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: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
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. 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. The chapter also examines the strategies employed by these groups to resist exploitation and assert their rights, including collective action, social movements, and political participation.

Chapter 4:
The fourth chapter focuses on the impacts of neoliberal capitalist globalization on agrarian relations. It analyzes 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 examines the role of state policies and institutions in perpetuating inequality and marginalization, including the neglect of rural development and the promotion of corporate interests.

Chapter 5:
The fifth chapter explores the experiences of exploitation and resistance of rural women laborers. It documents the various forms of exploitation experienced by these groups, including low wages, long working hours, forced labor, and sexual harassment. The chapter also highlights the forms of resistance employed by these groups, including collective bargaining, labor strikes, and political activism.

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 and examines the marginalized position of women and Dalit agriculture laborers within these discriminatory networks. The book also documents the experiences of exploitation and resistance of rural women laborers and highlights the strategies employed by these groups to assert their rights and challenge the dominant power structures. 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.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032229065