Layers within Caste in India by Kanhaiya Kumar

Layers within Caste in India by Kanhaiya Kumar

This book goes beyond the conventional understanding of social stratification in India. It provides a comprehensive overview of the problem of caste and subcaste discrimination, including different forms, and its impact on Dalits. It challenges the status quo and offers a vision for a more just and equitable India. It describes disparities in the economic status by discussing the empirical evidence from the field. The chapters discuss sociocultural, economic and healthcare access to marginalized social groups. It also illustrates through lived experiences and narratives how a hierarchical grouping of sub-castes is based on their perceived occupational purity. The book offers ways to address the stated challenges to achieve the goal of an inclusive society. It reflects the policy reforms that may play a role in bridging the gap within Dalits while also bridging the gap between Dalits and other sections of society. The book interests scholars and activists in understanding the complexities of social stratification, social exclusion and inclusion, vulnerability and subjectivity, marginalized sections of society and their impact on people's lives.

Kanhaiya Kumar has been a post-doctoral fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. His postdoctoral research focused on the aspirations and challenges of young people from marginalised sections engaged in sanitation work in urban spaces.  Kanhaiya received the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR) institutional Doctoral fellowship for his PhD and was an ICSSR Doctoral Fellow at the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His research interests include social exclusion due to the interaction of caste and gender in accessing healthcare services, specifically maternal and child health and nutrition services, development programs and policies related to the welfare of marginalised communities such as Dalits and migrants. He has published several research articles and book chapters.