INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Balancing Livelihood, Family, Community, and Environment: A  
Socio-Economic Study of Tribal Women in the Kodaikanal Region of  
Tamil Nadu  
1 K. Vasuki, 2 Dr. S. Susila  
1Department of Management Studies, Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu  
2 Sri Adi Chunchanagiri Women’s College, Cumbum, Theni District, Tamilnadu  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1411000020  
Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 20 November 2025; Published: 02 December 2025  
ABSTRACT  
Tribal women serve as the backbone of the socio-economic and cultural fabric of indigenous communities in  
India. Their contributions to agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, domestic maintenance, and community well-  
being are unparalleled. Yet, despite their extensive involvement in subsistence activities, their voices remain less  
documented, and their socio-economic struggles often remain unaddressed. This study explores the  
multidimensional roles, challenges, and lived experiences of tribal women in Valagiri, Shenbaganur,  
Perumalmalai, Poomparai, and Mannavanur of the Kodaikanal region. Using an interview schedule and  
convenience sampling method, primary data were collected from 349 respondents. Percentage analysis was  
adopted to interpret the findings. Results show that tribal women face a disproportionate workload, combining  
wage labour, agricultural tasks, and complete responsibility for household and childcare duties. Limited access  
to education, healthcare, financial independence, and decision-making opportunities restricts their socio-  
economic mobility. However, their influence in sustaining households and community systems remains  
substantial.  
The study emphasizes the need for policy interventions that strengthen their livelihood skills, improve health  
and education outcomes, and promote equitable participation in community development. Empowering tribal  
women is crucial not only for gender equality but also for the sustainable development of tribal communities.  
Keywords: Tribal, Women, Empowerment, community, Environment, socio-cultural and economic.  
INTRODUCTION  
Tribal communities form an integral part of India’s demographic landscape, showcasing distinct cultural  
identities, traditional knowledge systems, and close ties to nature. Women in these communities are vital  
contributors to both economic and social spheres. Unlike many non-tribal contexts where women’s participation  
in economic activities may be limited, tribal societies traditionally rely heavily on women’s labour across  
multiple domains.  
In the Kodaikanal region—known for its hills, forests, and scattered tribal hamlets—women engage in a range  
of subsistence and wage-based activities. Their everyday lives are shaped by environmental conditions, seasonal  
agricultural patterns, forest resource availability, and community expectations. While tribal women have long  
held roles essential to household survival, external pressures such as modernization, climate changes,  
deforestation, and socio-economic transition are altering their responsibilities.  
However, despite these challenges, tribal women continue to uphold cultural values, preserve indigenous  
knowledge, manage household affairs, and contribute economically—making them key pillars of community  
sustainability. Studying their conditions thus becomes essential for understanding tribal development holistically.  
www.ijltemas.in  
Page 200  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
REVIEW OF LITERATURE  
Studies across India highlight tribal women’s substantial role in preserving traditional livelihoods and culture.  
Researchers such as Furer-Haimendorf, Vidyarthi, and Bose documented that tribal women often enjoy better  
mobility and labour participation than their non-tribal counterparts. Their contributions in gathering non-timber  
forest produce (NTFP), shifting cultivation, horticulture, livestock rearing, and handicrafts are well recognized.  
Nevertheless, academic works also reveal gender inequalities in tribal settings, particularly regarding ownership  
of resources, financial decision-making, and access to institutional support. Devi (2021) argues that despite high  
participation rates in economic activities, tribal women rarely gain control over the income they generate.  
Similarly, Reddy (2018) observes that patriarchal influences—although less pronounced than in mainstream  
society—still affect women’s autonomy in certain tribal groups.  
Environmental studies show how deforestation, land degradation, and climate variability disproportionately  
affect women, who rely heavily on forests for firewood, fodder, and food security. Researchers note that  
environmental stress increases the time and labour burden on women, impacting their health and reducing their  
availability for income-earning activities.  
Thus, previous literature emphasizes the need for region-specific research that considers cultural diversity,  
environmental conditions, and socioeconomic transitions—all of which shape the experiences of tribal women.  
RESEARCH GAP  
Existing research on tribal women is extensive but not evenly distributed across regions. While studies have  
been conducted in various places like Ooty, Sathyamangalam, Pollachi, Tamilnadu, India, fewer works focus on  
the hill regions of Tamil Nadu, especially Kodaikanal. The unique ecological setting, livelihood patterns, and  
cultural practices in these villages remain under-examined.  
Additionally, most earlier studies prioritize economic activities or social status individually. There is limited  
integrated research that examines:  
Livelihood Involvement,  
Household Responsibilities,  
Community Engagement,  
Environmental Interactions,  
Gender-related challenges,  
All within a single analytical framework.  
This study bridges that gap by incorporating all these dimensions, offering a more holistic understanding of tribal  
women’s lived realities.  
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY  
To assess the socio-cultural and economic status of tribal women in selected Kodaikanal villages.  
To evaluate their involvement in agricultural, forest-based, and wage-earning activities.  
To understand their roles in household management, caregiving, and community participation.  
To examine their challenges in education, health, workload distribution, and resource access.  
www.ijltemas.in  
Page 201  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
To propose policy suggestions for improving the livelihood opportunities and overall well-being of tribal women.  
METHODOLOGY  
The research was conducted in five chosen villages known for their high tribal concentration and dependence on  
natural resources. A sample of 349 tribal women was selected through convenience sampling due to geographic  
constraints, mobility limitations, and the dispersed nature of settlements.  
A structured interview schedule was used, consisting of questions related to socio-economic characteristics,  
livelihood patterns, household responsibilities, health conditions, access to welfare schemes, and participation  
in community activities.  
Given the literacy limitations among respondents, interviews were conducted in person, ensuring clarity and  
comfort during the process. The collected data were analyzed using percentage analysis, a suitable method for  
descriptive social studies involving community-level assessments.  
FINDINGS  
Economic Activities  
Nearly 70% of women were involved in agricultural labour, performing activities such as planting, weeding,  
harvesting, and packing produce.  
Seasonal employment is common, forcing women to combine multiple labor sources throughout the year.  
Forest dependence remains significant, with 62% relying on firewood collection, wild berries, mushrooms,  
medicinal herbs, and small timber for both consumption and income.  
Household and Caregiving Responsibilities  
The burden of household work overwhelmingly falls on women.  
74% manage cooking, cleaning, childcare, elder care, water collection, and fuelwood gathering.  
Time-use patterns show that women spend almost twice as many hours as men in unpaid domestic labour.  
Education and Awareness  
A major proportion of respondents lacked formal education beyond primary level.  
Low literacy directly affects their awareness of government schemes, health services, and financial opportunities.  
Decision-Making and Autonomy  
Only 18% had meaningful involvement in decisions regarding spending, children’s education, or asset  
management.  
Cultural norms, though less rigid than mainstream society, still limit female autonomy in certain aspects.  
Health and Well-Being  
Women reported fatigue, anaemia, and body pain due to continuous physical labour.  
Limited access to medical facilities exacerbates minor ailments into severe health issues.  
www.ijltemas.in  
Page 202  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Environmental Dependence and Challenges  
Environmental degradation significantly affects livelihoods, increasing labour for water collection and reducing  
forest produce availability.  
Respondents noted declining rainfall patterns affecting agriculture.  
DISCUSSION  
The findings illustrate a complex interplay between women’s livelihood roles, domestic responsibilities, socio-  
cultural norms, and ecological pressures. Tribal women serve as economic stabilizers, environmental stewards,  
and custodians of cultural knowledge, yet they continue to remain marginalized regarding resource access and  
decision-making authority.  
The gendered division of labour places substantial pressure on women, leaving little opportunity for leisure, self-  
development, or skill enhancement. Their limited education restricts participation in leadership roles,  
institutional programs, and formal employment.  
Environmental challenges such as deforestation and irregular rainfall directly disrupt their daily routines,  
intensifying physical strain. The cumulative outcome is a cycle where women contribute heavily to household  
survival but gain minimal recognition, autonomy, or institutional support.  
SUGGESTIONS  
Implement mobile education units for adult literacy and digital skill training.  
Develop community-based childcare centres to reduce the burden on mothers.  
Expand tribal-specific health initiatives, including nutrition programs and periodic medical camps.  
Promote sustainable livelihood alternatives, such as medicinal plant cultivation, eco-tourism, and value-added  
agricultural products.  
Enhance infrastructure for transportation, drinking water, and emergency health services.  
Strengthen women’s collectives to provide access to microfinance, entrepreneurship, and leadership training.  
Ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes, including MGNREGA, PDS, and forest rights.  
CONCLUSION  
Tribal women in the Kodaikanal region play a vital role in sustaining their families and communities through  
their economic contributions, domestic labour, and stewardship of natural resources. Yet, they face significant  
barriers rooted in limited education, health challenges, environmental pressures, and restricted autonomy.  
Empowering tribal women is not merely a gender issue; it is a critical component of tribal development,  
ecological preservation, and regional progress. Strengthening the capabilities of tribal women requires  
integrated, sustained, and culturally sensitive policy interventions. Empowerment initiatives must address their  
needs holistically—enhancing livelihood options, promoting gender equity, improving health infrastructure, and  
recognizing their invaluable contributions to environmental sustainability.  
REFERENCES  
1. Kumari, S. (2018). Challenging issue of tribal women education in India. International Journal of  
Interdisciplinary Research in Arts and Humanities, 3(1), 109–114.  
www.ijltemas.in  
Page 203  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
2. Pegu, B. (2011). Porāg festival. Seminar on Mising Rituals and Celebrations, ICARD, Jorhat.  
3. Essay on the status of women in tribal societies in India. (2014, December 27). Mainstream, New Delhi.  
4. Burman, R. (2012, March 10). Status of tribal women in India. Mainstream, 12.  
5. Rakshita, P. (2020). Tribal women of India: International and national safeguards – A comparative study.  
Commonwealth Law Bulletin, 47, 143–174.  
6. Chatterjee, P. (2016). Social and economic status of tribal women in India: The challenges and the road  
ahead. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies, 60–?.  
7. Census  
https://www.census2011.co.in/scheduled-tribes.php  
8. International Journal of Legal Science and Innovation. (2024).  
2011.  
(2023).  
Scheduled  
Tribe  
(ST)  
population  
in  
India.  
9. Mohapatra, J. (2021, August 14). Literacy among tribal girls and women: An overview. India Education.  
10. Karat, B. (2017, January 17). A weapon against tribal women. NDTV.  
11. Devi Ahiliya Vishvavidyalaya. (2019). Status of tribal women in India with special reference to the socio-  
economic and educational condition. Ilkogretim Online – Elementary Education Online, 18, 2284–2292.  
12. Roy Burman, J. J. (2012, March 13). Status of tribal women in India. Mainstream Weekly.  
13. Shreyashi, T. (2021, March 5). Tribal women’s movement in modern India. Feminism in India.  
https://feminisminindia.com/2021/03/05/tribal-womensmovement-modern-india  
14. Paray, M. R. (2019). Status of tribal women in India with special reference to the socio-economic and  
educational condition. Elementary Education Online, 18(4), 2284–2292.  
15. Xaxa, V. (2015). Women and gender in the study of tribals in India. Sage Journals, Department of  
Sociology, Delhi University.  
16. Nagaraja, S. (2017). Tribal women in local governance: A study of problems and prospects. Journal of  
Economic and Business Review, 6(1).  
17. Mathur, S., et al. (2022). Biodiversity conservation of plants: The role of ethnic and indigenous  
populations. Annals of Forest Research, 65(1), 5613–5656.  
18. Mayilamma. (n.d.). The best known face of the local people’s struggle for water preservation in Kerala’s  
Palakkad district.  
19. Bihan, B. K. (2015). Jaunsari: A study of tribal society. AIJRA, 3(1A).  
20. Sahu, G. (2020). Knowledge and practice of ethno-medicine by Jaunsaris in Jaunsar-Bawar region of  
Uttarakhand. Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore.  
21. Bahuguna, R. (2022). Participation of tribal women in the implementation of development programmes:  
A study on Jaunsari women of Dehradun District. International Journal of Scientific & Innovative  
Research Studies, 10(1).  
www.ijltemas.in  
Page 204