Showing papers on "Communalism published in 2022"

Unfixing Space: Toward Anti-Caste Philosophies of Nature

Abstract: Responding to recent calls to rethink space, nature, and social difference outside of North American frameworks, this article draws on the anti-caste tradition in India to explore critiques of hierarchical “natures.” It focuses on the thought of the towering anti-caste leader Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), who put forward an egalitarian critique of Brahmanical (upper caste) philosophy’s emphasis on permanence and spatiotemporal fixity. The article situates Ambedkar’s critique in the doubly colonial—British and Brahman—context in which he formulated his thought, and emphasizes Ambedkar’s attempts to effect an epistemic break from Brahmanical conceptions of the world, including caste-based conceptions of space and nature. This critique, which is part of a broader tradition of anti-caste thought in western India, has received scant attention in international scholarship on nature and hierarchy. This tradition, the article argues, contains the seeds of an ecologically attuned anti-caste critique and can open new avenues for strengthening anti-caste/anti-racist solidarities. It particularly resonates with the works of Sylvia Wynter and those who have built on her insights about the struggle to define the human, and by extension, the nonhuman. This points toward egalitarian visions of ecology that break away from the fixity (or, more strongly, captivity) that characterizes hierarchical conceptions of nature.

“It Was Not a Failure, and It Will One Day Be Recognized as the Only Right Social Order”. On Icarian Communism

Abstract: Abstract Going beyond the idea that utopia, when it becomes a reality, is necessarily doomed in the long run, this article proposes to analyze the nineteenth century Icarian communities. Based on the current interest within the field of communal studies on the measurement of the success of utopian communities, and following the developmental communalism theory, our study addresses the economic organizational dimension of these communities, which were a testing ground for innovation and new social practices. The article provides a better understanding of how the Icarian communism inserted itself into American society and some key lessons for the implementation of emancipatory alternatives.

Critical Perspective on Communalism and Casteism in Nepal

Abstract: This paper attempts to deal with the contemporary social issues of Nepal, particularly, communalism, and casteism from the critical perspectives propounded by the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory, namely, Max Horkheimer in “Traditional and Critical Theory” (1937) and Herbert Marcuse in “Critical Theory” (1968). Its main objective is to challenge the ways communalism, casteism, and even the feminine issues are described as ideologies that seek to divide people from their society and their value systems. The theoretical tool used for it is the analytical approach to the critical theories of Horkheimer and Marcuse. Casteism and communalism have been the principal cause of social discrimination in Nepal. The chief finding of the study is that the so-called untouchable people of Nepal suffer from their livelihood problems and identity problems because of the majority’s indifference toward them. The significance of the research lies in the attempt to reconstruct the identity of Dalits, untouchables, and exploited women in relation to the constitutional provisions of inclusion in Nepal. It is believed that this paper stands as a reference to the scholars interested to research the topic further.

OUP accepted manuscript

Abstract: It has for a long time been a standard trope in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to emphasize that the forty years or so overlapping the turn of the twentieth century were a time of “transition” or “assimilation.” A church that had, in the half-century preceding, grown resistant to popular American norms about marriage, the marketplace, and democratic government began to embrace those ideas, and even to—in the case of monogamy—make them central to their faith’s identity. In 1890, the Church officially abandoned polygamy; the next year, church leaders encouraged the disbanding of the People’s Party, the church-backed political party that dominated politics in the Utah territory, and encouraged church members to join the national political parties; in the last two or three decades of the nineteenth century, it surrendered its attempts to formulate economic communalism and separation from the national market economy. Historians...

Socialism in India

Abstract: Socialism in India flourished in the space between communalism or the various religious nationalisms, but principally the Hindu species, and communism, and globally it would be recognizable as a variant of European social democracy or socialism located between conservatism and communism. It was a potent presence at the summit of Indian politics during the half century between the late 1920s and the late 1970s as groups clustered around Jawaharlal Nehru of the Congress, which was both a party and a movement within the larger national movement for independence, as also around others like Jayaprakash Narayan, J. B. Kripalani, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Narendra Deva. They were both within the Congress and therefore with the government after Independence in 1947 as much as in opposition.

Poetry as a medium of protest

Abstract: Poetry has been a medium of protest for long period of history. Poets have been vocal in protest against social injustices such as communalism, caste hierarchy, and linguistic xenophobia. Assam has been historically a land of admixture of various races. Marxism, a theory that has at many points, challenged established cultural ethos, has a history of success only in homogeneous religious community. How Marxism survived and even formed governments, is a history worth discussing.

Dravidian Movement and Arangannal

Abstract: Human society was degraded by superstitious practices without intellectual awareness. The society of the day was subjected to decline and suffering. The social reformers who emerged among the communities guided the people. Among them, Jesus, Prophet, Buddha, Gandhi, and others are notable. From time-to-time reformers appeared to reform society on the soil. Because of the illiteracy of the people, inequality and atrocities in society took place every day. Communalism and caste oppression swelled, and women and the downtrodden suffered from irrational acts. There are plenty of intellectual organizations on the soil that have arisen to reform human society to recover from them. The purpose of this article is to study the Dravidian movement that reformed the people against the atrocities of caste, religion, labour exploitation, and bonded labour in southern Tamil Nadu, and the creator Arangannal, who assimilated and spoke and wrote Dravidian ideology.

Anglo-India and the End of Empire

Abstract: Abstract People of mixed European paternal and Indian maternal descent were officially redesignated from Eurasians to Anglo-Indians in the Census of India 1911. Anglo-Indians received special provisions in the Government of India Act 1935 and the Constitution of India of 1949–1950. This group's origins date from the first arrival of Europeans at the end of the fifteenth century, but particularly from the British presence in the seventeenth century onwards. Initial openness to and financial incentivisation of marriages with local women (including "mixed-race" offspring of prior unions with other Europeans) gave way to late eighteenth-century prohibitions on mixed-race employment by the East India Company. Although the causes of this dramatic policy reversal are analyzed in the first chapter, unlike earlier academic works, this book focuses on the early twentieth century, through successive constitutional changes up to independence. Anglo-Indians, and their imagined homeland (Anglo-India), offer unique insights into how race, color, and class operated within the Raj's elaborately gradated socioracial hierarchy. Exploring the late colonial period through the prism of this mixed-race community and its concerns provides a substantially different vantage point which subverts the binary of colonizer and colonized, ruler and ruled. Individual and collective Anglo-Indian experiences of communalism, separate electorates, minority group rights, and constitutional power-sharing, help to reframe these issues from the point of view of a smaller, but disproportionately vocal, minority. Foregrounding these perspectives complicates our picture of high politics, the Hindu-Muslim question, and the creation of Pakistan, and related issues that still dominate most narratives of decolonisation.

Human Rights Theory vis-a-vis LGBTQ2S+ Culture in Africa

Abstract: This research aims at locating the offshoot of the 20th century sexual revolution, LGBT+ sexual deviation, within the context of human rights in Africa. This chapter argued that human rights hinge on the individualistic norm and as such can readily find cultural justification in the West. However, since it could be said that communalism has been Africa's traditional status quo, to that extent LGBT+ is a cultural anachronism. This chapter has posited that to subscribe to the perceived logicality in hinging LGBT+ on the human rights dictates is to legitimise cultural imperialism. The author has further asserted that the Westernisation of LGBT+ in Africa is, amongst others, one of the regrettable imports that renders the one way traffic called globalisation already suspect. To achieve this, the author employed critical analysis and the dialectical method as methods for this research.

The Rise and Fall of Agrarian Populism in Post-colonial India: Farmers’ Movements and Electoral Politics at Crossroads

Abstract: This article argues that the ostensibly desirable separation between farmers’ movements and electoral politics is historically produced in post-colonial India, and it suggests that the current conjuncture of authoritarian politics in India demands a rethinking of this separation. It traces how agrarian populism has been practised in post-colonial India across social movements and party politics. In particular, it examines anti-Congress farmer mobilisations and formation of non-Congress state governments in the 1960s–1970s, the rise of Other Backward Caste (OBC) politics and new farmers’ movements in the 1970s–1980s, the mobilisations around liberalisation since the 1990s and mobilisations since 2014, including the farmers’ protest of 2020–2021. Through this long view of agrarian mobilisations in post-colonial India, we contend that apolitical agrarian populism has lost much of its political potency, and farmers have to pursue anti-authoritarian politics that lies at the intersection of progressive political parties and social movements to realise some or all of their demands.

Narrativizing partition and producing stigmatized identities: an analysis of the representation of Muslims in two Indian history textbooks

Abstract: ABSTRACT The independence from the British rule was accompanied with partition of the Indian subcontinent on religious lines. Since partition in 1947, the two nation-states India and Pakistan have been hostile toward each other. Communalism has also been a major challenge in both these countries. The current study locates this continued hostility or the “enemy” narrative that the countries harbor not just of each other, but which also shapes the experience of a religious community within their territory. Limiting the inquiry to the Indian side, this paper explores the production of the “enemy” narrative through the discursive knowledge around partition and how it locates Muslims. The paper analyzes textbooks of two education boards in India and argues that the narrative excludes the contribution of Muslims in the nationalist movement, charts out an uncritical history of the demand for partition, and stigmatizes the Muslim community as “communal” and “unpatriotic.”

Postcolonial Other

Abstract: Are they Muslims of Assam, or are they merely in Assam? This entry describes how Muslim insiders – a minority group threatened with the loss of citizenship – became outsiders in Assam. Moving beyond the political rhetoric of the Muslim question, this entry highlights an alternative historical tradition of pluralism in Assam – the xanmiholi, which made Assam an inclusive place and charted the history of blended communities that prioritised positive human relationships. The revival of xanmiholi and undoing the rising tide of communalism is necessary for creating a progressive and peaceful future for the religious minorities of Assam.

Secularism and communalism in India: Role of the state and the citizens

Abstract: The word Secularism is very common phenomenon which every now and then comes too heard in main media or in social media in India. Secularism means to follow neutrality in religion or the state does not prefer or support any religion and there is no state religion. It also means show equal respect for all the religion. The term Secularism was incorporated to the constitution of India due to the growing contention, discontent and discrimination among the people of the country which is an impending threat to the unity and integrity of the Nation. Due to the growth and development of Communalism and Fundamentalist forces the term ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ was incorporated to the constitution by an amendment of the constitution on 18 th December,1976 with the 42 nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution. After incorporation of the word secularism in the constitution is not enough to stop the feeling of fundamentalism and communalism among the peoples of the country. Even the initiative taken through the provision of DPSP, fundamental rights and others various provisions of the constitution as well as various acts etc. are failed to remove the feeling of hatredness from the heart of the people. Secularism and Communalism are opposite to each other and secularism is failed to restraint communalism from being a challenge to the national integration. In the present study it has been tried to study the role of the state as well as the citizen of the country that how both state and citizens playing to maintained national harmony or how they are providing fuel to growth and development of the feeling of communalism among the common people.

Religion and Online Community in African Contexts

Abstract: Abstract Spirituality and religion define the African worldview and lifeworld. From time immemorial, community and religion have been the driving forces that have shaped African culture. This chapter looks at how new media communications interface with religion and community. The chapter examines how cybermedia both strengthens and threatens these critical foundations of Africa’s communal religions and religious communalism. It critiques technological and cultural determinism and indeterminism in relation to religion and online community in Africa. The questions that emerge include who sets the agenda and ethos for the online faith community or communities, when interactions, leadership structures and focal points are diffused and decentered? Others include what elements of religion in the online environment are liberating, empowering, helpful, or detrimental to the mission of faith communities. The chapter proposes ways to balance enduring core values of community with the instrumentality and novelty of worshipping under the “glocal” electronic tent.

Combating Communalism through Correct Narratives

Abstract: Communalism is an ideology which negates the concept of pluralism and assumes that not only the interests of a religious community are common, but these are necessarily opposed to the interests of other religious communities. In India, communalism has spread mainly due to false historical narratives. The British historians, with an aim to create Hindu-Muslim dissension, divided the Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and British periods. It was projected that Hindus and Muslims had been two homogenous blocks who have always been antagonistic to each other and the subject of history is mainly a narration of the confrontation of Hindus and Muslims. It was also propagated that the religion of Islam spread mainly by sword and there was vast desecration of temples by Muslim rulers. But this communal version of history is not supported by historical research. All religions preach love and compassion and no religion teaches hatred for any class of persons. Responsible citizens of all religions need to become vocal and give an ideological challenge to communalism. Religious fanaticism needs to be strongly condemned and the common moral values of religions be emphasized. Highlighting the correct historical narratives and emphasizing the composite Indian culture will be helpful in engendering an environment of harmony and brotherhood. If the forces of Peace and Harmony become vocal, communalism will itself take a back seat.

Effectiveness of educational theories and practices in achieving national unity in Kenya

Abstract: Introduction: Education in Kenya has been tasked since independence in 1964 to be the tool of forging national unity among the ethnic people of Kenya. Surprisingly, negative ethnicity levels have escalated, as witnessed in 1992, 1997, and 2007/2008 ethnic clashes. Purpose: The review investigated theories and practices in Kenyan education with regard to promotion of education goals for national unity. Methodology: This study employed critique as a philosophical method of investigating phenomena. This study critiqued the theories and practices of education in Kenya with respect to how they influence the attainment of national unity. Results: Education theories and practices in Kenya lack metaphysical contact with the Kenyan people as they emphasise much individual progress as opposed to communal development. The philosophies that underpin education such as pragmatism, existentialism and humanism propagate Western metaphysical perspectives as opposed to African metaphysical perspectives like communalism, hierarchical continuum, and continuity. Recommendations: This study recommended curriculum changes in History & Government to ensure that content therein does not elevate ethnic consciousness as opposed to national consciousness, a new subject area African Religious Education should be introduced, and Kiswahili should be considered as the Language of instruction in primary education to ensure attainment of national unity.

The decline of maritime culture in waduri and wakalingkuma 1960-1990

Abstract: This article attempts to describe the maritime-based culture on social interactions in Waduri and Wakalingkuma Village, Kaledupa District, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, in 1960-1990. People of these villages used to be sailor communities who used bhangka and soppe boats for their sailing activities. The boats were created by both villagers themselves. In every boat making process, they were always involved an elder as a leader on certain rituals that needed. Boats making process in both villages shows typical communalism in their social interaction which is appeared in pohamba-hamba system and in nabu’a nu bhangka process as the boats had been finished. These social-cultural pattern slowly disappeared along with the decline of traditional-based sailing activities in the mid-1980s. This article contained a description of how the community responds these changes by switching to farmer activities or deciding to leave their island to find a living in another land. Based on an oral sources that is supported by relevant literature sources, this research found that changes in production schemes that depended on traditional-based sailing had a direct impact on maritime-based culture pattern on social interactions that once existed in both villages.KEYWORDS: Maritime culture, Waduri, Wakalingkuma, Bhangka, Soppe

Ethics and CSR Practices for Enduring Corporate Governance Culture

Abstract: The studies in corporate governance have explained different motives responsible for adoption of corporate governance. This chapter provides answers to why business should be morally responsible and practice CSR. The authors shed light on crucial areas of corporate responsibilities of business and various theoretical justification advanced in previous studies in CSR. They look at the relationship between CSR and corporate governance – their crucial points of divergence and convergence. They also look at ethics and responsibilities for unethical behaviours and ethical theories with their limitations. Finally, they evaluate CSR and ethics from African perspective – how CSR in Africa is framed from by sociocultural influences, like communalism, ethnic-religious beliefs, and charitable tradition (ubuntu philosophy).

The ‘theory of the unity of all classes and races against foreign capital’ in Malaya: Socialism, communalism, and uneven development in the thought of James Puthucheary

Abstract: Abstract Based on the writings of James Puthucheary in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this article seeks to highlight Puthucheary's contribution to debates within the Malayan Left on the national question. It will highlight Puthucheary's situating of the Malayan Left within a wider transnational flow of nationalist, anti-imperialist, and socialist thought, as well as his attempt—through his own Marxist-influenced assessment of the Malayan situation—to answer the political problem of the relationship between socialist politics and nationalism in Malaya. In doing so the article will highlight the way in which Puthucheary's own position on questions of education and language policy placed him in opposition to dominant trends within the Malayan Communist Party and the left-wing of the People's Action Party, provided a theorizing of the need for nation-building within Malayan socialism, and contributed towards a socialist politics which placed emphasis upon economic development and cultural nation-building from the perspective of the Malay peasantry. The article finally goes on to explore Puthucheary's subsequent disengagement from politics in the early 1960s and the growing limitations of a socialist politics of nation-building in Malaya, which led Puthucheary and others on the Left to contribute towards a programme of nation-building within existing institutions and parties in the 1960s and 1970s.

The role of the turkish muslims in the socio-cultural formation of bengal during the sultanate period (1204-1525)

Abstract: This research analyzes the role of Turks in the socio-cultural development of Bengal during the Sultanate Period (1204-1525). The study showed that Turkish Muslims contributed significantly to the establishment of fundamental rights in Bengal, such as protecting the rights of people of all faiths, social equality, a fair judiciary, and security. Moreover, the teachings and campaign of Sufis against injustice, including the caste system, social inequality, intolerance, raised public consciousness and people of different religions became interested in Islam as they were fascinated by Sufis' generosity, humility, and normal lifestyle. Followers of all religions were given the opportunity to participate in administrative activities based on merit, generosity, and cooperation provided to other religions; as a result, communal harmony and religious tolerance were achieved. The universal education system was introduced as well as Bengali language and literature were developed. Scholars of other religions were also encouraged, engaged, and respected in the pursuit of knowledge. The isolated areas of Bengal were united for the first time, and the Bengalis formed a nation under the reign of the Turkish Ilyas Shahi dynasty. The study concludes that Turkish Muslims contributed to the development of almost every section of Bengali society and culture.

Indo-Mozambican Institutions: Hindu Interactions with the State

Abstract: This chapter investigates the question of immigrant integration by framing Hindus in Mozambique, through their experiences within institutional spaces. First, it describes Mozambique’s history of Hindu temple building, focusing on the Comunidade Hindu in Maputo and the Afro-Asian solidarity represented by the Hindu temple in Salamanga. Hindu oral histories describe the experience of those Indo-Mozambicans who retained Indian nationality and those who experienced internment camps and deportation after Goan annexation in 1961.The fall from grace of Hindus in Mozambique was triggered by the forced decolonization of the Portuguese territories on the Indian subcontinent. Indian annexation of Goa was when Indo-Mozambican said sub-identities were defined, hardened, and publicly articulated in Mozambique. People who identified as of Goan-origin largely knew nothing about the internment camps and deportation proceedings that affected Hindu, Indian passport holders. In contrast, respondents of Hindu faith remember events vividly. The importance of those decolonizing events has been passed down intergenerationally, as entire families were splintered by the forced removals. It is at this time that the perception of LM/Maputo as a safe haven became a retractable concept.

Community Governance and Socio-Economic Development Realities in Nigeria

Abstract: This paper explores the nexus between community governance and the realities of socio-economic development at the local level. This work relies on secondary data. The paper reveals that institutional frameworks at community level have potentialities in the realisation of socio-economic development in Nigeria. The paper recommends that extensive national value re-orientation and spirit of communalism are the needed mechanisms that would inspire patriotic citizenship/leadership and active civil society which is able to drive the process of utilising both local human and natural resources for the actualisation of socio-economic development in Nigeria.