Socio-economic condition and social support among the ageing Tiwas of Assam

Abstract

Ageing is a universal phenomenon. But how an individual will age is population and environment specific. The role and status of an ageing person in the society is determined to a large extent by the culture specific to the population. The Tiwas of Assam are a population of Mongoloid origin. Their social organization is patrilineal, and their economy is based on agriculture. The present study was conducted among two villages of Morigaon district of Assam to understand their socio-economic condition and social support system in relation to the ageing Tiwas. 268 male and female Tiwas, above the age group of 50 years were selected. Data were collected with the help of a structured schedule, interview and observation method. The Tiwas are educationally and economically backward. The family is the main source of support for the ageing Tiwas. Joint family is still the dominant type of family among them. Not a single ageing Tiwa person was found to be living alone. Traditional system of keeping resident son-in-law in case a couple does not have a son ensures both social support and residence with at least one adult child among the elderly.