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Caste SHARMA

Caste By SHARMA

Caste by SHARMA


$18.49
Condition - Very Good
Out of stock

Summary

Examines the concept of caste, noting its origin in orientalist descriptions of Indian society, and showing how it made its way into social scientific discourse as a tool for the comparative analysis of social stratification. This book is useful for students of comparative sociology and social anthropology.

Caste Summary

Caste by SHARMA

. . . skillfully alerts readers to the mutability and complexity of caste, never losing sight of the general conceptual issues at stake . . . easily the best introduction for social scientists . . .
Mike Savage, University of Manchester

An excellent book . . . erudite and historically sensitive . . .
Bhikhu Parekh, University of Hull

* Is caste unique to India - or can the concept be applied elsewhere?

* How have essentialist views of caste affected the way in which it is studied?

* How does caste relate to other dimensions of difference and inequality such as class and ethnicity?

This lively and accessible text examines the concept of caste, noting its origin in orientalist descriptions of Indian society, and showing how it made its way into social scientific discourse as a tool for the comparative analysis of social stratification. It reviews social scientists' accounts of caste in contemporary India, discussing the theoretical assumptions underlying such descriptions. The author takes issue with the view of caste which regards it as specific to Hindu India and makes a case for a comparative sociology concerned with social processes. Such a sociology is important and indeed necessary if we are to understand the ways in which social inequality and cultural difference are organized in contemporary societies. The book represents a key text for students of comparative sociology and social anthropology, as well as those studying ethnicity, cultural difference and social and cultural change, religious studies, and others with an interest in Asian studies.

Caste Reviews

...skilfully alerts readers to the mutability and complexityof caste, never losing sight of the general conceptual issues at stake. . . easily the best introduction for social scientists...- Mike Savage, University of Manchester An excellent book ...erudite and historically sensitive... - Bhikhu Parekh, University of Hull

About SHARMA

Ursula Sharma is an established author who trained as an anthropologist and has conducted fieldwork both in India and Britain. She has held posts at the University of Delhi and at Keele University, teaching sociology and social anthropology. She is currently Professor of Comparative Sociology at the University of Derby.

Table of Contents

Introduction
specificities and comparisons
Caste in social science discourse
antecedents and debates
What do Indians have to say about caste?
ideologies and representations
The debate about untouchables
consensus or resistance?
Practising caste
how much change before caste turns into something else?
Conclusion
cross cultural comparisons again
References
Index.

Additional information

GOR004972980
9780335197170
0335197175
Caste by SHARMA
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Open University Press
19990216
112
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Caste