A Statistical Profile of Weavers in Bayan Gram, Jagatsinghpur
Sarita Mishra 1 , Roja Ghosh 2, Sai Bisakhi Das 3,
1 Assistant
Professor, P.G Department of Home Science, Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar,
Odisha, India
2 Research
Scholar, P.G Department of Home Science, Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar,
Odisha, India
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ABSTRACT |
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Based on a bio-statistical survey, this abstract offers a summary of the weaver community's statistical profile. Data on the economic situation, education, occupation, housing, and health of the weaver community were gathered through the survey. The survey's pilot study reveals that the weaver community has substantial social and economic difficulties. The majority of weavers make less than the minimum wage, making up a considerable percentage of their meagre income. The degree of education is also poor; a large proportion of weavers have little access to formal education, healthcare, power, clean water, and sanitary facilities. Poor housing circumstances are common, with many weavers residing in cramped, subpar dwellings. The poll also showed that the weaver community has a strong feeling of community and resilience in spite of these difficulties. Numerous weavers conveyed a strong dedication to their trade and the preservation of traditional weaving methods and abilities. Additionally, they showed that they were eager to take part in education and training programmes to advance their knowledge and possibilities for earning money. The bio-statistical survey's overall findings emphasise the necessity of laws and initiatives targeted at resolving the socioeconomic problems the weaver community faces. Initiatives focused at promoting locally created and artisan textiles as well as efforts to increase access to healthcare, education, and other basic services have the potential to help the well-being of the weaver community and advance ethical and sustainable practices in the textile sector. The community of weavers has experienced a number of difficulties recently, such as competition from less expensive imported textiles, shifts in fashion preferences, and the effects of industrialization and automation on the textile sector. Therefore, this essay is created to help readers understand how the textile business contributes. The article discusses the socioeconomic standing, health, and recommended lifestyle model of weavers. |
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Received 03 February
2024 Accepted 02 March 2024 Published 31 March 2024 Corresponding Author Roja
Ghosh, ghoshroja98@gmail.com DOI 10.29121/granthaalayah.v12.i3.2024.5494 Funding: This research
received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial,
or not-for-profit sectors. Copyright: © 2024 The
Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International License. With the
license CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download,
reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work
must be properly attributed to its author. |
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Keywords: Weaver, Socio-Economic, Health, Living
Condition |
1. INTRODUCTION
The term "weaver community" refers to a group of individuals who focus on weaving, a traditional activity that involves using looms or other weaving equipment to interlacing threads or yarns to create fabrics and other materials. Around the world, there are numerous weaver communities, and part of their work usually involves creating unique designs and patterns using a variety of materials, colours, and weaving techniques. Consequently, a number of initiatives have been developed to support the weaving community via training, education, and other channels while also promoting the consumption of locally made and handcrafted textiles Raaja (2011). In India, hand-woven textiles are perhaps the most traditional and well-known kind of art and craft. Weaving has been a widespread craft in India for over 5,000 years. After agriculture, hand-looming has been a significant economic activity Parvin & Haque (2017). Weaving beauty into the strands and crafting them into wearable masterpieces is a long-standing tradition. However, for a variety of reasons, this tradition has steadily lost its face value over time, which has negatively impacted the weavers' financial situation. A unique social and economic group in some cultures, weavers have a long history of creating fine textiles and materials that are in high demand on both domestic and foreign markets. While some weavers work for larger textile and apparel manufacturing corporations, the majority of weavers operate independently as craftspeople or as part of a small family business. Thus, the town of weavers staying and working in the weaving trade is Bayangram in the Jagatsinghpur district. Financial constraints, the inability to purchase contemporary machinery, unfavourable working conditions, inadequate compensation, and a lack of government support are among the challenges faced by weavers Ahmed & Sheereen (2022) & Sahoo (2022). Handlooms are facing severe livelihood crises because to increasing unfair competition from power looms, since their products can be reproduced for much less money. A population's features in terms of their social and economic situations are described by a socio-economic profile. It usually contains details about a variety of topics, including housing, health, employment, education, and income.
A socioeconomic profile can be used to pinpoint areas in need and provide guidance for initiatives and policies meant to raise the general public's standard of living. It can also be used to monitor changes over time or to compare the socioeconomic traits of various populations.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This article deals with the following objectives:
1) To study the health status of the weavers of bayangram of jagatsinghpur.
2) To understand the life styles of the weavers and issues related to wevers.
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted on weavers residing at Bayangram of Jagatsinghpur. The sample size is 90. The data were collected through questionnaire cum interview method. The data were consolidated, tabulated, and analyzed. Statistical tools were used such as percentage methods and graphs to interpretation the findings. The data are presented in tabular form in below.
4. RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION
Table 1
Table 1 Health Status of Weaving Community |
||||
S. No |
Question |
Particular |
Frequency |
Percentage (%) |
1 |
Gender |
Male |
32 |
35.55 |
Female |
58 |
64.44 |
||
2 |
Physical pain prevention |
Not at all |
7 |
7.77 |
A little |
10 |
11.11 |
||
A moderate amount |
31 |
34.44 |
||
Very much |
25 |
27.77 |
||
An extreme amount |
17 |
18.88 |
||
3 |
Medical treatment |
Not at all |
8 |
8.88 |
A little |
19 |
21.11 |
||
A moderate amount |
28 |
31.11 |
||
Very much |
23 |
25.55 |
||
An extreme amount |
12 |
13.33 |
||
4 |
Satisfaction with health |
Very dissatisfied |
23 |
25.55 |
Dissatisfied |
10 |
11.11 |
||
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
29 |
32.22 |
||
Satisfied |
20 |
22.22 |
||
Very satisfied |
8 |
8.88 |
||
5 |
Satisfaction with health services |
Very dissatisfied |
12 |
13.33 |
Dissatisfied |
19 |
21.11 |
||
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
34 |
37.77 |
||
Satisfied |
16 |
17.77 |
||
Very satisfied |
9 |
10 |
Figure 1
Figure 1 Health Status of Weaving Community |
The study on the health status of weavers was conducted with a sample size of approximately 90 participants. Among these respondents, 38.88% were male weavers, while 64.44% were female weavers. The data collected revealed several key findings.
Firstly, 25% of the sampled weavers reported experiencing health-related problems. Surprisingly, only 8% of the weavers expressed satisfaction with their current health conditions. Conversely, a significant portion of the participants, 25.55%, indicated a need for medical treatment, with 13.33% among them being deemed in urgent need of medical attention. Remarkably, only 8% of the weavers claimed not to require any medical treatment. Furthermore, the data showed that 21.11% of the weavers were dissatisfied with the health services available to them, while 13.33% expressed a very high level of dissatisfaction with these services. Another crucial finding was that 27.77% of the total sample identified physical pain as a significant barrier to their profession, while 34.44% stated that they experienced a moderate amount of physical pain. Conversely, only 7% of the weavers reported not experiencing any physical pain in their profession. This study sheds light on the health challenges faced by weavers and highlights the need for improved healthcare access and support for this community.
Table 2
Table 2 Socio-Economic Condition of Weaving Community |
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S. No |
Question |
Particular |
Frequency |
Percentage (%) |
1 |
Education |
Not at all |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Elementary school |
14 |
15.55 |
|
|
High school |
36 |
40 |
|
|
College |
18 |
20 |
|
|
Graduate/Professional degree |
22 |
24.44 |
2 |
Enough money to meet needs |
Not at all |
0 |
0 |
|
|
A little |
13 |
14.44 |
|
|
Moderately |
36 |
40 |
|
|
Mostly |
24 |
26.66 |
|
|
Completely |
17 |
18.88 |
3 |
Relationship satisfaction |
Very Dissatisfied |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Dissatisfied |
9 |
10 |
|
|
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |
54 |
60 |
|
|
Satisfied |
18 |
20 |
|
|
Very Satisfied |
9 |
10 |
4 |
Income level |
2000-4000 |
8 |
8.88 |
|
|
4000-6000 |
47 |
52.22 |
|
|
6000-8000 |
23 |
25.55 |
|
|
8000 above |
12 |
13.33 |
Figure 2
Figure 2 Socio-Economic Condition of Weaving Community |
The data reveals some interesting insights about the weaving community. Among the surveyed weavers, approximately 24.44% have achieved a graduate level of education, while 36% have completed their education at the high school level. Additionally, 14% of the weavers have received an elementary school education. An encouraging aspect is that there is 0% illiteracy among them, indicating a positive change within the weaving community, with everyone having at least a basic level of literacy. Out of the 90 respondents, it was found that 40% of weavers have a moderate amount of income to meet their needs, while 14.44% have only a limited income at their disposal. However, it's worth noting that a significant portion, 45% of the weavers, are engaged in other professions alongside weaving, suggesting that relying solely on weaving income is often insufficient to cover their expenses. In terms of relationship status, a majority, 60% of the weavers, neither expressed satisfaction nor dissatisfaction with their relationships, while only 20% reported being satisfied with their current relationship status. This aspect of the data could be further explored to understand the factors influencing their relationship experiences. The data also indicates that 52.22% of weavers earn a monthly income ranging from a minimum of 4000 to a maximum of 6000, exclusively from weaving. Only 8% of weavers earn a lower income, falling in the range of 2000-4000 per month. Surprisingly, just 13.33% of weavers earn above 8000 per month from weaving, which is still not sufficient to meet their family expenses. This underscores the need for additional support and opportunities for income generation within the weaving community to improve their overall economic well-being.
Table 3
Table 3 Life Orientation of Weaving Community |
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S. No |
Question |
Particular |
Frequency |
Percentage (%) |
1 |
Quality of life |
Very Poor |
6 |
6.66 |
|
|
Poor |
13 |
14.44 |
|
|
Neither Poor nor Good |
39 |
43.33 |
|
|
Good |
22 |
24.44 |
|
|
Very good |
10 |
11.11 |
2 |
Life Enjoy |
Not at all |
18 |
20 |
|
|
A little |
21 |
23.33 |
|
|
A Moderate amount |
32 |
35.55 |
|
|
Very much |
19 |
21.11 |
|
|
An Extreme amount |
0 |
0 |
3 |
Meaningful Life |
Not at all |
0 |
0 |
|
|
A little |
15 |
16.66 |
|
|
A Moderate amount |
28 |
31.11 |
|
|
Very much |
26 |
28.88 |
|
|
An Extreme amount |
21 |
23.33 |
4 |
Daily Energy |
Not at all |
11 |
12.22 |
|
|
A little |
29 |
32.22 |
|
|
Moderately |
33 |
36.66 |
|
|
Mostly |
13 |
14.44 |
|
|
Completely |
4 |
4.44 |
5 |
Self Satisfaction |
Very Dissatisfied |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Dissatisfied |
18 |
20 |
|
|
Neither Satisfied nor
Dissatisfied |
34 |
37.77 |
|
|
Satisfied |
21 |
23.33 |
|
|
Very Satisfied |
17 |
`18.88 |
Figure 3
Figure 3 Life Orientation of Weaving Community |
The data collected on the life orientation of weavers encompasses several key dimensions, including quality of life, life enjoyment, meaningful life, daily energy consumption for weaving, and self-satisfaction. Here are the findings:
· A significant portion, 43% of weavers, fall into the category of neither having poor nor good quality of life.
· Notably, 21% of the weavers reported enjoying their lives very much, indicating a positive outlook.
· About 31% of the weavers have a moderate amount of meaningful life, suggesting a reasonable sense of purpose and fulfillment.
· In terms of daily energy consumption for weaving, 36.66% of weavers indicated a moderate level of energy for their daily work.
· Interestingly, 37% of weavers expressed being neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their self-satisfaction.
These dimensions collectively reflect the life orientation of weavers, and it appears that the lifestyle of weavers is improving compared to before. However, it's important to note that there are challenges in the weaving sector, including a lack of support, training, and facilities.
While the weaving sector is showing signs of progress, there is still room for improvement. To enhance the quality of life within the weaving community, it is crucial to address these challenges. One potential avenue for improvement is through government support and the provision of facilities. Government initiatives can play a significant role in elevating the overall well-being and livelihoods of weavers by providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities for growth Das (2015).
5. SUGGESTIVE MODEL OF LIFESTYLE FOR WEAVERS COMMUNITY
Creating a suggestive model for the lifestyle of a weavers' community involves considering their unique needs, cultural aspects, and economic factors Priyabrata & Sharma (2022). Weavers often have a distinct way of life that revolves around their craft. Here's a model that takes these factors into account:
1) Craft
Preservation and Skill Enhancement:
· Traditional Training: Encourage the passing down of weaving skills from one generation to the next, ensuring the preservation of traditional techniques.
· Skill Development: Establish training centers or workshops for weavers to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and keep up with market trends Rao & Rao (2021).
2) Economic
Empowerment:
· Market Access: Create avenues for weavers to access wider markets, both locally and internationally, through online platforms and craft fairs.
· Cooperative Societies: Promote the formation of weavers' cooperatives to collectively negotiate better prices and share resources.
3) Infrastructure
and Technology:
· Modern Tools: Provide access to modern weaving tools and technologies to increase efficiency and product quality.
· Infrastructure: Develop weaving clusters with proper infrastructure, such as well-ventilated workspaces and storage facilities.
4) Financial
Inclusion:
· Microfinance: Facilitate access to microloans and financial services tailored to the needs of weavers.
· Savings Groups: Encourage weavers to form savings groups to manage their finances and save for the future.
5) Education
and Healthcare:
· Education Support: Offer scholarships or support for the education of weavers' children to break the cycle of poverty.
· Healthcare Services: Ensure access to affordable healthcare facilities and regular health check-ups.
6) Cultural
Preservation:
· Cultural Festivals: Organize events and festivals to celebrate the weaving heritage, attracting tourists and generating income.
· Documentation: Encourage documentation of weaving traditions, history, and stories for future generations.
7) Environmental
Sustainability:
· Eco-friendly Practices: Promote sustainable and eco-friendly weaving practices to protect natural resources.
· Natural Dyes: Encourage the use of natural dyes and sustainable materials.
8) Marketing
and Branding:
· Brand Promotion: Help weavers create unique brands or labels for their products to differentiate themselves in the market.
· Online Presence: Develop and maintain a strong online presence through websites and social media to reach a global audience.
9) Social
Support:
· Community Centers: Establish community centers for social gatherings, meetings, and discussions.
· Mental Health Support: Provide access to mental health resources and support systems for weavers facing stress and anxiety.
10) Government Support:
· Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with government agencies to advocate for policies that support the weaving industry, such as subsidies and incentives.
This suggestive model takes a holistic approach to improve the lifestyle of the weavers' community, addressing their economic, cultural, social, and environmental needs while preserving their rich heritage Mishra et al. (2016). Adaptations and implementations can vary based on the specific needs and context of the community.
6. CONCLUSION
The community of weavers is crucial to the textile sector and to the preservation of ancient trades and expertise. Using a variety of materials and techniques, weavers produce distinctive, fine fabrics and textiles, and their labour is valued both historically and culturally in many communities. The impact of industrialization and automation on the textile industry, as well as competition from less expensive imported textiles, provide numerous difficulties for the weaving community. Consequently, there has been an increase in interest in promoting and safeguarding traditional weaving methods in order to support weavers and their families. Not only may initiatives that assist the weaving community and promote locally-made, handcrafted textiles help weavers sustain their livelihoods, but they can also encourage ethical and sustainable practices throughout the textile industry. The community of weavers merits appreciation for their significant contribution to the textile sector as well as for maintaining traditional skills and traditions.
7. FUTURE SCOPE
The study's scope include the quality of life experienced by weavers, their socioeconomic situation, their health, and their life orientation. Additionally, the weaving community may be the subject of future research.
· Policy and Development Initiatives: The statistical profile of weavers in Bayan Gram could serve as valuable data for policymakers and local authorities to design targeted development programs and initiatives for the weaving community. It can help identify their specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for growth, leading to tailored interventions to improve their socio-economic conditions.
· Economic Growth: A detailed understanding of the weaving community's profile can contribute to promoting the local economy. It can attract investment and support from government and non-governmental organizations, which might lead to increased employment opportunities, better infrastructure, and overall economic growth in the region.
· Skill Development and Training: If the study highlights gaps in the weavers' skills and knowledge, it could lead to the implementation of skill development and training programs. Equipping them with modern techniques and technology can enhance their productivity and competitiveness in the market.
· Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Weaving often carries cultural significance and heritage. This study can help raise awareness about the rich cultural aspects of the craft in Bayan Gram and encourage initiatives to preserve and promote traditional weaving techniques.
· Market Access and Marketing Strategies: Understanding the market demand and challenges faced by the weavers can lead to the formulation of effective marketing strategies. Improved market access and visibility can create more opportunities for weavers to sell their products both locally and globally.
· Academic and Research Value: The study can serve as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and students interested in the socio-economic aspects of traditional weaving communities. It may lead to further research and insights on related topics.
However, the actual impact and future scope would largely depend on the quality of the study, the relevance of the findings, and the proactive efforts of stakeholders to implement recommendations from the research. It's important to keep in mind that the real-world impact of any study can vary based on the socio-political and economic context at the time of its implementation.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
None.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the individuals and institutions that have contributed to the successful completion of this research article on "The Statistical Profile of Weavers: A Study at Bayan Gram of Jagatsinghpur District." First and foremost, we extend our deepest thanks to the weavers of Bayan Gram, Jagatsinghpur District, whose invaluable insights, cooperation, and participation made this study possible. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences were crucial in shedding light on the statistical aspects of their profession. We would also like to acknowledge the support and guidance provided by our research supervisor Dr. Sarita Mishra, Assistance professor in PG. Dept. of Home Science, Rama Devi Women’s university. Their expertise and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of this research and ensuring its quality.
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