Caste Research Articles

Caste-based analysis of multidimensional early childhood poverty in India: Patterns and determinants

Children are among the most vulnerable groups worldwide, bearing a disproportionate share of the burden of poverty. One-third of children, compared to one-sixth of adults, are multidimensionally poor. Experiencing poverty in childhood can have long-term negative consequences across generations. As a result, multidimensional poverty measures have recently been investigated in the child poverty literature. This study analysed multidimensional poverty among children (0–59 months) in India using the Alkire-Foster’s counting approach and looked into how it differs across the country’s well-known social stratification, the Caste system. The determinants of multidimensional child poverty (MCP) have been determined using multiple logistic regression. By using National Family Health Survey, 2019–21 data, the study revealed that the incidence of MCP in India is 32 %; highest among Scheduled Tribes (STs) (50 %), followed by Scheduled Castes (SCs) (37 %), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) (30 %) and ‘Others’ (22 %). Across all the Castes highest rates of deprivation were recorded in the indicators of standard of living and early childhood development (ECD) dimensions; together, they contribute more than 50 % to the MCP index (MCPI). The contribution of the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) dimension in MCPI of STs is also noticeably higher (20.2 %). Of the 15 indicators considered, availability of TV/Radio, followed by immunisation, sanitation, cooking fuel, housing condition, and stunting, are the leading contributors with a combined contribution of more than 55 %. A child being a male, of higher birth order and born to a mother with higher years of schooling was more likely to experience multidimensional poverty. The household head’s sex, age, and years of schooling were significantly associated with MCP. Across all castes, children from nuclear families, 7 + household members, higher number of children per woman, rural areas, central, eastern and north-eastern (except STs) regions were more likely to experience multidimensional poverty.

Remapping Caste, Dalits, and Nature: Socio-Ecological Realism in Bheda

ABSTRACT This article investigates the workings of the caste system and its negative impact on Dalit lives and Nature as represented in Akhila Naik’s Bheda. Using the broad approach of ecocriticism, it focuses on ‘environmental casteism’ to assess various dimensions of caste discrimination meted out to the Dalits. It exposes the paradoxical underpinnings of the naturalisation of caste and varna system through which Dalits and various landscapes, water bodies, and forests have been subjugated and appropriated in different times and spaces. The study will also identify the eco-precariousness of Dalits through different casteist, state-backed, ecological, and educational institutions that underwrite casteism, and it also argues for Dalit socio-ecological struggle coupled with Dalit ‘consciousness of kind’. Furthermore, the study not only divulges the Brahmin-Bania duo’s black marketeering that has deprived the Kalahandi district of its rich natural resources but also celebrates Dalit socio-ecological egalitarian approach espoused, particularly, by Laltu, the protagonist.

본산대 탈놀이패로서의 ‘반인(泮人)’설 재론에 대한 반론

Seonggyun-gwan's (성균관, the national school in Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties) slaves, known as Ban-in (반인, 泮人), was regarded as the Bonsandae (본산대) mask play troupe and was also regarded as the butcher. This theory associates Ban-in with Su-cheok (수척, 水尺), a butcher originating from northern nomadic cultures, traditionally grouped under the umbrella of Gwangdae (광대) in the northern regions. The 'Ban-in' theory was already wrong from the beginning due to the fact that the Ban-in was not a Sandae-hui (산대희) player. Despite its questionable foundation, Jeon Gyeong-uk has steadfastly supported this “Ban-in” theory since 1997, bolstering it with publications like 'Su-cheok and Ban-in as Performers seen through new Materials' (2014) and recent works such as 'History of Korean Traditional Play” (2020), “Dictionary of Korean Traditional Play” (2014), and “Books of Korean Traditional Play” (8 volumes) (2020), with the aim of popularizing it, even among researchers in the field.
 In response, this paper seeks to broaden and reinforce the arguments put forth by Son Tae-do and Sa Jin-sil, who have opposed the “Ban-in” theory The theory suggests that Jeon Gyeong-uk's Seonggyun-gwan's slaves, Ban-in, is regarded as northern region Gwangdae group.
 He says that Chuyeop-ryong (추엽륭. 秋葉隆) was convinced that Ban-in served as the Bonsandae mask play troupe. He also contests the claim that Ban-in participated in the unique Sanbung-japhui performance during the 12th year of King Yeongjo's reign and that Ban-in was indeed the butcher. These contentions collectively refute the 'Ban-in' theory's validity.
 Furthermore, the additional materials Jeon Gyeong-uk introduced to support the “Ban-in” theory lack substantial evidence for its reinforcement. Previously, interpretations of texts such as 'Munjong-sillok' and 'Gyerimyusa' indicated that 'Su-cheok' referred to characters participating in Sohakjihui, while 'Gojak' denoted the offspring of clowns, rather than reinforcing the “Ban-in” theory. Hence, the notion that “Su-cheok,” the butcher, is synonymous with a clown or part of the northern Gwangdae group is no longer tenable.
 Conversely, the paper explores the presence of the Hwarangi group, Mubu, and the musicians, and clowns in the southern region, postulating that they may have made their way to Hwarang of Silla from distant places. In contrast, musicians and clowns belonging to the northern Jaein-chon came from Gisaeng's sons and became musicians and subsequently musicians and clowns during the middle of the Goryeo Dynasty, as evidenced by the historical record that “Gisaeng's sons become Akgong” in 'Gyerimyusa' (1103).
 Traditional society in Korea operated on a caste system, with specific roles assigned to individuals based on their caste. Understanding the history of traditional performing arts in Korea requires a comprehensive examination of the establishment of the Gwangdae group, the official entertainment group of traditional society. While the Hwarangi group, consisting of clowns in the southern region, was well-known in the past, research on the northern region's Jaein-chon, a group of clowns, only gained momentum following the investigations of Kim Yeong-taek (1920-2000) conducted by Son Tae-do and Lee Ja-gyun in 1998, based on the life of Kim Yeong-taek (1920-2000), a native of Jaein-chon. It was not until 2001 that the Jaein-chon men were formally recognized as a northern clown group.
 The 'Ban-in' theory has cast a shadow over the proper understanding of the northern Jaein-chon clown group. Thus, it remains imperative to debunk Jeon Gyeong-uk's erroneous theory of 'Ban-in' and to facilitate more accurate investigations and research into the Jaein-chon men, who were indeed a northern clown group.

Time and Spatially Resolved Operando Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Measurements during Injection Moulding of Plastics

We recently introduced the possibility of performing operando small-angle X-ray scattering measurements using a novel industrially relevant injection moulding system for plastics. We show that useful time-resolving measurements can be performed with a time-cycle of 1 s and highlight the possible steps to reduce this to 0.5 s. We show how we can use the transmission measurements to provide a time marker when plastic first enters the mould cavity in the region probed by the incident X-ray beam. We show the opportunities provided by this experimental stage mounted on the NCD-SWEET beamline at ALBA to probe the reproducibility of the injection moulding system on different scales. The design of the equipment allowed for the development of the structure and the morphology to be evaluated in different parts of mould cavity, and we evaluated any differences in a rectangular mould cavity. We identified future prospects for this equipment in terms of novel mould heating and cooling systems and the opportunities for quantitatively evaluating radical approaches to injection moulding technology.

How social norms and values shape household healthcare expenditures and resource allocation: Insights from India

We present a novel perspective on thinking about and studying healthcare spending in contexts where few health-related financial risk protection mechanisms exist and where out-of-pocket spending by households is the norm. Drawing on interviews conducted across 20 villages in two states of India, we illustrate and problematize how a complex interplay of social norms and cultural factors underpin spending decisions within households in such contexts. While our analysis draws on the fieldwork at large, we present our findings through selected narratives - stories of patients suffering from chronic breathlessness. We engage with and reveal the various ways in which social norms dynamically drive this household economy, and shape resource allocation-related decisions. We conclude that in health system contexts where out-of-pocket spending by households is the norm, it is essential to recognise the pragmatic and calculative nature of intra-household allocation of resources, and how it involves bargaining and negotiations at the intersection of social norms, economic class, caste, gender, age, and productive status. And at the same time, how all of this occurs within the economy of the family, and how it plays out differently for different members of a family is also important to recognise. Such recognition can not only help one better appreciate how this household level economy may sometimes maintain and perpetuate entrenched hierarchies and gender inequities, crucially, it can help target health related social protection policies and strategies and make them more responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable in the society and within households.

Assessment of slope-cut landslides along Pokhara-Baglung Highway, Nepal

The study addresses the ramifications of development initiatives in delicate mountainous terrains, unveiling significant economic constraints and multifaceted environmental challenges. It focuses on investigating substantial landslides triggered by excavations along a specified stretch of Nepal's Pokhara-Baglung Highway. This research holds significance for policymakers engaged in devising highway development strategies that mitigate future landslides, minimizing both costs and the toll on life and assets. The investigation encompassed on-site cataloging of landslides, lab test of sampled soils and a structured questionnaire distributed among local residents. This comprehensive approach facilitated a thorough assessment of landslide occurrences and their consequential effects. The identified landslides exhibited a consistent rotational pattern, characterized by abundant quartzite and phyllite rock formations. The predominant soil composition consisted of fine-to-medium sands, exhibiting a Plasticity Index (PI) range of 0.5 to 3, indicating marginal plasticity. Significantly, a substantial portion (70%) of the populace reported tangible impacts from landslides, with about 32% of affected individuals confirming an average agricultural productivity loss of 4330 kg/km2. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test indicated a uniform impact across various demographic categories, including gender, education, proximity to the affected site, and social caste. Although fluctuations in the region, the observed temporal precipitation consistency over decades suggests as an accelerating rather than primary causative factor for landslides. Thus, principal causes of slope failures predominantly link to inadequately managed bedrock excavations and suboptimal road drainage systems underscoring the necessity for systematic inquiries into soil stability post-slope incisions. These measures are pivotal in guiding the construction and expansion of road networks within Nepal's Himalayan region.

Surveillance study on the application of titanium and its alloys to removable dental prostheses.

This review describes individual studies of removable dental prostheses, evaluated their performance and clinical applicability for the proposal to expand health insurance coverage of titanium and its alloys to removable dental prostheses. Titanium and its alloys have become clinically applicable as prosthetic materials by improving dental casting systems. They have high biosafety and good mechanical properties, are excellent substitutes for the silver-palladium-gold alloys for casting, and are highly useful for removable dental prostheses. Therefore, the introduction of health insurance coverage for removable dental prostheses made of titanium and its alloys is worthy of consideration.

Vegetarianism without vegetarians: Caste ideology and the politics of food in India

Climate change debates have helped frame vegetarianism as a conscientious choice across the globe and also projected India as a shining example of vegetarianism. Before this Euro-American vegetarians had long romanticized India as an ideal vegetarian society, and have assumed it to be based on progressive ethics. This article challenges such assumptions and complicates the Euro-American association of vegetarian dietary preferences with the ethical concerns of virtue, animal welfare, and sustainability. We contend that neither is India a vegetarian society nor is mainstream vegetarianism in contemporary India based on progressive ethics. We use in-depth interviews and extensive news reports to show that vegetarianism in India is a majoritarian political ideology associated with caste-based discrimination and violence, making it inimical to notions of non-violence, equality, and freedom. Majoritarian vegetarianism in contemporary India aims to conserve the caste system and its attendant inequalities. This study traces the ideological and repressive state apparatuses through which the fantasy and norms of vegetarianism are propped up in contemporary India. We argue that an uncritical acceptance of mainstream vegetarianism in contemporary India as a benevolent cultural preference whitewashes its discriminatory and violent nature, helps the caste system persist, and can undermine the well-being and nutritional outcomes of a majority of the Indian population especially those from non-elite social groups that have historically been omnivorous.

Participation of scheduled caste youth in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Tamil Nadu: a critical analysis

For achieving the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) it is very much called for the meaningful participation of the youth. The young population in India is sizable, diversified, and affected by a wide range of problems. Due to their social status and caste rigidity, youth from Scheduled Castes (SC) are vulnerable. Despite numerous laws and programs, Tamil Nadu’s programs for SC youth have a lower-than-average active participation rate. Their transition and social development are negatively impacted by poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, discrimination, and the lack of opportunities. Numerous empirical studies have examined the status of SCs in terms of their involvement in work and education, but none have yet studied their participation in accomplishing the SDGs. This paper examines how SC youth in Tamil Nadu participated in the SDGs. Subsequently, it offers an inclusive strategy to increase SC youth participation in accomplishing the SDGs.

Hybridisation and Lexical Variation: An In-depth Analysis of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

Hybridization and lexical variation are phenomena that are prevalent in many cultural domains, which as a process define the instances of hybridity in language and culture. The current study aims to investigate the variation English language in Arundhati Roy’s, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness to study the incorporation of code mixing between L1 (Hindi-Urdu) and L2 (English). This research also investigates how code-mixing results in lexical variation and hybridization in the context of South Asian languages. The findings of this research revealed that) the writer borrowed words, phrases, and sentences from both Hindi and Urdu languages to construct a specific form of hybrid identity. She frequently uses metaphorical language as an organism to convey its social and cultural backgrounds, indicating a linguistic hybridity submerged within a cultural context. Additionally, the findings also indicated that most of the borrowings stem from various sources, such as religion, cuisines, clothing, poetry, caste systems, and untranslatable expressions. Roy in particular resists translation of expressions, such as ‘Razai (Quilt), Masjid (Mosque), Baba (Father), and Inqilaab (Revolution) to create nuances of meaning embedded in the South Asian cultural context. Thus, the findings also revealed that the hybrid use of language by South Asian writers is in actual an attempt to reject the normative hegemony of Standard English and promote Hindi-English and Pakistani-English as an idea of celebrating hybrid identity.

Framing Dalits in Sikh Religion and History

This work is an enquiry into the role and status of the Dalits or the Untouchable castes among the Sikhs. An attempt has been made to trace the ‘Dalit history’ with reference to the works dealing with the issues of caste and Dalits in the Sikh social system. The various sections of the article have covered studies which, on the one hand, emphasize on the denial of the caste system among the Sikhs, highlighting its egalitarian nature and on the other hand there are studies focusing on the existence of caste in Sikhism.

Impact of Religion and Politics in Bhabani Bhattacharya's Goddess Named Gold

the paper explores the factors and impact of caste, religion, and politics in the forth novel of Bhabani Bhattacharya's Goddess Named Gold, in which multi-factors of the consequence caused due to the corrupt system of caste, religion and misuse of political powers on the hands of currupt politicians of thier personal gains is depicted through the different characters who represent both the standard and privileged man of both rural and urban people of other places, regions, and sections of the society.

Development of High-precision, High-efficiency, High-quality Molding System by Directed Energy Deposition Method

Development of High-precision, High-efficiency, High-quality Molding System by Directed Energy Deposition Method

Socio-economic distribution of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases: An analysis of the national longitudinal ageing study in India

The association of socioeconomic status (SES) with modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is unclear in developing nations. We studied SES variations in major risk factors and their percentage distribution for adults aged 45 years or above in India. Using individual records of 59,672 individuals aged 45 years or above from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India Wave 1 (cross-sectional study design), 2017–18, we chart age-and-sex-adjusted prevalence of clinical risk factors such as measured high blood pressure, hypertension, overweight, obesity, central adiposity and self-reported high blood glucose; and lifestyle risk factors such as excessive use of alcohol, current use of smoking and smokeless tobacco and physical inactivity across SES variables of education, quintiles of mean per capita expenditure and social caste. Multivariable analysis was used to explore the SES gradient of risk factors. The sample used in the study is predominantly rural (69.9%), illiterate (50.7%), has more females (54.2%), and belongs to other backward classes (45.6%). Prevalence of high blood pressure, overweight, obesity, central adiposity, high blood glucose, and physical inactivity increased; and excessive alcohol consumption and current use of smoking/smokeless tobacco decreased with income, education, and social caste. However, no significant income gradient was noted for lifestyle risk factors except the use of smokeless tobacco. The income gradient was largest for central adiposity (waist-circumference) with a difference of 23.4 percentage points as it increased from 38.7% among the poorest to 62.1% among the richest. The major burden of CVDs risk factors among older adults aged 45+ years falls among high SES.

Devadasi System: Transforming the Tradition

In historical, sociological and anthropological literature the documentation of Devadasis can be found. Theoretical explanations of this system focus on criminalization of lifestyles of women. Contemporary interpretation finds out the latent force of exploitation incorporated in the system. Sociological analysis reveals the socio –cultural determinants behind the perpetuation of the phenomenon are religious beliefs, caste system, patriarchy and economic stress. Methodology: The study is principally based on secondary sources like book, articles and even newspaper reports. The objectives of the paper are – 1] to explain the nature of the Devadasi system and 2] to discuss the process of transformation of the devadasis . From the time of Purana, i.e approximately 3rd Century A.D, the custom of dedicating girls to temples was initiated. As entertainers in temples, they performed singing and dancing in various functions in temples and religious festivals. Feudal power gradually became down. Hence devadasis became helpless after decaying of feudalism. Devadasis were the core cultural agent of Indian classical art from the time immemorial. Hence the world of art and artists should be always respectful to their traditional cultural skill and agency forever.

근대 이행기 한국 지역사회 변동과 서원의 변용

Modern transitional period of Korea after experiencing Colonial Modernity needs to be approached from a multifaceted perspective. In the midst of rapid social mobility, the continuation of tradition and modernization coexisted, and the traditional ruling order was not dismantled, but rather preserved and strengthened in certain areas. In Korea, the caste system as an institution was abolished by the Gabo reform, but its influence remained strong during the colonial period. A typical example is how the Confucians sought to differentiate themselves under Japanese occupation by renewing seowon, participating in hyanggyo, publishing genealogy. Meanwhile, the Japanese colonial community was led by a group called the local magnate, who were able to establish a reputation and pose as magnate through their activities in various organizations organized by the Government-General of Korea.
 The Government-General of Korea wanted to incorporate hyanggyo and seodang into the system as a supplement to socialization and general education. Hyanggyo served as a hub for local Confucians under the strict control of the Government-General of Korea. The Government-General of Korea also wanted to use the hyanggyo's properties to carry out edification work, believing that despite the hyanggyo's declining status in society, the social control of the hyanggyo and Confucians remained effective. Seodang, a traditional educational institution, was to be partially incorporated into the modern school system.
 In the case of seowon, however, was marginalized and peripheralized. Local clan sought to maintain their influence in the community by establishing their status as yangban(兩班) family through seowon, which led to the restoration and establishment of seowon.
 However, the role and influence of seowon was greatly diminished during the Japanese colonial period, in part due to the weak economic base. In the case of Oksan Seowon, a representative seowon in the Yeongnam area, tried to find a way to solve its debt problems by placing its land in trust.

Structural functionalism and educational inequalities in India: A comprehensive analysis

In the context of India, this study explores the complex link between structural functionalism and educational inequality. The study examines how the Indian educational system both functions and dysfunctions within the larger societal structure, contributing to the persistence of disparities in educational access, quality, and outcomes across various social groups. It is grounded in the fundamental principles of structural functionalism. This study aims to shed light on the complex interactions between structural components and functional outcomes within the context of Indian education through a multifaceted approach that includes literature review, and comparative analysis. The study identifies the methods through which these structural forces affect educational prospects and support the maintenance of societal inequities by closely examining variables like social class, caste, gender, and regional differences. The significance of the study lies in its potential to offer a thorough knowledge of how structural functionalism might clarify the intricate dynamics of the Indian educational system. The approach not only clarifies how societal expectations, cultural norms, and values affect educational functioning, but it also points to prospective governmental intervention avenues that could lessen current inequities.

Glimpses from the Anthropological Odyssey of B. R. Ambedkar Through the Caste System in India

B. R. Ambedkar’s original research on the caste system in India is an unexplored area. In this article, an attempt has been made to appreciate the views of Ambedkar on the origin of the caste system in India and the relationship of the anthropological milieu of the United States of America during the time of Franz Boas in shaping his thoughts. Ambedkar gave importance on the endogamy of caste superimposed on tribal exogamy, and he maintained an academic detachment from his painful personal experiences, while presenting his seminar paper on caste at Columbia University, USA.

Untouchables in Love: An Investigation of Rebellion Against Casteism in Nagraj Manjule’s Select Features

The present article aims at analysing the revolutionary function of love in Marathi filmmaker Nagraj Manjule’s (b. 1978) selected feature films. The first two of Manjule’s feature films are set in a society ingrained in the vicious circle of the caste system. Fandry (2013) portrays the one-sided love story of a boy, and Sairat (2016) is based on the heart-rending story of Honour Killing in a realized love relationship between a lower-caste boy and an upper-caste girl. In contemporary India, the unprivileged people, whom the four-tier caste system addresses as untouchable, have been conditioned to eat, wear, work, and form human relationships in a particular manner that serves the purpose of casteism. The article will further explore how falling in love works as a constructive vehicle to carry forward the rebellion of both the protagonists against the inhuman norms of the destructive system. To discuss the nature of love in the films under discussion, the article takes the philosophical background from In Praise of Love (2009) by Alain Badiou, and The Radicality of Love (2015) by Srec ´ko Horvat, at the same time, it takes its arguments against casteism from the ideas of Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891-1956), and other alike thinkers in this line.

Towards the Signifying Buffalo: A Deconstructive Study of Casteism through the Dalit Lens in Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability

From ancient times, Varna System (Caste System) is a pernicious feature of the Indian society in which a group of economically, socially and culturally low-graded people have been oppressed, suppressed and exploited in the Brahminical society. Casteism is an internalised hegemonic power structure that determines the sense of belonging, recognition and identity of the underprivileged and marginalised community of people in the caste-based identity politics of Indian society. It makes them feel that they are metaphorically imagined to be the signifying buffalo in the signification of the cow worshipping Brahminical society because the brahmins favourably worship the cow than the buffalo despite belonging likely to the same group of community. The term, “Dalit literature” was first introduced at the “Dalit Literature Conference” in Bombay of Maharashtra in 1958 and later on, a group of Marathi writers institutionalized themselves as the “Dalit Panthers” in 1972 to combat the caste system in their writings. Since then, Dalit literature aesthetically has emerged to shape the collective voice of the socially exploited people who desire to set the platform of Dalit revolution to register a strong protest against the stereotyped frames of caste, race and class to foreground Dalit values, rights and liberty. Besides that, it raises questions about the status and situation of the Dalits who struggle for freedom and recognition to attain society's social, cultural, political and national identity. It stimulates the revolutionary spirit of the Dalit’s “collective consciousness” in the power structure of the Brahminical society. However, Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability (2011) is a frame narrative that graphically interweaves and incorporates Ambedkar's experiences of untouchability, caste discrimination and resistance with the critical observation of a Dalit woman and a Hindu Brahmin about caste discrimination and violence in the contemporary discourse of the Indian society. This research paper aims to examine the deconstructive approach to the logocentric mythology of casteism to poignantly interpret its hollowness and meaninglessness on account of the caste discrimination, violence, oppression and resistance in the graphic novel, Bhimayana. It also attempts to introduce the identity politics of the Dalits to make resistance to caste stratification, inequality, dehumanization and violence, and to enlighten the social codification of the signifying buffalos, the Dalits in the signification of the cows, the brahmins of the Hindu community at the crossroad of the Hindutva ideology.