Caste Race and Discrimination: Discourse in the International Context: Discourses in International Context

Book Details

• Author: Sukhadeo Thorat

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2004

• ISBN: 9788170338925

• Pages: 378

• Cover: Hardcover

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

The World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR), held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001, brought global attention to the pressing issues of caste and race, particularly in India. The debate surrounding caste was propelled to the forefront by Dalit groups demanding its inclusion on the agenda of the conference, with the Indian government and various sections of civil society taking differing positions. This international discourse sparked extensive discussions, resulting in a rich body of literature on caste, race, and the discrimination faced by Dalits in India and beyond.

This volume presents a collection of scholarly papers that address caste and race-related issues, the internalization of caste, and the current status of Dalits and similar marginalized groups in countries like Nepal and Japan. The contributors explore various aspects of discrimination and inequality, suggesting alternative remedies for overcoming these deep-rooted social issues.

The book includes critical perspectives on the experiences of Dalits, reflections on their historical and contemporary struggles, and insightful analyses from academics, civil rights activists, and writers. It also explores the complex relationship between caste and race, examining the intersectionality of these forms of social stratification and the challenges faced by affected communities.

This work is a vital resource for academics, policymakers, human rights activists, NGOs, and researchers, offering invaluable insights into the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination. It is equally relevant to general readers interested in understanding the nuances of caste, race, and the fight for social justice.

About the Author

Sukhadeo Thorat is a Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, and currently serves as the Director of the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, New Delhi. Thorat has written extensively on issues related to Dalits, caste discrimination, Ambedkar’s economic ideas, human rights, agricultural development, rural poverty, labor, and child labor. He has published seven books and numerous articles in national and international journals.

Umakant, Associate Fellow at the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, has contributed to writings on Dalit politics, leadership, and human rights. He has also been involved in advocacy for Dalit rights and social justice.