ABSTRACT
Structural formations particularly the commercialization of the economy (agriculture) and the formalization of women’s groups, not only in their organizational context, but also in their relationship with other social agents, have been intensified during the post-colonial period. This chapter briefly discusses some of the major features of the emerging society. Towards the end of the colonial period, when control of the population was no longer necessary, the colonial government encouraged self-help activities. In 1970, the government intervened more directly in the women’s group movement through the Special Rural Development Programme. The intensified targeting of projects by the Women’s Bureau also meant intensification of the formalization process as well. Many development agents concentrate their efforts in income-generating or commercial activities of women’s groups. The targetting process and the resulting formalization has had mobilizing and demobilizing effect on the groups and their activities.
