Caste Groups Research Articles

Unpacking Caste and Intergenerational Occupational Mobility: A Novel Approach Through Occupational Prestige in West Bengal, India

This research rekindles the examination of occupational mobility through the lens of occupational prestige, contributing significantly to the discourse on intergenerational occupational mobility in West Bengal. Employing robust statistical techniques including conditional probability matrices, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and structural equation modelling (SEM), the study shows the profound influence of caste on occupational mobility. It found that intergenerational mobility rates significantly differ among caste groups, with the general caste (GC) category consistently displaying higher upwards mobility compared to the other backward classes (OBCs) and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (SCs/STs). Furthermore, the research highlights caste-based variations in the impact of a son’s educational attainment on the son’s occupational success.

Decomposing the rural–urban differences in depression among multimorbid older patients in India: evidence from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn India, the prevalence of depression among older adults dealing with multiple health conditions varies between rural and urban areas due to disparities in healthcare access and cultural factors. The distinct patterns observed underscore the necessity for tailored research and interventions to address mental health inequalities among multimorbid older patients in diverse geographic contexts.MethodsThis study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1 (2017–18). A total of 7,608 adults aged ≥ 60 years who were diagnosed with two or more chronic conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, chronic heart diseases, stroke, bone/joint disease, any neurological or psychiatric diseases, and high cholesterol) were included in this study. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, logistic regression estimates, and Fairlie decomposition method were used to accomplish the study’s objectives.ResultsThe prevalence of depression among older adults with multimorbidity was 9.48% higher in rural areas (38.33%) than in urban areas (28.85%).. Older adults with multimorbidity belonging to the scheduled caste group were 40% more likely to experience depression. Moreover, those with multimorbidity and any form of disability in activities of daily living (ADL) were 93% more likely to experience depression than those without disability, whereas those with multimorbidity and perceived good general health were 65% less likely to suffer from depression than those with poor self-perceived health. Additionally, decomposition analysis revealed that education (35.99%), caste status (10.30%), IADL disability (19.30%), and perceived discrimination (24.25%) were the primary factors contributing to the differences in depression prevalence among older adults with multimorbidity between rural and urban areas.ConclusionsWe found significant rural–urban differences in depression among older Indians with multimorbidity. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by older patients in rural areas, including lack of social capital, discrimination, and limited resources that enable access to healthcare services. Policymakers and healthcare professionals must collaboratively design and implement effective strategies to improve the mental health and overall well-being of rural older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities.

Effect of different production techniques on the color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations

In dentistry, the shade selection of the restoration affects the success of the restoration. For this reason, it may be decisive for clinicians to determine whether the difference in framework production influences color in metal-ceramic restorations. The study examined the effects of different framework production techniques used in porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations on color changes. 45 square-shaped samples were manufactured using cast, milling, and laser-sintering techniques. Opaque and dentin porcelain were performed, and all samples were glazed. A spectrophotometer was used for color measurements. Before opaque application, after opaque application, and after porcelain + glaze application, it was obtained L*, a*, and b* values. Color differences (ΔE00) were calculated with the CIEDE2000 formula. ANOVA (Post Hoc: Bonferroni) and Shapiro Wilks (Normality) tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). At the different laboratory steps, the difference between cast&laser-sintered groups and between milled&laser-sintered groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Before and after opaque application, the differences in L*, a*, and b* values between cast, milled, and laser-sintered groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Different framework production methods influenced the color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations.

Promoting Human Rights as a Way of Improving Soft Power: The Case of India’s Caste-Based Discrimination at the United Nations

The ascendance of India as an economic power is well documented. This rising India has also focused on increasing its soft power and influence in international politics, especially through the dissemination of its values of ancient cultural heritage such as Buddhism, yoga and engagement with the diaspora. In the field of human rights as well, as a founding member of the United Nations (UN), India has participated in the framing of the Universal Declaration on the Human Rights and has signed various UN Human Rights Treaties and Conventions over the years. However, in the particular case of addressing caste discrimination, India has shied away from the international recognition of Dalit rights as human rights. Indian diplomats have continually opposed any internationalisation of caste-based discrimination and its linkage to racial discrimination at the global level, especially in the UN. In this scenario, how does the international community view India’s ascendance with respect to this issue? This article argues that India must play a leadership role in defending the rights of discriminated caste groups if it seeks to enhance its soft power credentials of being the largest democracy and demonstrate itself as a responsible power at the global level with respect to human rights issues. Furthermore, the norm that UN has tried to create of categorising caste discrimination as a form of racial discrimination cannot be strengthened without India’s support as India happens to be the most relevant state actor in this case.

Happiness among subaltern groups: Dalits in India and blacks in South Africa

This study has two purposes; the first is to test differences between dominant and subordinate groups in India and South Africa. For India, the comparison is between caste groups: the dominant “forward castes” and the subordinate “non-forward castes”. For South Africa, the comparison is between racial groups: whites as a dominant group and non-Whites (Blacks, Coloured, and Asians) as a subordinate group. The second purpose of the study is to compare happiness levels between India and South Africa with a view to rigorously establishing where happiness is greatest and what its drivers are. These issues are examined using data from the World Values Survey (WVS). Covering in excess of 250,000 respondents drawn from 90 countries, and available for the period 1994–2014, WVS remains the most widely accessible database on well-being. This study establishes that, in general, Indians were happier than South Africans in this period, meaning that the predicted probability of being happy was, on average, higher in India (84.2%) than in South Africa (81.1%). Another important finding was that persons from the dominant groups were more likely to be happy in South Africa than in India but that persons from the subordinate groups were more likely to be happy in India than in South Africa.

Caste-based Diminished Returns of Educational Attainment on Wealth Accumulation in India.

Education is widely recognized as a key driver of wealth generation, providing individuals with the opportunity to enhance their socioeconomic status. However, the effectiveness of education in generating wealth varies significantly across different social groups. In the United States, research has shown that Black individuals experience weaker economic returns on education compared to their White counterparts, a phenomenon explained by the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs). Although MDRs have been documented in various countries, their relevance to caste-based disparities in India remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the caste-based diminished returns of education on wealth in India. We hypothesize that the returns on educational attainment, in terms of wealth generation, will be weaker for individuals from Scheduled Castes (SCs) compared to those from higher castes, using data from the India Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). This study was a cross-sectional analysis of DHS -2019/2021 data from India, examining the relationship between educational attainment and wealth across different caste groups (scheduled castes and non-scheduled castes). Multivariate regression models will be employed to assess the interaction between caste and education in predicting wealth outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates such as age, gender, and region. The study is expected to find that the returns on education, in terms of wealth, are significantly weaker for individuals from Scheduled Castes compared to those from higher castes. This would indicate that caste-based discrimination continues to hinder the economic progress of Scheduled Castes, even when they achieve similar levels of education as their upper-caste counterparts. The findings of this study will extend the MDR framework to the Indian context, demonstrating that caste-based disparities result in diminished returns on education for wealth generation. This study underscores the need for targeted policies that address the specific barriers faced by Scheduled Castes in translating educational attainment into economic success and highlights the ongoing impact of caste-based discrimination in India.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Conservative Treatment of Upper Limb Diaphyseal and Metaphyseal Fractures (Humerus, Radius, and Ulna) with Extension Casting

Abstract Background: To manage fractures, either operative or nonoperative techniques are required. If the fracture is significantly displaced or angulated, a closed reduction should be done followed by a period of immobilization with casting or splinting. This treatment method forms the basis of nonoperative approach. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the results of management of upper limb diaphysis and metaphyseal fractures (humerus, radius, and ulna) with the application of extension cast in closed fractures in adults to assess the functional acceptance of the procedure and to assess the efficacy and advantage of this treatment. Materials and Methods: The study included upper arm fracture patients. Fixed criterion was discouraged for a definite sample size and it was considered to take up as many cases as possible from trauma center on every Wednesday in the entire period of data collection, i.e., from September 2020 to May 2022. Forty-two newly diagnosed cases of the fracture of upper extremities whose radiological and clinical records were intact were included in the study. Patients in the extension casting group were followed up from 14 to 22 months, with an average of 17.34 ± 2.61 months. The full-length cast was applied from 4 to 6 weeks with a mean of 5 weeks. All casts were converted to the above elbow cast when the fracture became sticky. Results: Radiological evidence of a fluffy callus appeared at an average of 35 days and bony union was achieved at a mean of 3.48 ± 0.59 months. In the current study after 1 year of treatment, the mean range of motion of all joints of the affected limb became normal; the mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score after 6 weeks was 8; after 3 months, the mean VAS score was 4; and after 6 months, the mean VAS score was 1. Extension cast allows gravity to work all the time, which is especially beneficial for comminuted fractures. This reduces the chances of limb shortening.

Outcome of delayed versus immediate casting on spasticity of lower limb muscles in cerebral palsy post-botulinum toxin injection

Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is widely used to treat spasticity in children. The optimal strategy for the combined treatment of casting and BTX-A injections is not known. This prospective study is conducted to know the functional outcome of immediate versus delayed casting post-BTX-A injection in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare delayed versus immediate casting as an adjunct to botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity of lower limb muscles in CP. The objectives of the study are to test the hypothesis that delayed casting is superior to immediate casting post-botulinum toxin injection and to know the feasibility of using the Edinburgh visual gait score (EVGS) as a single qualitative and quantitative outcome measure. Materials and Methods: A prospective study is conducted to compare immediate casting with delayed casting post-botulinum toxin injection to spastic lower limb muscles in patients with CP from July 2018 to February 2019. Inclusion criteria: A diagnosis of CP with associated spastic monoplegia, diplegia, or hemiplegia with aided or unaided ambulation. Exclusion criteria: History of orthopedic surgery in the preceding 12 months; selective dorsal rhizotomy; mixed CP; ataxia; athetosis; non-ambulatory subjects. Results: The botulinum toxin injection + delayed POP casting group fared better in terms of clinical and functional outcome (as shown by improved EVGS scores) in our study. Conclusion: There is a clear benefit in delaying casting after the injection of Botulinum toxin in the recurrence of spasticity.

Карнатака как южная политическая лаборатория “Бхаратия джаната парти”

Karnataka has become the first and only state in South India where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ever won Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) elections and come to power. Moreover, in four general elections from 2004 to 2019, the party won a majority of the total of twenty-eight Karnataka’s parliamentary seats. Thus, the state is known as a stronghold of the saffron party in South India, which has a rather significant impact on the national political landscape and the balance of power in Delhi. The article examines ethnocultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and political specifics of South India as a whole and covers the key moments and the main causes of the BJP’s rise in Karnataka. It also scrutinizes the party’s methods of social engineering. These include building of electorally successful social coalitions, winning over dominant caste groups and local political leaders as well as political mobilization based on Hindutva, inter alia through disputes over sacred sites important for both Hindus and Muslims, campaigns against religious conversions, “hindutvatisation” of education, etc. Furthermore, the article examines whether and to what extent these methods are effective in Karnataka and may be replicable in other southern states. The article also investigates the causes of the BJP’s defeat by the Indian National Congress in Karnataka Vidhan Sabha election in May 2023. The author concludes that despite this failure the BJP has not completely lost the state as a springboard in South India, from where it plans to spread its influence to the rest of the region, and remains the majority party in the country and the frontrunner in the general election to be held in 2024.

Distribution of ABO and Blood Groups among various Caste and Ethnic Groups – A cross-sectional Hospital Based Study in a Teaching Hospital of Western Nepal

Introduction: Red blood cells contain antigens on its membrane which are inherited according to Mendelian Law. Despite the identification of more than 400 red blood cell antigens, ABO and Rhesus blood group systems are clinically most significant. The current study aimed at determining the distribution of blood groups among different caste and ethnic groups of Western Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among individuals in the Blood Bank of Department of Pathology of a Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to July 2019. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref. 384). Convenient sampling was done. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: In ABO system, the frequency of O, A, B and AB blood groups were found to be 960(33.9%) (95% Confidence Interval= 32.15-35.64), 930(32.8%) (95% Confidence Interval= 31.11-34.57), 716(25.3%) (95% Confidence Interval= 23.68-26.88) and 226(8.0%) (95% Confidence Interval=6.98-8.98) respectively. Rh positive was the dominant Rhesus blood group, 2758(97.4%) (95% Confidence Interval=96.73-97.94). Blood group O was dominant in Brahmin, Bishwakarma, Gurung, Pariyar, Tamang, Terai Brahmin and Limbu. Conclusions: The frequency distribution pattern of ABO blood group was observed as blood group O&gt;A&gt;B&gt;AB. Variation in the blood group distribution was observed in different ethnic groups.

A Sociological Analysis of Nepalese Banking: Historical Perspective

In the context of Nepal, banking is basically understood to provide loan and accept deposit centering on interest. So, banking and interest are two inseparable parts. This article aims to view banking and interest from a sociological perspective. There are many sociological explanations about banking practices but they have not been adequately documented and analyzed, especially in the context of Nepal. This is the statement of the problem. Even those documents that do exist provide only provide indirect explanations on the matter. Is interest system solely economic or do there exist other non-economic factors as well? This is the research question here. This article aims to find out how sociological aspects like gender, religion, caste and special age group influence banking and interest. And finally this article finds out that interest system is uniquely tied to the aforementioned sociological aspects.

Prospective Comparative Study of Above Elbow Cast for Six Weeks Versus Above Elbow Converted to Below Elbow Cast After Three Weeks for Pediatrics Distal Forearm Fracture

IntroductionForearm fractures are common injuries and the approach to manage these in children is different than similar injuries in adults. Various methods of cast immobilization are done for the treatment of distal forearm fractures in children. The purpose of this study was to determine if above elbow cast (AEC) converted to below elbow cast (BEC) in three weeks are as effective as above elbow cast (AEC) in the treatment of the distal forearm fracture. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of evaluating and comparing the outcome of above elbow cast (AEC) with above elbow converted to below elbow cast (BEC) after three weeks for management of pediatrics distal forearm fracture. MethodsThis study was conducted in Department of Orthopedic Surgery in College of Medical Sciences-TH Bharatpur, Nepal from February 2016 to January 2017. Among sixty cases thirty were selected in AEC group and thirty in above elbow converted to below elbow cast group (AEC/BEC) by simple random sampling. All patients were followed up six months. ResultsOut of sixty patients in two groups, fifty-three made to all follow up. Twenty- eight of cases were AEC group and twenty-five were AEC/BEC group. All the cases had union at six weeks and twelve weeks follow up. There was statistically significant difference in limitation in pronation/supination. Conclusions AEC converted to BEC for six weeks is effective as AEC for six weeks in the treatment of distal third forearm fracture in children. AEC/BEC group patients have lesser degree of loss of supination/pronation movement.

Religious freedom and the subversive adaptation of Christian converts from Hinduism

This paper explores how converts to Christianity tend to navigate a complex social landscape by occupying hybridized sites seeking to remain Hindu while following Christ. This strategy is especially visible in Krista Bhakta (Christ followers) movement, the upper caste groups who see a cultural continuity with the Hindu traditions. Using “hybridity”, a concept that Homi Bhabha popularized to capture the mixing of Eastern and Western cultures in postcolonial literature, this essay explores how it can be applied in the religious sphere that adopts this subversive tool within political and cultural spheres.

Informal social group and Lok Sangharsh Samiti (LSS): informal collaboration of Dalits for resistance and ‘land rights’

ABSTRACT Dalits, as ex-untouchable caste groups, are at the bottom of India’s hierarchical social structure and are on the margin in the social, educational, cultural, political, and economic spheres of society. Land is one of the vital resources which does not merely determine one’s socio-economic condition but also regulates social position in society. The historical marginalization and exclusion of Dalits denied them land ownership, which affects their socio-economic well-being. Therefore, the denial of Dalits from access to land ownership is not merely visible in their measurable socio-economic condition but also in their social position in society. However, over the period, the social and political mobilization of Dalits has emerged as a tool against structural discrimination and social exclusion, which contributed to their social and economic well-being. Therefore, drawing upon the experience of Lok Sangharsh Samiti (LSS) – an informal social group of Dalit community which was formed in 2002 for land rights in the District of West Champaran, Bihar, the article argues that collective struggle, informal collaboration, and social mobilization of Dalits contributed enormously to their land rights; and thus, Dalits are making a claim for social justice.

Fertility and Reproductive Health: A Qualitative Study of Homeless Migrants in Delhi

Homelessness gives rise to a diverse kind of vulnerability which affect different sections of the population distinctly. Scholars have reported that the homeless are more prone to health issues than the general population. This article focuses on the reproductive health and fertility outcomes of two homeless ethnic populations in Delhi, who were migrants and belonged to scheduled caste groups. It was found that their culture played an important role in their reproductive decisions and health service-seeking behavior. The results showed that the participants were vulnerable due to gaps in Antenatal Care-seeking behavior, lack of support during admission and in the intrapartum phase, and traditional practice of home deliveries. It was observed that homelessness left fewer choices of space for women to deliver their children, especially in the case of the expectant women who either wanted to avoid institutional delivery or missed the window to go back to their native homes. Findings from the research indicate that there is an urgent need to understand and address the requirements of women in the homeless population and integrate them into the mainstream health system through infrastructural and support services.

Effect of Surface Textures and Fabrication Methods on Shear Bond Strength Between Titanium Framework and Auto-Polymerizing Acrylic Repair Resin.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of airborne particle abrasion (using different sizes of alumina particles) on the shear bond strength (SBS) between cast and milled titanium metal frameworks and auto-polymerizing acrylic repair resin. Forty flat cylindrical titanium disks were divided into two main divisions: cast and milled titanium. The two divisions were further subdivided into four groups based on metal surface treatment. Three particle sizes of aluminum oxide air abrasive powders (50µm, 110µm, and 250µm) were used for metal surface treatment by airborne particle abrasion. One group was the control group with no surface treatment. Auto-polymerizing acrylic repair resin was applied to all titanium disks. The specimens were subjected to SBS testing using a universal testing machine (Instron Corporation, Norwood, Massachusetts, United States). Surface evaluation was performed using a scanning electron microscope. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The results showed a significant increase in SBS after airborne particle abrasion of both milled and cast titanium groups (p<0.001). The SBS was directly proportional to the size of the aluminum oxide particles. The milled titanium group showed higher SBS values than the cast group when the surface was not treated with alumina particles (p < 0.001) and when the surface was treated with the smaller particle sizes of 50 µm, whereas the cast group demonstrated higher SBS values than the milled group (p < 0.01) when the particle size was increased to 110 µm and 250 µm. It could be concluded that SBS between titanium metal frameworks and auto-polymerizing repair acrylic resin was directly related to the size of the alumina airborne particle abrasives. The fabrication method of the titanium frameworkalso influenced the SBS as the untreated milled frameworks demonstrated favorable SBS values compared to the untreated cast frameworks.

Alcohol Consumption in Ancient India and the Contemporary Challenges: A Study of Socio-Economic Implications and Anti-Liquor Protests in Tamil Nadu

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the political developments in India, spanning from ancient times to the present day. The first section of the paper delves into the historical context of alcohol consumption and its profound socio-cultural implications in ancient India. It explores how alcohol was intertwined with the social fabric, varying across different cultural and caste groups. The second part of the paper focuses on the more recent political dynamics in Tamil Nadu, specifically examining the period from 2016 to 2017 when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) partially rolled back the prohibition on alcohol in response to widespread protests. Over the last five decades, Tamil Nadu has been predominantly under the rule of two Dravidian parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and AIADMK. These parties have alternated between enforcing total prohibition and permitting alcohol consumption. The unique political landscape in the state is characterized by the influence of the alcohol industry as a strategic tool for garnering votes. The paper highlights that both parties have vested interests in the alcohol business, making it a complex issue for effective prohibition. For total prohibition to be successfully implemented, a government must establish robust enforcement measures and create essential healthcare and de-addiction infrastructure. The interplay between politics, economics, and social implications in this context is explored in depth in this paper.

Exploring the Socioeconomic Factors and Causes of In-Migration: A Study on Rainas Municipality, Lamjung District

The main causes of migration of that place were for higher education and employment. Migrant people left their home mainly in search of employment. The proportion of dependent migrants was higher than proportion of migrants involved in economic activity. The main objective of the study is to find out the situation, nature and causes of migration and explore the patterns of remittance from migration. The migrants were mostly students and unemployed adult population for searching jobs. The highest migration by ethnic Caste groups were Brahman and Dalits. The highest caste-wise remittance entered Dalits and Gurung and the highest amount of remittance was used for buying land in this place.

The effect of repeated porcelain firings on the marginal fit of millable and conventional casting alloys.

The durability of dental restorations is highly determined by an accurate marginal fit, which is in turn affected by the high temperature of porcelain firing. Information is inadequate about the marginal adaptation of metal-ceramic restorations fabricated by soft metal milling technologies after repeated firings. This study aimed to compare the effect of repeated ceramic firings on the marginal fit of copings fabricated from cobalt-chromium through soft metal milling and a conventional nickel-chromium casting alloy. A single standard brass die was designed, machined, and scanned, based on which, 20 frameworks were designed and fabricated through either soft metal milling or conventional casting (n = 10 per group) and porcelain veneered. The vertical marginal fit of the metal copings was measured after 3, 5, and 7 firing cycles by using a digital microscope on 16 points around the finish line of the metal die at ×80 magnification. The data were analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-test (α = 0.05). The marginal fit of neither metal group was significantly affected by the number of firing cycles (P = 0.747). However, the marginal discrepancy was statistically lower in the soft metal milling group than that in the casting group (P<0.001). Repeated porcelain firings did not significantly affect the marginal fit of either alloy and remained within the clinically acceptable range after firings. However, the milled alloy had superior marginal fit regardless of the number of firing cycles.

Comparison of fatigue behaviour and fracture toughness of cobalt chromium alloy fabricated by casting and selective laser melting methods

Co-Cr alloys are most commonly used base metal alloy in dentistry for the fabrication of many types of metallic substructures. They gained popularity due to their good mechanical properties and low cost. There are different techniques for fabrication of Co-Cr alloys which includes casting and DMLS technique. However, change in the fabrication techniques showed variation in mechanical properties. Forty Co-Cr samples each were made from two different techniques, Casting and DMLS. Fracture toughness was done with charpy’s impact test machine and fatigue behaviour test was done with nano universal testing machine. The samples were later observed under stereo electron microscope to assess the kind of failure. Unpaired t test revealed that there was statistically significant difference between two different groups. The mean difference of fracture toughness in Casting group was higher when compared with DMLS group. The number of fatigue cycles were higher in DMLS group than the casting group. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, casting group showed higher fracture toughness when compared to DMLS group, whereas fatigue limit was higher in DMLS group than casting group.