Anuradha Nair
Independent Researcher
Kerala, India
Abstract
This sociological field analysis delves deeply into the multifaceted ways in which caste hierarchies in rural Indian villages influence access to and use of critical public spaces. Through a mixed-methods approach combining structured interviews (n = 120), participant observation over six weeks, and spatial mapping of key communal infrastructures, the study uncovers layered mechanisms—both formal and informal—that maintain exclusionary norms. Upper-caste–controlled wells, temples, schools, and panchayat offices are shown to employ explicit prohibitions, symbolic markers, temporal restrictions, and social sanctions to enforce boundaries. Meanwhile, lower-caste individuals engage in subtle acts of micro-resistance, leveraging emergencies or youth-led dialogues to contest entrenched practices. This study’s granular findings illuminate how spatial exclusion perpetuates broader socioeconomic disparities, undermining community cohesion and equity. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening legal safeguards, promoting participatory spatial planning, and fostering inter-caste educational and dialogue initiatives. By centering the lived experiences and voices of marginalized groups, this analysis contributes to a richer sociological understanding of spatial justice in rural India.
Keywords
Caste, Public Spaces, Spatial Exclusion, Indian Villages, Sociological Field Study
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