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

³ Post Graduate Student, P.G Department of Home Science, Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

 

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
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
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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