Dynamics of Caste and Law - Dalits, Oppression and Constitutional Democracy in India

The book explains how questions of caste and law involve persistent challenges concerning inequality and democracy in India's postcolonial state.

List of contents

List of abbreviations; Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Foundations of caste and constitutional democracy: Ambedkar, equality and law; 2. Law beyond untouchability: from temple entry to atrocity and legal change; 3. The Karamchedu killings and the struggle to uncover untouchability; 4. Casteism and the Tsundur atrocity; 5. Goals of law, goals of order: institutional conversion after atrocities; 6: Modernity of caste: higher education, inequality and caste struggles for reservation; 7. Conclusions on caste and law; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

About the author

Dag-Erik Berg is Associate Professor of Political Science at Molde University College. His research takes an interdisciplinary approach to study hegemony, governance and constitutional democracy in global perspective. Recent publications by him have examined the intersection of post-foundational political theory, social exclusion and law relating to India's Dalits.

Summary

The caste system is central to understanding the politics of inequality and discrimination in India and elsewhere. This book explains how caste and law have mutually evolved in India's democratic order, providing new insights into why caste oppression may persist despite India's constitutional promises of equal opportunities.

Product details

• Authors: Dag-Erik Berg, Dag-Erik (Hogskolen I Molde Berg
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2020
• EAN: 9781108489874
• ISBN: 978-1-108-48987-4
• No. of pages: 260
• Series: South Asia in the Social Sciences; South Asia in the Social Scien
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Sociology, Asia, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, LAW / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Asian, India, Politics & government, Political structure & processes, Politics and government, Indian sub-continent, South Asia (Indian sub-continent), Political structure and processes, Law & society, Law and society, sociology of law