Headship Influence on Population Structure in Khasi Matriarchal Society

Abstract

This study highlights the influence of male and female headship is Khasi matrilineal society of Meghalaya, India. Age-specific population distribution and pyramid are measured to understand the age and sex-structure existing at both population, regional and national level. Population structure can have considerable impact on the population's current and future social and economic situation. A total of 528 households were studied through purposive sampling using pre-tested modified demographic schedule. The total sex-ratio of the Khasi was found to be 1170 and that of children population is 1020, both of which are much higher that of northeast India and national average. Female headed households are found to be more prevalent in the population. About two-third of the total population are found to be headed by females. Sex-wise comparison was also made in education, occupation and decision making. It was found that female dominates in higher education and professional pursuits. More than half of the males were found as unemployed in female headed households. The household headship type is found to be having statistically significant influence on education, occupation and decision making such as custody of children, education of children, marriage and domestic purchases. It is also observed that the gender based headship largely defines the demographic characteristic in this matrilineal population.