The Structure of Indian Society

Then and Now

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, Sociology
Cover of the book The Structure of Indian Society by A.M. Shah, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: A.M. Shah ISBN: 9781136197703
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Routledge India Language: English
Author: A.M. Shah
ISBN: 9781136197703
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Routledge India
Language: English

This book has a collection of ten articles written during 1982–2007 and an exhaustive introduction on the structural features of Indian society, that is, the enduring social groups, institutions and processes, such as caste, tribe, sect, rural-urban relations, etc. The book views Indian society in contemporary as well as historical perspective, based on a wealth of field research as well as archival material.

The book focuses on the significance of village studies in transforming the understanding of Indian society and also shows how urban centres have been useful in shaping society. Taking a critical look at the prevailing thinking on various structures and institutions, the author uses insights derived from his comprehensive studies of kinship, marriage, religion, and grassroots politics in advancing their studies. He points out the strengths and weaknesses of these structures and institutions and the direction in which they are changing with respect to modern time.

As against the overwhelming emphasis on the hierarchical dimension of caste, this book focuses on its horizontal dimension, that is, every caste’s population spread over villages and towns in an area, its internal organization and differentiation based on networks of kinship, marriage, patron-client relationship, and role of endogamy versus hypergamy in maintaining its boundaries. The tribes are also seen in the same perspective, emphasizing the tribe-caste homology.

Finally, the book provides information on important issues like policy of reservations, the reliability of censuses and surveys of castes and tribes, removal of untouchability, growth of organized religion and secularization.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book has a collection of ten articles written during 1982–2007 and an exhaustive introduction on the structural features of Indian society, that is, the enduring social groups, institutions and processes, such as caste, tribe, sect, rural-urban relations, etc. The book views Indian society in contemporary as well as historical perspective, based on a wealth of field research as well as archival material.

The book focuses on the significance of village studies in transforming the understanding of Indian society and also shows how urban centres have been useful in shaping society. Taking a critical look at the prevailing thinking on various structures and institutions, the author uses insights derived from his comprehensive studies of kinship, marriage, religion, and grassroots politics in advancing their studies. He points out the strengths and weaknesses of these structures and institutions and the direction in which they are changing with respect to modern time.

As against the overwhelming emphasis on the hierarchical dimension of caste, this book focuses on its horizontal dimension, that is, every caste’s population spread over villages and towns in an area, its internal organization and differentiation based on networks of kinship, marriage, patron-client relationship, and role of endogamy versus hypergamy in maintaining its boundaries. The tribes are also seen in the same perspective, emphasizing the tribe-caste homology.

Finally, the book provides information on important issues like policy of reservations, the reliability of censuses and surveys of castes and tribes, removal of untouchability, growth of organized religion and secularization.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Indigenous Leadership in Higher Education by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book An Introduction to Social Psychology by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book The Land-Grant Colleges and the Reshaping of American Higher Education by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Russia Under Soviet Role by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Architecture, Power and National Identity by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book A Magazine of Her Own? by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Understanding Popular Culture and World Politics in the Digital Age by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Empathy in the Treatment of Trauma and PTSD by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book The Impact of the English Civil War on the Economy of London, 1642–50 by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Risk-Takers by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Prostitution by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Health and the Modern Home by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book The Power of International Theory by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Treadmill of Production by A.M. Shah
Cover of the book Pedal Power by A.M. Shah
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy