Concept Note

Caste is a structurally embedded social institution in South Asian societies, particularly in India, where it shapes individual and collective identities, as well as access to resources, opportunities, and power. Rooted in a hierarchical system that assigns social status at birth, caste influences the social, economic and political spheres of human life. It continuously plays a significant role in the reproduction of social and economic inequalities; and hence there is growing scholarship on the perpetuation of caste-based discrimination, exclusion, violence and humiliation of marginalised communities.

This workshop aims to explore the enduring relevance of caste in everyday life. Through an interdisciplinary theoretical and methodologically plural approach, it seeks to examine the mechanisms through which caste intersects with other forms of identity, such as class, gender, and religion, and how it reinforces social and economic inequalities.

Note on Submission of Papers

• This workshop is exclusively for Early Career Researchers (PhD, Post Doc) who are members of BASAS. It will be led by Dr. Kamini Gupta (KCL), Dr. Dhaneshwar Bhoi (University of Edinburgh) and Dr. Arvind Kumar (Royal Holloway).
• To apply, submit your full paper on the practice of caste (4000-6000 words) to Dr. Arvind Kumar (kumararvind.jnu@gmail.com) before 31 October 2024.
• There are a maximum of 12 places on this workshop. The selection of papers will be first come, first serve. We suggest you apply before the final date to secure your place.

Date & Time: 7 November 2024 (10:00-4:00 PM BST)

Venue: Online

Contact for queries: kumararvind.jnu@gmail.com