Stress Management of Women Beedi Workers: A Scenario from Tirunelveli

Abstract

Beedi also known as poor man’s cigarette is manufactured in almost all major states of India. Beedi workers are exposed to various health risks. Beedi manufacturing is a traditional home based small scale industry, spread over almost all the major states of India. For the beedi industry Tamilnadu is one of the major hub in India. Women generally take up the jobs out of compelling factors such as family situation and economic dependence. This study is an attempt to analyse the stress caused by the tedious working condition of beedi workers and the ways and means through which they are managing the stress. The researcher has applied the statistical tools like percentage analysis, t test, factor analysis, cluster analysis, chi square, paired correlation and paired sign test to analyse t he results. It is observed from the study that the sample group mainly consist of middle aged women with low level of literacy, all married, having reasonably good experience, majority live in nuclear family with 2-6 family members. There is no specific motivator for choosing beedi rolling as a profession. The causes of stress among women Beedi Workers are grouped under three factors such as Self Centered Stress, Skill Centered Stress and Society Centered Stress. The stress management is grouped under two categories such as Self Management and Support Management. The economic impact by taking the parameters of income, expenditure and savings has positive relationship and positive impact. Hence it is concluded that irrespective of the stress, the women are empowered to overcome the stress and to earn their living by the employment as there is positive impact of the economic factors.  With proper adherence of their grievances they can be relieved from the stress and are able to come up colourfully in their lives by brightening the family.