Maternal Health-Seeking Process of Dalit Women in Dhaka

Abstract

This research explores the maternal health-seeking processes of Dalit women in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It has been conducted with intensive fieldwork at the households of Jagannath Hall 4^th class staff. The Dalit women of this area like to seek treatment from their nearest hospitals. This study analyses maternal health-seeking processes of Dalit women through the theories of authoritative knowledge, biopower and therapy management groups. Their households are located inside Jagannath Hall, Dhaka University and in a restricted area. They are living here because of their ancestral job positions. It is easier for women to go to the nearest hospitals in their pregnancy period. In this locality, hospital is the central place for child delivery. Doctors keep control of women’s bodies through medical knowledge. The role of kin members and generational influence matter a lot for pregnant Dalit mothers. This research investigates how the hospital has become a key arena in the locality and the influence of family members on Dalit women during their maternal phase. During pregnancy, Dalit women follow the rules and advice learnt from their female kin members. In Dhaka, they do not face discrimination as Dalits.