Psychology of Rural Women Leaders

Description

Book Description

The present book is a detailed and insightful study that examines how women at the grassroots level perceive their political abilities and the styles they adopt when making important decisions for their communities. Focusing on both tribal and non-tribal women leaders — including Sarpanchs and Samiti members — the book offers a comparative perspective on their leadership journeys. Through empirical research and field-based interactions, the book analyses the key factors influencing women’s political self-confidence and decision-making styles. It explores how education, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, training, and community support shape the ways in which women exercise authority in Panchayati Raj Institutions. By comparing tribal and non-tribal women leaders, the book brings forward rich insights into the intersection of gender, culture, and governance. It highlights both the common challenges women face across different contexts and the unique strategies they employ based on their community backgrounds. Designed for students, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners, this book contributes to the broader discourse on women’s leadership, participatory democracy, and inclusive rural development. It emphasizes the need for supportive environments that nurture political self-efficacy and enable women to become more effective decision-makers at the grassroots level.

The Authors

Dr. Sasmita Pattanaik holds a Ph.D. from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and an MBA in Personnel Management. She has served as Principal of an Anganwadi Workers Training Centre, Social Worker at SARA, Guest Faculty at Ravenshaw University, and Counselor for IGNOU. An accomplished researcher, she has published widely in national and international journals, contributed to several book chapters, and authored a book. Her work focuses on women’s leadership, grassroots governance, and community empowerment, combining academic rigor with rich field experience. Dr. Sasmita Pattanaik is now working as Assistant Professor and Head in the department of Psychology in KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar since December 2023.