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Status of the Children of Fishing Community of Southern India: an Empirical Study

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International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The study examined the status of the children of the fishing community in terms of general care from parents, nutrition, education, health care and safety. Four clusters from Puducherry and Tamil Nadu were randomly selected by considering the geographical spread of the location. 103 children, 46 from Tamil Nadu and 57 from Puducherry were found from these clusters. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods like semi-structured questionnaires, informal interviews and case studies. About 44.7% children reported to have not received proper care from the parents, solely because of poverty, family violence and father’s personality and/or alcohol dependence. 63.1% reported not getting adequate nutrition. All the children from the present study are attending school regularly and 63.1% reported getting support from parents for school tuition fees, uniforms and study materials. 83.5% reported that they were not able to understand the lessons taught in the class. All the children were immunized. Only one-third (30.1%) of children were fortunate to get quality time with parents for discussing personal issues and problems. About two-fifths (41.7%) reported to have not shared personal problems with parents. Female children were found to get better care as compared to their male counterparts (p < .01). 86.4% experienced physical abuse, and 22.7% had experienced psychological abuse and sexual abuse. Male children experienced more physical abuse (p < .001). 42.7% witnessed family violence. The case studies provided a clear picture about the status of the children. Children from the community need healthy family environment, quality education and sense of security.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India

    Dhamodharan M.

  2. Department of Applied Psychology, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Tamil Nadu, India

    Aleena Maria Sunny

  3. Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, 602 105, India

    Sibnath Deb

Authors
  1. Dhamodharan M.
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  2. Aleena Maria Sunny
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  3. Sibnath Deb
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Correspondence to Sibnath Deb.

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M., D., Sunny, A.M. & Deb, S. Status of the Children of Fishing Community of Southern India: an Empirical Study. Int. Journal on Child Malt. 4, 555–569 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-021-00099-1

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