Some unity in diversity: Analysing inequality, change and mobility in rural south India

Abstract

Inspired by Ramkrishna Mukherjee, in this chapter, I have utilized abstract models of inequality for understanding social change and transformation in rural Tamil Nadu in the past 40–50 years. The first model, developed by Charles Tilly, delineated four dimensions of inequality: (i) exploitation, (ii) opportunity hoarding, (iii) emulation and (iv) adaptation to new situations. The second model, advanced by Partha Nath Mukherji, argued that is not one-dimensional; however, it can analytically be divided into economic exploitation, political oppression, cultural discrimination and gender discrimination. When applied to social mobility and change, one can understand strong social mechanisms in both reproduction and change. In the 1960s, Madharis, a dalit caste, experienced complete destitution and returned to sustainable employment and livelihood only in the early 2000s. This is illustrative of the opportunity hoarding mechanism for agricultural employment when members of other castes have left the rural labour market. Also, they have via labour organisations and representation in the Panchayati Raj institutions achieved political mobility, which has erased much of their oppression.