MOLY KURUVILLA - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by MOLY KURUVILLA

International journal of social science humanity & management research, Apr 6, 2024

Alcoholism is a pervasive phenomenon. Many wives around the world have endured decades of sufferi... more Alcoholism is a pervasive phenomenon. Many wives around the world have endured decades of suffering from husbands who abuse their wives and children when they get home drunk. Remarkably, the majority of women stay away from expressing their disapproval and instead timidly adapt to their husbands' behaviors. The present investigation is part of the attempt to understand the factors influencing mental health of women in Kerala. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase a quantitative survey among 300 women to assess the mental health status of women was conducted. Fifty women, 25 each with the highest and lowest mental health scores in the survey were selected for the second phase of the study. The factors influencing mental health of women were explored using in depth unstructured interviews with the 50 women followed by thematic analysis. This study clearly demonstrates how alcohol consumption by husbands has an impact on women, their kids, and families as a whole. Women who live with alcoholic husbands have heavy mental stress and they face several forms of economic, emotional, sexual and physical violence in their day to day lives.

Sustainable Development Goal 5.4 aims to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work of wom... more Sustainable Development Goal 5.4 aims to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work of women through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies, and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as a way to attain gender equality and women empowerment. The present study has used the resource bargaining approach to expose the higher time spent on unpaid care work, the lesser time availed for rest and leisure and the lack of decision-making power of women when compared to their husbands in Kerala households. It was also found that hours of women's housework decrease by the share of income provided by them up to the point where they contribute equally with husbands but beyond this income parity level women's unpaid housework contribution also increases as their share of income increases. The authors argue for radical changes in the culturally imposed 'discriminatory obligation' which is the underlying reason for this phenomenon.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an important facet related to the mental health of women which is ... more Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an important facet related to the mental health of women which is not given due attention in India. It implies a gap in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDGs 3.2, 3.4 and 3.7 related to maternal and child health and 5.6 related to Reproductive Health Rights. The effects of postnatal depression on the mother, her marital relationship, and her children make it an essential condition to diagnose, treat and prevent. Data was collected using a Postnatal Depression Rating Scale (EPDS) followed by unstructured interviews with 84 young mothers in the age group of 25-35. The study documented the major risk factors related to the PPD of women in Kerala. The findings imply the need to introduce an active screening programme for PPD as part of the postpartum care.

LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX I(a) Child Behaviour Inventory-Malayalam Version (b) Child Behaviour ... more LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX I(a) Child Behaviour Inventory-Malayalam Version (b) Child Behaviour Inventory-English Version II Questionnaire on the Measures Used in Handling Behaviour Problems SUPPORTING SYSTEMS AND CERTAIN BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN MALAPPURAM DISTRICT ORGANISATION OF THE REPORT Chapter I presents a brief introduction to the problem need and significance of the study, statement of the problem, definition of key terms, objectives of the study, variables, methodology and scope and limitations of the study. Chapter II presents a theoretical overview of the topic under study and a summary of related studies. Chapter III describes in detail the tools used, selection of the sample, data collection procedure, and statistical techniques used for analysis. Chapter IV deals with the analysis and interpretation of the result. Chapter V presents a summary of the study major findings, suggestion and the scientific measures for handling behaviour problems of preschool children.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Oct 30, 2021

This paper discusses the conditions and achievements of India in the fields of education and Info... more This paper discusses the conditions and achievements of India in the fields of education and Information Communication Technology and examines whether the goal of gender equality is facilitated through ICT facilitated education. The gender bias in the present education system and the various challenges to gender mainstreaming in the Indian education system are analysed. The National Education Policy of India 2020 that emphasises the use of ICT as a means to empower India as a knowledge economy is examined as to how far it promises gender equity through ICT facilitated education. It is pertinent to examine how far inclusive and equitable are the resources of education and ICT in the Covid-19 context of India. Whether the digital India education is effective enough in its role as an instrument to facilitate gender mainstreaming is also analysed in detail. Suggestions on modifying the education system to transform gender relations are proposed by the author.

IGI Global eBooks, 2020

Clinical psychology used to view women's distress as biological and men's... more Clinical psychology used to view women's distress as biological and men's distress as externally induced. The psychology of gender relations has progressed to view gender as a principle of the social structure, but counselling practices continue to have an uncritical focus on the unequal gender relations existing in the society. Feminist psychology recognizes that the pattern of women's mental disorders is role related rather than organic/biological and that many gender differences are shaped by differing socialization of males and females. While addressing the mental health needs of the women population, the “subjective distress” in the context of their “subjective realities” is to be explored. Silencing the oppressed is the feudalistic way of resolving issues, but it fails to recognise the storm inside the oppressed minds. From outside, the family may seem to be calm and cool, but the turbulence inside the feminine minds may break out any time either in the form of a suicide attempt or in the form of a complaint to the police or the women's commission.

Eve-teasing is a euphemism used in India for sexual harassment or molestation of women by men. Th... more Eve-teasing is a euphemism used in India for sexual harassment or molestation of women by men. The indifference shown by the society to eve-teasing and the way eve-teasers move around freely without any objection from the people concerned serve to nurture the sexual harassment tendency. The present study to identify the response patterns of girl students to eve- teasing was taken up in the campus of University of Calicut, Kerala. The sample consisted of 120 respondents who were post graduate and research scholar students and the data was collected using a questionnaire. The results revealed that the whole sample have faced many attempts of eve-teasing in their life. Bus is the place in which majority of the eve-teasing incidents happen. Most of the sample was against the opinion that the dressing style of women and women's behavior patterns is responsible for eve-teasing. Lack of respect to women and lack of strict punishment to the offenders were found to be the major reasons for amounting incidents of eve-teasing. A few members of the sample were given advice from family members, especially brothers as not to show any reaction to the offenders but adjust with the situation and escape from the humiliations that may follow. While half of the sample expressed their willingness to respond directly to the criminal, the other half conveyed that they will make a complaint to the authority. Suggestions to curb eve-teasing as proposed by the respondents are included in the paper.

Gender, Technology and Development, 2017

IGI Global eBooks, 2020

Gender mainstreaming is the globally accepted strategy for sustainable development. The concepts ... more Gender mainstreaming is the globally accepted strategy for sustainable development. The concepts of women empowerment, gender mainstreaming, and sustainable development are illustrated in this chapter. Numerous strategies are proposed from different parts of the globe, but these strategies are contextual in the sense that those applicable and successful in one country may not prove to be effective in another country. Since gender operates in innumerable subtle ways and its implications vary with time and space, the gender mainstreaming strategies also would vary accordingly. Women do not represent a homogenous group, and hence, the question of intersectionality should be of prime importance while designing strategies for women empowerment. The inclusion of all genders including transgender and other sexual minorities also should be taken care of to ensure sustainable development. The new dimensions and the shift in focus required with regard to the existing strategies of women empowerment are discussed in the chapter.

Higher education for the future, 2014

While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and i... more While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and is in the process of reviewing the existing arrangements in the campuses of higher learning to ensure the freedom, safety and security of girls and women, the proactive role of teachers in solving the problems of gender based violence and other inequalities prevailing in the society is stressed in the article. The author substantiates the need for introducing Gender Studies components at UG and PG levels of education and the need for providing gender awareness/sensitization training programmes for teachers so as to equip them fully to meet the needs of the twenty-first century, especially in the context of ensuring gender justice.

International Journal of Digital Literacy and Digital Competence, Apr 1, 2017

Eastern Journal of Dialogue and Culture 15/1, 2022

Kudumbasree, the second-largest women's network in Asia, has nurtured the decision-making capabil... more Kudumbasree, the second-largest women's network in Asia, has nurtured the decision-making capabilities and leadership qualities among women in Kerala. This paper is based on the findings of an empirical study on 40 women LSGI members from the Wayanad district of Kerala who were previously members of the Kudumbasree. Unstructured telephonic interviews were used to collect data from the sample. The key component of this research was to analyse how Kudumbasree activities have contributed to their capacity building to contest and win the LSGI elections. It is important to identify the capabilities of women and train them so that they can rise to the highest level of political empowerment and contribute to the fostering of gender equality. The support received from religious communities and authorities is specially acknowledged by the study participants and is a positive change happening to the cause of women empowerment in the recent decades.

Journal of International Women’s Studies, 2022

Intimate partner domestic violence hinders the well-being and development of women and transfers ... more Intimate partner domestic violence hinders the well-being and development of women and transfers its ill effects intergenerationally. It is widely reported that economic fallback options help women escape intimate partner violence (IPV), enhance their ability to recuperate, and enable economic opportunity and independence. This study attempts to understand and re-examine the link between intimate partner domestic violence and the ownership of property among women in 14 districts of the Southern Indian state, Kerala. The Women Protection Officers of Kerala (WPO) served as resourceful informants. These officers are the first action force to facilitate domestic violence complaints under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 India. Primary data has been collected through interviews with WPOs. Six practising advocates shared information on the cases where they restored ownership of assets and facilitated locating the women for the twelve case studies. The findings reveal how women get dispossessed of their assets and are further subjected to domestic violence for want of assets. Women who managed to hold on to their assets were found to overcome and recuperate from domestic violence, and autonomous ownership of these assets boosted their self-esteem and recovery. The paper highlights the need for revisiting policy decisions regarding the property rights of women.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Oct 30, 2021

Gendered Experiences of COVID-19 in India, 2021

International Journal of Digital Literacy and Digital Competence, 2017

Internet literacy is crucial to become information literate and for lifelong learning for today&#... more Internet literacy is crucial to become information literate and for lifelong learning for today's citizens. However, there is an identified gendered digital divide in Internet usage, as the major proportion of unconnected citizens, especially in the developing economies in asian countries are women. The problems of the gender digital divide are not just limited to connectivity and infrastructural issues, literacy and the cost of access, which are often discussed in the literature. The authors identify some of the second order factors that are often overlooked and arise out of cognitive, psychological and social factors leading to the digital divide. The paper also discusses possible measures that could be taken up to address the second order gender digital divide.

Higher Education for the Future, 2014

While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and i... more While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and is in the process of reviewing the existing arrangements in the campuses of higher learning to ensure the freedom, safety and security of girls and women, the proactive role of teachers in solving the problems of gender based violence and other inequalities prevailing in the society is stressed in the article. The author substantiates the need for introducing Gender Studies components at UG and PG levels of education and the need for providing gender awareness/sensitization training programmes for teachers so as to equip them fully to meet the needs of the twenty-first century, especially in the context of ensuring gender justice.

International journal of social science humanity & management research, Apr 6, 2024

Alcoholism is a pervasive phenomenon. Many wives around the world have endured decades of sufferi... more Alcoholism is a pervasive phenomenon. Many wives around the world have endured decades of suffering from husbands who abuse their wives and children when they get home drunk. Remarkably, the majority of women stay away from expressing their disapproval and instead timidly adapt to their husbands' behaviors. The present investigation is part of the attempt to understand the factors influencing mental health of women in Kerala. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase a quantitative survey among 300 women to assess the mental health status of women was conducted. Fifty women, 25 each with the highest and lowest mental health scores in the survey were selected for the second phase of the study. The factors influencing mental health of women were explored using in depth unstructured interviews with the 50 women followed by thematic analysis. This study clearly demonstrates how alcohol consumption by husbands has an impact on women, their kids, and families as a whole. Women who live with alcoholic husbands have heavy mental stress and they face several forms of economic, emotional, sexual and physical violence in their day to day lives.

Sustainable Development Goal 5.4 aims to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work of wom... more Sustainable Development Goal 5.4 aims to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work of women through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies, and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as a way to attain gender equality and women empowerment. The present study has used the resource bargaining approach to expose the higher time spent on unpaid care work, the lesser time availed for rest and leisure and the lack of decision-making power of women when compared to their husbands in Kerala households. It was also found that hours of women's housework decrease by the share of income provided by them up to the point where they contribute equally with husbands but beyond this income parity level women's unpaid housework contribution also increases as their share of income increases. The authors argue for radical changes in the culturally imposed 'discriminatory obligation' which is the underlying reason for this phenomenon.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an important facet related to the mental health of women which is ... more Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an important facet related to the mental health of women which is not given due attention in India. It implies a gap in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDGs 3.2, 3.4 and 3.7 related to maternal and child health and 5.6 related to Reproductive Health Rights. The effects of postnatal depression on the mother, her marital relationship, and her children make it an essential condition to diagnose, treat and prevent. Data was collected using a Postnatal Depression Rating Scale (EPDS) followed by unstructured interviews with 84 young mothers in the age group of 25-35. The study documented the major risk factors related to the PPD of women in Kerala. The findings imply the need to introduce an active screening programme for PPD as part of the postpartum care.

LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX I(a) Child Behaviour Inventory-Malayalam Version (b) Child Behaviour ... more LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX I(a) Child Behaviour Inventory-Malayalam Version (b) Child Behaviour Inventory-English Version II Questionnaire on the Measures Used in Handling Behaviour Problems SUPPORTING SYSTEMS AND CERTAIN BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN MALAPPURAM DISTRICT ORGANISATION OF THE REPORT Chapter I presents a brief introduction to the problem need and significance of the study, statement of the problem, definition of key terms, objectives of the study, variables, methodology and scope and limitations of the study. Chapter II presents a theoretical overview of the topic under study and a summary of related studies. Chapter III describes in detail the tools used, selection of the sample, data collection procedure, and statistical techniques used for analysis. Chapter IV deals with the analysis and interpretation of the result. Chapter V presents a summary of the study major findings, suggestion and the scientific measures for handling behaviour problems of preschool children.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Oct 30, 2021

This paper discusses the conditions and achievements of India in the fields of education and Info... more This paper discusses the conditions and achievements of India in the fields of education and Information Communication Technology and examines whether the goal of gender equality is facilitated through ICT facilitated education. The gender bias in the present education system and the various challenges to gender mainstreaming in the Indian education system are analysed. The National Education Policy of India 2020 that emphasises the use of ICT as a means to empower India as a knowledge economy is examined as to how far it promises gender equity through ICT facilitated education. It is pertinent to examine how far inclusive and equitable are the resources of education and ICT in the Covid-19 context of India. Whether the digital India education is effective enough in its role as an instrument to facilitate gender mainstreaming is also analysed in detail. Suggestions on modifying the education system to transform gender relations are proposed by the author.

IGI Global eBooks, 2020

Clinical psychology used to view women's distress as biological and men's... more Clinical psychology used to view women's distress as biological and men's distress as externally induced. The psychology of gender relations has progressed to view gender as a principle of the social structure, but counselling practices continue to have an uncritical focus on the unequal gender relations existing in the society. Feminist psychology recognizes that the pattern of women's mental disorders is role related rather than organic/biological and that many gender differences are shaped by differing socialization of males and females. While addressing the mental health needs of the women population, the “subjective distress” in the context of their “subjective realities” is to be explored. Silencing the oppressed is the feudalistic way of resolving issues, but it fails to recognise the storm inside the oppressed minds. From outside, the family may seem to be calm and cool, but the turbulence inside the feminine minds may break out any time either in the form of a suicide attempt or in the form of a complaint to the police or the women's commission.

Eve-teasing is a euphemism used in India for sexual harassment or molestation of women by men. Th... more Eve-teasing is a euphemism used in India for sexual harassment or molestation of women by men. The indifference shown by the society to eve-teasing and the way eve-teasers move around freely without any objection from the people concerned serve to nurture the sexual harassment tendency. The present study to identify the response patterns of girl students to eve- teasing was taken up in the campus of University of Calicut, Kerala. The sample consisted of 120 respondents who were post graduate and research scholar students and the data was collected using a questionnaire. The results revealed that the whole sample have faced many attempts of eve-teasing in their life. Bus is the place in which majority of the eve-teasing incidents happen. Most of the sample was against the opinion that the dressing style of women and women's behavior patterns is responsible for eve-teasing. Lack of respect to women and lack of strict punishment to the offenders were found to be the major reasons for amounting incidents of eve-teasing. A few members of the sample were given advice from family members, especially brothers as not to show any reaction to the offenders but adjust with the situation and escape from the humiliations that may follow. While half of the sample expressed their willingness to respond directly to the criminal, the other half conveyed that they will make a complaint to the authority. Suggestions to curb eve-teasing as proposed by the respondents are included in the paper.

Gender, Technology and Development, 2017

IGI Global eBooks, 2020

Gender mainstreaming is the globally accepted strategy for sustainable development. The concepts ... more Gender mainstreaming is the globally accepted strategy for sustainable development. The concepts of women empowerment, gender mainstreaming, and sustainable development are illustrated in this chapter. Numerous strategies are proposed from different parts of the globe, but these strategies are contextual in the sense that those applicable and successful in one country may not prove to be effective in another country. Since gender operates in innumerable subtle ways and its implications vary with time and space, the gender mainstreaming strategies also would vary accordingly. Women do not represent a homogenous group, and hence, the question of intersectionality should be of prime importance while designing strategies for women empowerment. The inclusion of all genders including transgender and other sexual minorities also should be taken care of to ensure sustainable development. The new dimensions and the shift in focus required with regard to the existing strategies of women empowerment are discussed in the chapter.

Higher education for the future, 2014

While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and i... more While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and is in the process of reviewing the existing arrangements in the campuses of higher learning to ensure the freedom, safety and security of girls and women, the proactive role of teachers in solving the problems of gender based violence and other inequalities prevailing in the society is stressed in the article. The author substantiates the need for introducing Gender Studies components at UG and PG levels of education and the need for providing gender awareness/sensitization training programmes for teachers so as to equip them fully to meet the needs of the twenty-first century, especially in the context of ensuring gender justice.

International Journal of Digital Literacy and Digital Competence, Apr 1, 2017

Eastern Journal of Dialogue and Culture 15/1, 2022

Kudumbasree, the second-largest women's network in Asia, has nurtured the decision-making capabil... more Kudumbasree, the second-largest women's network in Asia, has nurtured the decision-making capabilities and leadership qualities among women in Kerala. This paper is based on the findings of an empirical study on 40 women LSGI members from the Wayanad district of Kerala who were previously members of the Kudumbasree. Unstructured telephonic interviews were used to collect data from the sample. The key component of this research was to analyse how Kudumbasree activities have contributed to their capacity building to contest and win the LSGI elections. It is important to identify the capabilities of women and train them so that they can rise to the highest level of political empowerment and contribute to the fostering of gender equality. The support received from religious communities and authorities is specially acknowledged by the study participants and is a positive change happening to the cause of women empowerment in the recent decades.

Journal of International Women’s Studies, 2022

Intimate partner domestic violence hinders the well-being and development of women and transfers ... more Intimate partner domestic violence hinders the well-being and development of women and transfers its ill effects intergenerationally. It is widely reported that economic fallback options help women escape intimate partner violence (IPV), enhance their ability to recuperate, and enable economic opportunity and independence. This study attempts to understand and re-examine the link between intimate partner domestic violence and the ownership of property among women in 14 districts of the Southern Indian state, Kerala. The Women Protection Officers of Kerala (WPO) served as resourceful informants. These officers are the first action force to facilitate domestic violence complaints under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 India. Primary data has been collected through interviews with WPOs. Six practising advocates shared information on the cases where they restored ownership of assets and facilitated locating the women for the twelve case studies. The findings reveal how women get dispossessed of their assets and are further subjected to domestic violence for want of assets. Women who managed to hold on to their assets were found to overcome and recuperate from domestic violence, and autonomous ownership of these assets boosted their self-esteem and recovery. The paper highlights the need for revisiting policy decisions regarding the property rights of women.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Oct 30, 2021

Gendered Experiences of COVID-19 in India, 2021

International Journal of Digital Literacy and Digital Competence, 2017

Internet literacy is crucial to become information literate and for lifelong learning for today&#... more Internet literacy is crucial to become information literate and for lifelong learning for today's citizens. However, there is an identified gendered digital divide in Internet usage, as the major proportion of unconnected citizens, especially in the developing economies in asian countries are women. The problems of the gender digital divide are not just limited to connectivity and infrastructural issues, literacy and the cost of access, which are often discussed in the literature. The authors identify some of the second order factors that are often overlooked and arise out of cognitive, psychological and social factors leading to the digital divide. The paper also discusses possible measures that could be taken up to address the second order gender digital divide.

Higher Education for the Future, 2014

While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and i... more While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and is in the process of reviewing the existing arrangements in the campuses of higher learning to ensure the freedom, safety and security of girls and women, the proactive role of teachers in solving the problems of gender based violence and other inequalities prevailing in the society is stressed in the article. The author substantiates the need for introducing Gender Studies components at UG and PG levels of education and the need for providing gender awareness/sensitization training programmes for teachers so as to equip them fully to meet the needs of the twenty-first century, especially in the context of ensuring gender justice.