Liberalization in India, which began in earnest in 1991, was a major turning point in the country’s economic, social, and political landscape. The liberalization process involved the reduction of state control over the economy, opening up markets to global competition, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and promoting foreign investment. These economic reforms led to significant changes in…
Category: political-philosophy
How and why caste factors are significant for Indian reforms?
Caste has been a deeply entrenched social, economic, and political structure in India for centuries. It has shaped the lives of millions of people, influencing their social identity, opportunities, and status in society. The caste system, which divides people into hierarchical groups, has historically resulted in discrimination, exclusion, and exploitation of certain communities, particularly those…
How important are social reforms and why are they difficult to achieve?
Social reforms are crucial for the development of society, as they aim to address systemic inequalities, injustices, and inefficiencies within social, political, and economic systems. They are necessary for creating more equitable and just societies, where individuals have access to opportunities regardless of their background, gender, race, or economic status. Social reforms target various aspects…
Backward Class Movement in the Indian context
The Backward Class Movement in India has been a significant social and political movement aimed at improving the social, economic, and political conditions of historically marginalized communities. In the Indian context, “backward classes” refer to communities that have been socially and economically disadvantaged due to the caste system, which has historically discriminated against lower-caste groups…
The Marxian approach to the study of social movements
The Marxian approach to the study of social movements is rooted in the analysis of class struggle, economic inequalities, and the role of material conditions in shaping social, political, and economic systems. According to Marxism, social movements arise as expressions of underlying economic forces and class contradictions within society. Unlike the liberal perspective, which often…
Ethnic movements in North-East India
The ethnic movements in North-East India are diverse and complex, shaped by a variety of historical, cultural, political, and economic factors. These movements primarily focus on asserting the identity, autonomy, and rights of various ethnic groups and indigenous communities in the region. North-East India, comprising states like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya,…
Reservation as a tool of social justice
Reservation, in the context of India, refers to a system of affirmative action aimed at ensuring social justice by providing preferential treatment to historically disadvantaged and marginalized communities. These include Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The reservation system was introduced as a means to address the historical injustices and…
The political mobilization of Dalits since the 1980s
The political mobilization of Dalits in India has undergone significant transformations since the 1980s, marking a critical phase in the struggle for social justice, equality, and political representation. Dalits, historically marginalized and oppressed by the caste system, have been involved in various forms of resistance, but the 1980s saw the emergence of more organized, assertive,…
Impact of economic liberalization in Indian society
The economic liberalization of India, which began in 1991, represents a significant transformation in the country’s economic policies and has had profound implications for both the nation’s economic growth and its society. The liberalization process, initiated under the leadership of then-Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, aimed to address the economic challenges that India was facing…
Differences between reform and revolutionary movements
Social movements can broadly be categorized into reform movements and revolutionary movements, two distinct forms of collective action aimed at achieving social change. While both aim to challenge and alter societal structures, they differ significantly in their scope, goals, methods, and the extent of transformation they seek. Reform Movements: Reform movements are gradual, reformist efforts…
The New Social Movements (NSMs)
New Social Movements (NSMs) emerged in the late 20th century as distinct from traditional labor movements and class-based struggles. NSMs are primarily concerned with issues related to identity, culture, lifestyle, and environmental concerns. Unlike the earlier movements that focused on class struggle and economic inequalities, NSMs seek to address broader social, political, and cultural issues…
Liberal approach to the study of social movements? How does it compare and contrast with other approaches?
The liberal approach to the study of social movements originates from liberal democratic traditions and sociological perspectives that emphasize individual rights, civil liberties, participatory democracy, and the rule of law. It conceptualizes social movements as essential mechanisms through which citizens engage with democratic institutions to seek reforms, assert rights, and influence policy-making without fundamentally challenging…