LIVELIHOOD OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION: A STUDY IN JHERO VILLAGE OF HOOGHLY DISTRICT IN WEST BENGAL

Abstract

In the era of globalization, the socio-economic fabric of rural India is undergoing a rapid transformation. While globalization has brought technological and economic growth, it has also triggered the disintegration of the traditional joint family system, leaving the elderly population vulnerable. This study focuses on Jhero village in the Hooghly district of West Bengal to examine the livelihood challenges faced by the elderly. Through a micro-level analysis, the research explores their economic dependency, health status, and the impact of out-migration of the younger generation. The findings suggest that while state-sponsored social security schemes exist, they are often insufficient to ensure a dignified life, necessitating a more inclusive policy framework.