The Gandhian approach to the study of social movements is deeply rooted in the principles and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), self-reliance (swadeshi), and civil disobedience as means of achieving social and political change. His unique methods have profoundly influenced the trajectory of social movements in India and beyond. Core…
Category: political-philosophy
Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1990 to measure and compare the levels of human development across different countries. The HDI was created as a response to the limitations of traditional economic measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, which often…
Fisher Folks’ Movement
The Fisher Folks’ Movement in India has been an important social and political struggle that emerged in response to the various challenges faced by coastal fishing communities. The movement can be traced back to the early 20th century, but it gained significant momentum during the post-independence period. Fisher folk, who primarily depend on marine resources…
Development vs. Environment
The debate between development and environmental conservation is one of the most critical and contentious discussions in modern political and economic discourse. The issue raises fundamental questions about the nature of progress, the limits of economic growth, and the long-term sustainability of human civilization. At the heart of the debate is the tension between the…
Explain the politicization of the Indian labour movement
The politicization of the Indian labour movement has been a crucial aspect of the country’s political and social history. The labour movement in India has evolved significantly, from its early struggles against colonial exploitation to its modern-day engagement with both national and international issues. Politicization refers to the increasing involvement of political parties, ideologies, and…
Women’s movement in India
The women’s movement in India has been a powerful and transformative force that has played a key role in challenging patriarchal structures, advocating for gender equality, and improving the socio-political status of women. Over the decades, the movement has evolved, addressing various forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, and advocating for women’s rights within the…
The agrarian movement in India
The agrarian movement in India has been a significant and recurring force throughout the country’s history, shaped by the economic, political, and social dynamics of rural life. These movements have often emerged in response to the exploitation and marginalization of farmers, who have faced numerous challenges, including high taxes, oppressive land tenure systems, inadequate agricultural…
Changing relationship between the Indian State and the Market
The relationship between the Indian state and the market has undergone significant transformation over the decades, marked by shifting policies, economic models, and global influences. From a state-controlled, protectionist economy in the early years of independence to the liberalized market-driven economy of today, the Indian state’s engagement with the market has evolved in response to…
The socio-economic expectations in a democratic system
In a democratic system, socio-economic expectations are deeply intertwined with the promise of equality, justice, and individual empowerment. Democracies not only offer political rights, such as the right to vote and participate in governance, but also generate a set of expectations related to the socio-economic well-being of their citizens. These expectations revolve around economic equality,…
Resource Mobilization Theory
Resource Mobilization Theory (RMT) is a prominent framework used to understand the dynamics of social movements. It focuses on how social movements acquire and utilize resources to achieve their objectives. Unlike earlier theories, such as the classical or deprivation theory, which emphasized the psychological or emotional factors behind collective action, RMT centers on the practical…
Differentiate social and political movements
Social and political movements, while often interconnected, differ in their goals, methods, and areas of focus. These movements represent distinct forms of collective action aimed at addressing grievances or bringing about change, but they do so in different ways. 1. Definition and Focus: 2. Goals and Objectives: 3. Methods and Strategies: 4. Scope and Impact:…
How are the social movements and democracy linked
Social movements and democracy are deeply interconnected, with each shaping and influencing the development and strength of the other. In a democratic system, citizens are granted political rights and civil liberties such as freedom of expression, association, and assembly. These rights form the foundation upon which social movements can emerge and operate. Conversely, social movements…