Popular Western images of Indian women range from submissive brides behind their veils to the powerful, active women of Indian politics. In this lively and unique book, Patricia and Roger Jeffery present a different perspective on women's lives. Focusing on the mundane rather than the exotic, they explore the complex interplay between the power of social structures to constrain individuals and the ways women negotiate these constraints to carve out places for themselves.Based on information collected by the authors during their research in villages in Bijr District, western Uttar Pradesh, the volume offers eight life histories of Hindu and Muslim women. The women's life histories present a variety of class positions and domestic circumstances, illustrating many aspects of rth Indian village life. Interspersed with thematic discussions composed of dialogues, episodes, and songs, the life histories deal with topics of vital concern for women in rural rth India: the birth of children, worries about dowry, arranging weddings, sexual politics in marriage, relationships with in-laws, relationships with natal kin, and widowhood.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
The Perseus Books Group
ISBN-10
0813326214
ISBN-13
9780813326214
eBay Product ID (ePID)
96558509
Product Key Features
Author
Roger Jeffery, Patricia Jeffery
Format
Trade Paperback (United Kingdom), Paperback
Language
English
Subject
Gender Studies / Gay & Lesbian Studies
Dimensions
Weight
459g
Height
229mm
Width
152mm
Additional Product Features
Place of Publication
Boulder, Co
Spine
24mm
Content Note
8 Illustrations, Map, Notes, Glossary, Bibliography, Index
Author Biography
Patricia Jeffery and Roger Jeffery both teach in the Sociology Department at the University of Edinburgh. Patricia Jeffery and Roger Jeffery both teach in the Sociology Department at the University of Edinburgh.