Political Economy of Class, Caste and Gender: A Study of Rural Dalit Labourers in India

This book explores the power structures and hierarchies in the agrarian political economy of India, particularly focusing on gender inequalities. It analyzes the experiences of women and Dalit agriculture laborers in rural areas, documenting exploitation, resistance, and collective action. It also examines the impacts of neoliberal capitalism on agrarian relations and rural diversification, highlighting the role of class, caste, and gender hierarchies. The book offers valuable insights for scholars and researchers in labor studies, women's studies, political economy, agrarian economy, rural sociology, and related fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate structures of power and hierarchies within the agrarian political economy of India, with a particular focus on gender. It conducts a thorough analysis of various forms of inequalities within rural societies, while also examining the marginalized position of women and Dalit agriculture laborers within these discriminatory networks of social exclusion, political marginalization, and poverty. The book meticulously maps the effects of neoliberal capitalist globalization on agrarian relations, shedding light on the identities of laborers and the dynamics shaping rural diversification. It explores occupational patterns of women workers, labor relations, and the reimagining of labor in the villages of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the book documents the experiences of exploitation and the collective actions of rural women laborers in their struggle against injustice. By examining processes prevalent across the global South, including rural distress, depeasantization, migration, feminization of agriculture, and identity-based inequalities in rural labor markets, this book offers valuable insights for scholars and researchers in the fields of labor studies, women's studies, political economy, agrarian economy, agrarian sociology, rural sociology, sociology, development studies, and political studies.

Introduction:
The agrarian political economy of India is characterized by complex power dynamics and hierarchical structures that shape the lives of rural communities. This book aims to examine these structures, with a particular focus on gender. By analyzing various forms of inequality within rural societies, the book seeks to understand the position of women and Dalit agriculture laborers within these discriminatory networks of social exclusion, political marginalization, and poverty.

Chapter 1:
In the first chapter, the book provides a historical overview of the development of agrarian politics in India, highlighting the role of gender in shaping rural societies. It explores how colonialism, feudalism, and the emergence of capitalism have contributed to the marginalization of women and marginalized communities in rural areas. The chapter also examines the historical roots of gender inequality in agriculture, including the unequal access to land, resources, and credit, as well as the gendered division of labor.

Chapter 2:
The second chapter delves into the various forms of inequality within rural structures. It analyzes the unequal distribution of land, water, and other natural resources, as well as the differential access to education, healthcare, and other social services. The chapter also explores the gendered division of labor in agriculture, with women often performing unpaid labor and facing discrimination in wages and employment opportunities.

Chapter 3:
In the third chapter, the book examines the position of women and Dalit agriculture laborers within these discriminatory networks of social exclusion, political marginalization, and poverty. It explores how these marginalized groups are subjected to exploitation, violence, and social exclusion, and how they struggle to assert their rights and livelihoods. The chapter also highlights the role of social movements.

Chapter 4:
The fourth chapter maps the impacts of neoliberal capitalist globalization on agrarian relations. It examines how global economic forces have shaped rural diversification, including the emergence of new forms of labor exploitation and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. The chapter also explores how class, caste, and gender hierarchies specifically in the villages of eastern Uttar Pradesh shape rural diversification and labor market dynamics.

Chapter 5:
The fifth chapter examines the occupational patterns of women workers, labor relations, and the reconceptualization of labor in the context of rural India. It explores how women workers are increasingly entering formal labor markets, but face discrimination and exploitation in wages, working conditions, and social protection. The chapter also examines the role of social movements.

Chapter 6:
The sixth chapter documents the experiences of exploitation and the forms of resistance and collective action of rural women laborers. It explores how these marginalized groups have mobilized to assert their rights and livelihoods, including through collective bargaining, land occupations, and social movements. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by rural women laborers in their struggle against exploitation, including the lack of legal support, social stigma, and patriarchal norms.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the structures of power and hierarchies within the agrarian political economy of India, with a particular focus on gender. It sheds light on the various forms of inequality within rural societies, while also examining the marginalized position of women and Dalit agriculture laborers within these discriminatory networks of social exclusion, political marginalization, and poverty. The book maps the impacts of neoliberal capitalist globalization on agrarian relations, highlighting the ways in which global economic forces shape rural diversification and labor market dynamics. It examines the occupational patterns of women workers, labor relations, and the reconceptualization of labor in rural India. Furthermore, the book documents the experiences of exploitation and the forms of resistance and collective action of rural women laborers in their struggle against injustice. By examining processes prevalent across the global South, including rural distress, depeasantization, migration, feminization of agriculture, and identity-based inequalities in rural labor markets, this book offers valuable insights for scholars and researchers in the fields of labor studies, women's studies, political economy, agrarian economy, agrarian sociology, rural sociology, sociology, development studies, and political studies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367336233