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    Caste, social stigma and identity processes

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    JASPAL Caste social stigma and identity processes.pdf (194.9Kb)
    Date
    2011
    Author
    Jaspal, Rusi
    Metadata
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    Abstract
    Caste persists as an important socio-psychological phenomenon in many spheres of Indian social life and particularly within village contexts. It is argued that socio-psychological insights into caste identity and caste- based stigma may complement ongoing sociological and anthropological research into caste. Drawing upon identity process theory, this article explores the possible functions performed by caste-based stigma both for the higher caste groups (HCGs) and the ‘Scheduled Caste’ (SC) groups. It examines how the maintenance of the social hierarchy impli- cated in the caste system, the spatial and endogamous separation of caste groups and the historical division of labour in accordance with caste group affiliation, may impinge upon identity processes among both groups. It is argued that caste group affiliation and caste-based stigma have dif- ferential and sometimes conflicting implications for identity processes among the HCGs and SCs. While negative social representations of the SCs may threaten self-esteem among SC members, it may enhance the self-esteem, meaning and distinctiveness principles among the HCGs. The systematic positioning of the caste ingroup and outgroups within the social matrix may enhance meaning and distinctiveness among both the HCGs and SCs. This article highlights a potential rationale underlying caste group members’ resistance to social change vis-à-vis caste, even among those who might be expected to benefit from such change. Some theoretical points are made in the form of testable hypotheses and methodological issues in caste-related research are considered.
    Description
    The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.
    Citation : Jaspal, R. (2011) Caste, social stigma and identity processes. Psychology and Developing Societies, 23 (1), pp. 27–62.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/2086/8021
    DOI
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/097133361002300102
    ISSN : 0971-3336
    Research Group : Psychology
    Research Institute : Media Discourse Centre (MDC)
    Research Institute : Mary Seacole Research Centre
    Peer Reviewed : Yes
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    • School of Applied Social Sciences [2084]

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