Ethnicity, Ethnic Conflict and Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities of Bangladesh

Type Journal Article - Journal of Ethnic Affairs
Title Ethnicity, Ethnic Conflict and Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities of Bangladesh
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2006
URL http://www.ecdo-bd.org/Resources/ECDO_Journal_Vol2_2006.pdf#page=27
Abstract
Old age is a critical stage of an individual's life. It is an inescapable reality of the cycle of life. Due to physical limitations and improper skills and knowledge, elderly people are not usually engaged in employment and face difficulties in involving themselves in economic activities at an old age. This situation makes an older person dependent upon others and both material and immaterial support is required for his or her survival. The traditional norms and values of Bangladesh society stress the importance of showing respect and providing care for the elderly population. The family still ploys a key role in providing care for its older members. A section of the elderly who have no family or are very poor, are looked after by the community or religious organizations. Sometimes these older people live with little care from relatives, .friends or neighbors. Although a non-contributory pension scheme has started for the poor rural older people of Bangladesh, the amount and coverage of the pension is not yet significant. Therefore, in reality older people are using traditional ways to ensure survival and relying mainly on community support. Unfortunately these traditional forms of support for older people in Bangladesh are weakening due to several causes including rapid urbanization and modernization, decrease in land availability, an increase in women's participation in the labor market, migration of children to urban centers, and the overall impact of pervasive poverty. This paper aims to explain the existing traditional support systems and its future in brief

Related studies

»