Hierarchy and Its Discontents: Culture and the Politics of Consciousness in Caste Society

by Steven M. Parish

Overview

The caste system fascinates Western scholars because it forms the basis for South Asian society—but how does it affect its participants?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780812233131
Publisher:	University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
Publication date:	05/29/1996
Series:	Anniversary Collection
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.69(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Steven M. Parish is Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, San Diego.

Editorial Reviews

"The book is an insightful and sensitive account of the psychological life-world of caste. Its principal strength is the way in which Parrish celebrates the multiplicities and ambiguities of experience of everyday life in caste society. His account strikes a responsive chord. . . . It makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of caste in Nepal as well as to expanding ethnography beyond monolithic truths."—Social Anthropology

From the Publisher

A study of the problems of meaning associated with life in a caste system and the critiques of cast life by members of it who reflect on the problems. Drawing on field work in two Hindu cities in Nepal and accounts of caste life in India, explores equality and hierarchy, ambivalences, conflicting visions of caste life, the Indian untouchable's critique of culture, the politics of consciousness, and other dimensions. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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