In India, the concept of izzat (honour) carries immense significance, deeply ingrained in its socio-cultural fabric. This notion of honour is often tied to gender, caste, and familial relationships, with women’s bodies frequently perceived as the vessels of familial or communal pride. Men too, particularly those defying caste hierarchies through inter-caste or intra-gotra marriages, become […]
The Right to Dignity and Sanitation for Manual Scavengers’ Children: Examining Access to Education and Healthcare in India’s Informal Communities
Bezwada Wilson, a renowned activist and co-founder of the Safai Karamchari Andolan (SKA), advocates for the rights of manual scavengers and their children. He has been vocal about the intergenerational issues and discrimination faced by these communities, especially emphasizing the need for educational and social support for children of manual scavengers. Wilson has worked extensively […]
The Social Dynamics of Noise
Public events are vibrant celebrations of community, culture and expression, but how the loud noise of these gatherings is perceived is also an important aspect of these events. They bring people together and create excitement, but not for everyone. Some see it as lively and joyful, while others might find it noisy and disturbing. This […]
Beyond Violence: An analysis of Peggy Reeves’ study on Societies Without Rape
Peggy Reeves Sanday’s research on societies without rape offers profound insights into the complex interplay between culture, gender, and violence, fundamentally challenging prevailing assumptions about the inevitability of sexual violence. Her extensive ethnographic work categorizes societies into “rape-prone” and “rape-free,” revealing that rape is not a universal feature of human behaviour but rather a cultural […]
A Comprehensive Approach to Tame Food Inflation
Retail inflation rose to 5.49% (y-o-y basis) in the month of September on the account of elevated food prices according to the latest NSO data. Inflation in the food and beverages segment crossed the 8% mark after a 2-month lull sparking concerns regarding sticky food inflation and the overall impact it has on price stability. […]
Gig workers in India: The story of a relentless struggle
Amidst the busy lives in India millions of workers don’t go for the traditional jobs or are unwillingly compelled to for doing gig jobs. As gig economy surges forward, workers on platforms like Uber, Swiggy and many other such platforms are at the forefront. However, behind this convenience of instant deliveries and rides lies a […]
Ascriptive Identity Outweighs The Ability To Achieve
Introduction Identity is a social construct by which an individual identifies oneself and differentiates oneself from others. No individual can live without an identity. There are primarily two forms of identity ascriptive and achieved. Ascriptive identities are those which are determined by birth and is not based on individual choice and actions. Like caste, religion […]
Climate Change: The New Reality TV show
“The lowest common denominator is Reality TV” – Cameron Tucker, Modern Family The Kardashians have nothing over climate change. Their content is limited to a personal feud over dresses and boyfriends while this reality tv which has been spanning over decades now, gives something new to see every day. People believe it’s only comedy […]
Violence Against Women in Politics in Kenya is An Attack on Democracy
[responsivevoice_button] The Problem “I didn’t know Beatrice Elachi was this empty. On behalf of the Luhya Community, we disown her,” lamented Otwoma the Brand via X. As much as I would love to dwell on the fact that this post has been up for close to two years, the sentiment directed at Dagoretti North Member […]
The Hidden Heroes of Kumartuli: Women Idol Makers and Their Struggles
Kumartuli is a colourful neighbourhood in Kolkata, famous for its stunning idols, especially during the grand celebration of Durga Puja. The artisans here create beautiful representations of various deities, pouring their skill and creativity into each piece. However, the stories of the women who work tirelessly behind these idols often go unnoticed. While they play […]
