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Caste in 21st Century India: Competing Narratives.
1University of Maryland.
Economic and Political Weekly
|June 28, 2012
Summary
Caste disparities persist in modern India, impacting education, income, and social networks. This study uses 2005 survey data to examine the continued relevance of caste in contemporary Indian society.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Social Stratification
- Indian Studies
Background:
- Debates on including caste in the 2011 Census highlight its contested relevance in contemporary India.
- Mid-20th century ethnography identified caste differentiation across various dimensions.
- The persistence of caste hierarchy amidst economic changes remains a subject of academic discussion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between social background and well-being dimensions.
- To assess the continued impact of caste on socioeconomic outcomes in India.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a nationally representative survey of 41,554 households.
- Conducted in India during 2005.
- Employed quantitative analysis to examine caste disparities.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests the continued persistence of caste-based disparities.
- Significant differences observed in education, income, and social networks based on caste.
- Social background remains a key determinant of well-being.
Conclusions:
- Caste continues to be a significant factor influencing socioeconomic status in India.
- Despite economic liberalization, caste disparities endure across critical life domains.
- Further research is needed to understand the evolving dynamics of caste in India.
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