Media and Social Change- A Study on the Improved Conditions of Maternal Health among the Tribals Living in Birbhum District, West Bengal

Abstract

The present paper has attempted to study how media acts as an agent of social transformation to bring about changes in the existing heath scenario of the scheduled tribes in Birbhum district, West Bengal. The paper focuses extensively in the domain of maternal health and how media has helped to bring about a transition in the concept of health. The main objectives of this paper are (a) to find out the different levels of educational status of the scheduled tribes across eight villages in Birbhum District, West Bengal; (b) to make a note of the various medical stances practiced by the ‘Daima’; (c) to find out the utility of media among the tribals in the studied villages; (d) to analyse the role of media in the process of change and development in terms of maternal health of the scheduled tribes in the studied areas. To fulfil the purpose of this research study both primary and secondary data has been used. To gather primary data from the field interview method has been used. Through these methods, the paper reviews that instead of going for traditional methods of delivering children, the expectant tribal mothers are visiting the local hospital. Therefore, the present paper concludes by saying that though in the recent times the new mothers are not engaging the “Daima” for the birth of their children, the fact that their service is required for the neonatal care of their children cannot be ruled out.