Gender and the socio-cultural dimensions of 'arsenicosis' in rural Bangladesh | |
| Author | Ferdous, Lina |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-05-03 |
| Subject(s) | Arsenic Stigma (Social psychology) |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GD-05-03 |
| Abstract | The research is centered on gendered socio-cultural construction of arsenicosis and disease stigma penetrating the lives of the poor patients. In rural Bangladesh to accomplish the objective, ethnographic research design is chosen which employs qualitative methods based on case-studies. The main respondents are arsenicosis patients who are mainly classified into women and men, married and unmarried groups, ages ranging from 15-60 years. They are selected from two districts in Bangladesh. One Upazilla from each district is selected which areBera in Pabna district and Serajdikhan in Munshigonj district where the study is centered in several villages. The exploratory research examines a broad range of socio-cultural problems faced by arsenicosis patients. Qualitative interviews of 30 patients of different classes in terms of wealth and poverty, with different degrees of disease affliction help us understand various aspects of their lives with external forces influencing them. Eighteen case studies and quotes from many patients, non-patient family members, neighbors, field-level workers and NGO personnel are scattered throughout the research. By comparing the perceptions of different categories of people, the case-studies document the gendered socio-cultural construction of the disease. In a limited scope, the research identifies some major emergent issues surrounding arsenicosis which include social stigma, gender discrimination in attitudes, inadequate care and family support, psychosocial disorders, etc. It supports the existence of stigma, resulting social problems, knowledge-gaps, superstitutions and misconceptions regarding arsenicosis in rural societies of Bangladesh. The patients suffer from psychosocial disorders-divorce, rejection in marriage and within society, isolation, depression, low self-esteem, loss of employment and other socio-economic deprivations. The fear of stigma and tendency to hide the disease from others prevent them from taking prompt treatment sometimes. Despite social awareness campaigns, arsenicosis is still considered to be contagious by most people. This, followed by superstituions, misconceptions, and knowledge-gaps hinder the arsenic mitigation activities and true rising of social awareness sometimes. The research confirms that the stigma in disease situations is prevalent in the rural society according to the theories and hypotheses given by scholars around the world; whereas some researchers in Bangladesh opine otherwise. The study considers socially constructed different experiences of men and women by comparing perceptions of patients from different socio-economic status. The comparative study shows that stigma is gender and class-based and works in different categories at various levels-for men or women, young or adult, rich or poor, married or unmarried. A major finding of this research is the politics of gender and class which is intertwined with arsenicosis and its inherent conflict of power and influence. These are also creating obstacles sometimes in the proper implementation of SWOs (Safe Water Options) in some places. The research concentrates on the relation between stigma and marriages and establishes the socio-cultural construction of arsenicosis in the domain of marriages. There are two significant intervening forces which instigate stigma Media intervention and Community intervention; and these are directed towards Marriage domain and partly to education. While study on the cultural perceptions of arsenicosis is recommended, the results indicate that with a high prevalence of arsenicosis, the community level effects of social stigma should be regarded as serious. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GD-05-03 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Earth, Barbara; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Resurreccion, Bernadette ;Preeda Parkpian; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Norway (NORAD); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |