A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC, AND LEGAL PROBLEMS OF HINDU WOMEN WITH PENDING DIVORCE CASES: A SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NASHIK DISTRICT
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Keywords
Divorce, Pending Divorce Cases, Hindu Women, Legal Problems, Psychological Problems, Economic Problems, Social Problems, Family Court, Women's Empowerment, Legal Awareness, Nashik District, Sociology of Family, Gender Justice.
Abstract
Marriage is regarded as one of the most significant social institutions in Indian society, providing emotional, social, economic, and cultural stability to individuals and families. However, the increasing incidence of marital conflicts and divorce has emerged as a major social concern. Women involved in prolonged divorce proceedings often experience multidimensional challenges that affect their social status, psychological well-being, economic security, and access to justice. Against this background, the present study examines the social, psychological, economic, and legal problems faced by Hindu women whose divorce cases are pending, with special reference to Nashik District, Maharashtra. The primary objective of the study is to analyze the legal difficulties encountered by women during divorce proceedings and to examine their present social, psychological, economic, and legal conditions. A descriptive and analytical research design was adopted. Primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule from Hindu women with pending divorce cases in Nashik District, while secondary data were obtained from books, research articles, government reports, legal documents, journals, and official publications. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency and percentage distribution. The findings reveal that the most significant legal challenge faced by respondents is the lack of awareness regarding judicial procedures and legal rights. Many women also experience inadequate access to legal aid services, insufficient knowledge of court decisions, and limited awareness of beneficial legal provisions. Economic difficulties primarily arise due to a lack of information about government welfare schemes, financial constraints, and limited knowledge regarding litigation expenses and available financial assistance. The study further indicates that prolonged court proceedings constitute the most serious legal obstacle, resulting in increased financial burdens, uncertainty, and emotional distress. With regard to their present condition, psychological stress and emotional imbalance emerged as the most prevalent problems, followed by lack of social acceptance, educational limitations, and economic insecurity. Social stigma, family conflicts, uncertainty about the future, and prolonged litigation adversely affect the respondents' quality of life and overall well-being. The study concludes that legal illiteracy, inadequate institutional support, delayed judicial processes, and socio-economic vulnerabilities collectively intensify the hardships experienced by women during divorce proceedings. The study recommends strengthening legal awareness programmes, expanding free legal aid and counselling services, improving access to government welfare schemes, promoting financial literacy, ensuring speedy disposal of family court cases, and establishing effective psychosocial support mechanisms. These measures would contribute to protecting women's legal rights, improving their mental health, enhancing social reintegration, and promoting their overall empowerment. The findings of the study provide valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, social workers, researchers, and organizations working in the fields of women's welfare, family studies, and gender justice. The findings revealed that 62% of respondents did not own smartphones, while 57% possessed low digital literacy. Major barriers included difficulties in operating smartphones, OTP verification, poor internet connectivity, language limitations, and dependence on family members or intermediaries. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between educational attainment and digital literacy, and higher digital literacy was associated with improved access to welfare schemes. The study concludes that digital exclusion has emerged as a critical social problem among the rural elderly in Jalgaon District. Strengthening digital literacy programme improving rural digital infrastructure, and establishing community-based digital assistance centers can enhance social inclusion and ensure equitable access to government welfare services.
Published
Nov. 7, 2025
Issue
Volume 4 | Issue-2 - 2025
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License.
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