India is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual country, home to a wide array of ethnic minorities. These ethnic groups contribute to the country’s rich cultural diversity, but they also face distinct social, political, and economic challenges. Understanding the position of ethnic minorities in India requires acknowledging both their contributions to the national fabric and the…
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Different forms of Dalit assertion since the 1980s
Dalit assertion, especially since the 1980s, has played a crucial role in reshaping India’s social and political landscape. Dalits, who have historically been marginalized and oppressed under the rigid caste system, began to challenge their subordination through various forms of political, social, and cultural assertion. This assertion has taken different shapes over the years, from…
The factors for the persistence of inter-state water disputes
Inter-state water disputes have been a persistent feature of India’s political landscape. The country’s complex federal structure, coupled with regional imbalances, varying water availability, and conflicting interests between states, has led to numerous contentious issues surrounding water resources. Despite various efforts to resolve these disputes, including the establishment of commissions and tribunals, conflicts over water…
Regional imbalances are a challenge to the existing social order
Regional imbalances have been a longstanding issue in India, contributing to disparities in development, access to resources, and overall quality of life across different regions of the country. These imbalances can be understood in terms of economic, social, and political dimensions and pose significant challenges to the existing social order, which is based on the…
The major changes in the party systems in the states since the late 1960s
The Indian party system has undergone significant transformation since the late 1960s, reflecting broader political, social, and economic shifts. While the early years after independence were dominated by the Congress party, the dynamics of state politics began to evolve with the decline of Congress’s hegemony, the rise of regional parties, and the emergence of coalition…
Centre-State relations in Contemporary Indian Politics
The Centre-State relations in India are a foundational aspect of its federal structure. Enshrined in the Constitution, these relations define the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union (Central) government and the states. While India adopts a quasi-federal system — where the Centre holds significant authority — evolving political dynamics have led to significant…
Political mobilization of Dalits in post-independence India
The political mobilization of Dalits in post-independence India is a significant development in the country’s political history. Historically marginalized and oppressed, Dalits (formerly referred to as “untouchables”) were excluded from the mainstream social, economic, and political systems, facing systemic discrimination under the caste system. The struggle for Dalit rights and social justice has been a…
How important is the theoretical framework to understand social movements?
Theoretical frameworks are essential for understanding social movements as they provide a structured way to analyze the causes, dynamics, outcomes, and effects of collective action. Social movements are complex phenomena that emerge in response to perceived injustices, inequalities, or grievances, and theoretical frameworks offer valuable tools to unpack and interpret these processes. These frameworks help…
How did science and technology enhance global social movements?
Science and technology have played an instrumental role in enhancing global social movements, particularly in the modern era. With the proliferation of communication technologies and advances in information sciences, social movements have gained new tools and methods to mobilize supporters, raise awareness, and achieve their goals. Here are some key ways in which science and…
The components of social movements
Social movements are collective, organized efforts aimed at bringing about social change. They are typically driven by a shared belief in a particular issue, and their success is dependent on mobilizing resources, people, and efforts to bring about change. Social movements are complex phenomena, and their components can vary depending on the movement’s context, but…
The differences between reform and revolutionary movements
Social movements play a significant role in shaping the socio-political landscape of a society, and they can broadly be categorized into two types: reform movements and revolutionary movements. While both aim to bring about change, they differ in their objectives, methods, and the scale of the changes they seek. The distinction between these two types…
The significance of social movements
Social movements are defined as organized, collective efforts by a large group of people who come together to promote or resist change in the social, political, or economic spheres of a society. These movements reflect the aspirations, grievances, and demands of various sections of society and play a pivotal role in social transformation, nation-building, and…