members’ Willingness to Assume Leadership

(No. of Members)


1. Willing 22

(3.9)

468

(82.10)

2. Not Willing 548

(96.1)

102

(17.89)

Total 570 570



It could be seen from Table 4.38 that only 22 (3.9 per cent) members showed their

willingness to assume leadership in the SHGs before joining whereas 468 (82.10 per cent)

members showed the same inclination after joining the SHGs.

4.8.3 EXERCISING FRANCHISE

The success of any political system depends on peoples’ participation in the

system. For the participation of people in a democracy the voting right is given to all

adults who have completed 18 years of age. But in practice, many voters never turn up at

the polling booths. This shows the negligence of the citizens. The Election Commission

invites all the electorates to come forward to exercise their franchise in the election.

Membership in the SHGs creates awareness among the members regarding voting,

since voting is exercised in the SHG for electing its office-bearers.

Table 4.39 highlights the attitude of the sample members towards voting in

election before and after joining the SHGs.

168

TABLE 4.39

Exercising the Voting Right in Elections

(No. of Members)


1. Voting 193

(33.9)

559

(98.1)

2. Not Voting 377

(66.1)

11

(1.9)

Total 570 570



It is evident from Table 4.39 that the attitude of members to voting in elections

improved significantly after joining the SHGs. About 559 (98.1per cent) members said

that they had voted in elections after joining the SHGs while only 193 (33.9 per cent)

members had desired to exercise their franchise before joining the SHGs.

In order to test the null hypothesis that “there is no significant difference in the

attitude of members to political participation before and after joining the SHGs”, the MC

Nemar Test was used.

The results of the MC Nemar Test for attitude of members toward political

participation before and after joining the SHGs are depicted in Table 4.40.

169

TABLE 4.40

MC Nemar Test for Attitude of Members Towards Political

Participation

Sl.No. Particulars Calculated

Chi-square

Value

Level of

significance Result

1. Willingness to Contest in

Election

546.002 0.000 ***

2. Willingness to Assume

Leadership

546.002 0.000 ***

3. Attitude Towards Voting in

Election

364.003 0.000 ***


It could be seen from Table 4.40 that the calculated values of the Chi-Square for

attitude of the members to all the three factors are more than the table value (3.84) and

hence the null hypothesis is rejected. It is concluded that there is significant difference in

the attitude of the members to political participation before and after joining the SHGs.

4.9 SUMMARY

The main focus of this chapter is to study the social impact of the sample

respondents of the SHGs selected for the study. For analysing the social impact, six

variables, such as self-confidence, awareness against social evils, behavioural change,

changes in literacy level, access to amenities and political participation have been taken

into consideration. For every variable, the impact on the members before and after

joining the SHGs has been analysed.

The statistical tools such as Mc Nemar and Sign test have been applied to analyse

the level of significance of each variable before and after the individual joining the SHGs.

The analysis shows that all the six variables measuring the social impact show a

170

significant impact. It is concluded that all the social variables have created a significant

impact on the members of the SHGs.

The involvement in the group has contributed significantly to improve the self-

confidence and communication skills of the respondents.

This study also shows the positive impact of the SHGs on the members in

resisting the social evils. The association with the SHGs also helps the members to be

patient and to lodge complaints with the groups and able to warn the culprits against

adverse effects. Regarding the literacy level, there is an improvement in educational

status of the members after joining the SHGs.

This study further shows that there is positive improvement in their access to

amenities after joining the SHGs. It is also evident that there is a positive improvement in

the political participation of these individuals after joining the SHGs.

It could also be understood that there is a significant difference in self-confidence,

level of communication, number of officials met, reaction to social evils and to adverse

problematic situations, level of literacy, access to facilities and political participation

before and after joining the SHGs, since the calculated value is more than the table value

in all the cases.

CHAPTER IV THE SOCIAL IMPACT ON THE MEMBERS OF...

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