Being a member of any society, an individual is bound by and conformed to the norms and expectations laid down by the society - the dos and don’ts, the should and shouldn’t, and the ought and oughtn’t. Every individual is required to behave and act within the threshold of these norms to maintain social harmony and continuity. However, there are disparities prescribed and restrictive norms in different social groups. The marginalized groups of society including women, the lower class, caste, the underprivileged, etc., often deal with more restrictive norms. In a society like India, women as a marginalized group are vulnerable to patriarchal mindsets, and educational and socio-economic backwardness among others. They are expected to act and behave inside the periphery of certain predetermined norms; as obedient daughters, good homemakers, self-sacrificing mothers, etc. Both social and religious norms set aside certain works for women demarcating a clear line in regard to the division of labor. Though most of the time, a large number of women are still seen acting inside the periphery of it, yet many women are coming forward and are working towards being self-reliant and independent, both educationally and socio-economically. The urge to cross this predetermined periphery of norms becomes only stronger when there is a need behind it, especially the economic need to sustain one’s family.
This paper will discuss the phenomenon of how the basic need for sustenance of oneself and one’s family drives marginalized women to break through these conventional social norms by entering into entrepreneurship. The paper will exemplify case studies of women entrepreneurs from Assam who fighting for the financial survival of their household by taking up various activities like weaving, handicraft, etc. from owning small-scale businesses from home to putting up street stalls in the market for sustenance.
