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Saas (mother-in-law), bahu (daughter-in-law) and ASHA: Information diffusion in rural Bihar

Mousumi Dutta, Presidency University
Zakir Husain, Presidency University
Saswata Ghosh, Institute of Development Studies Kolkata (IDSK)

This paper examines the process of diffusion of information about maternal and child health (MCH) practices in rural Bihar. The National Health Mission has induced substantially improved MCH outcomes in India. The role of the grass root level health workers, viz. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), in this transformation has been well documented in many studies. Our study, however, points out an important constraint to their outreach activities—mothers-in-law act as mediators in the interaction between ASHAs, and women of reproductive age. The study is based on a primary survey of 2250 women aged 15-49 years in six districts of rural Bihar. Analysis of MCH practices reveals high levels of adoption. Respondents also reported that the ASHA workers were the primary motivators for the behavioural change. To understand the process of information diffusion, we collected information on 10 ego-based networks. The data was analysed using tools used in Social Network Analysis. Focus group discussions were also undertaken. Analysis revealed a hierarchical structure, with information flowing from the ASHA to the target women. The mother-in-law, however, acted as a gatekeeper in the information flow. This enabled her to potentially control the flow of information, and either facilitate or obstruct behavioural change.

Keywords: Social network methods, Gender, Policy

See extended abstract.

  Presented in Session P21.