SHILLONG, Feb 9: In Meghalaya, a higher-than-national-average percentage of children below 18 grow up without a father in their household, according to a recent data visualisation by ‘India in Pexels’.
The nation averages at 13.8%, while Meghalaya’s average stands at 15%.
In state’s Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities, lineage and inheritance are traditionally traced through the mother. Children are often raised in extended maternal households, with maternal uncles playing significant roles in their upbringing. This system has long been believed to offer stability, even in the absence of fathers.
However, recent reports suggest that this matrilineal framework may not fully shield children from the challenges associated with the father’s absence. A study by the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) in 2022 found that among 3,078 single mothers surveyed across seven districts, 46.2% were illiterate, and 28.4% had only primary education. These women, often deserted or widowed, bear the sole responsibility of running their families, leading to economic hardships that directly impact their children’s well-being.
Further compounding the issue, a report titled “In the Shadows: Children of Urban Poor in Meghalaya” revealed that 22% of the children that were studied felt insecure and unsafe in their homes, with 27% experiencing neglect. These findings indicate that the absence of a father can lead to emotional and psychological challenges for children, even within a matrilineal context.
The state’s unique social structure is also facing pressures from modernisation and urbanisation. Traditional joint families are increasingly giving way to nuclear setups, potentially weakening the extended family support system that has been a cornerstone of Meghalaya’s society. This shift may leave single mothers and their children more vulnerable, as the communal safety nets become less prevalent.
Moreover, despite the matrilineal system, issues like domestic violence are on the rise in urban areas. A report highlighted that domestic violence against women is becoming more common, especially in cities, challenging the notion that matrilineal societies are immune to such problems.
