Review: Challenging Caste and Gender Ideologies Author(s): Veena Poonacha Review by: Veena Poonacha Source: Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 38, No. 48 (Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2003), pp. 5047-5049 Published by: Economic and Political Weekly Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4414340 Accessed: 06-09-2015 12:48 UTC

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This content downloaded from 49.206.124.132 on Sun, 06 Sep 2015 12:48:33 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions eviews ______

up well' when she went to receive her wages. A sexist remarkby the landlord ChallengingCaste madeall thedalit women strike work. The tension between the two groups was and Gender Ideologies finally mediated through an agreement betweenthe men in the two communities thatthe womenfrom both the communi- forefrontof the struggle.The introspec- ties would not step into each other's ter- De-Eroticising Assault: Essays on tive, first essay 'Looking at Ourselves: rain (59-60). What the incident also Modesty, Honour and Power, by StreeShakti Sanghatana' (pp 25-54), does poignantlybrings home is the centrality Kalpana Kannabiranand Vasanth not merely record the history of the of controlover women to a groupidentity. Kannabiran; organisationbut goes on to explore the This is preciselythe reasonwhy women Stree, Kolkata2002; processesthat shapedthe consciousness becometargets of attackin timesof inter- pp 267 (with index), price Rs 500. of its membersand re-definedtheir life communityconflicts. course. In this sense, the essay is deeply Discussing the use of gender based autobiographicaland represents an attempt violence in inter-communityrivalries, in VEENAPOONACIIA made by the authorsto theoriseon their theessay, 'Casteand Gender: Understand- lives. It thus providesfresh insightsinto ing Dynamics of Power and Violence' W, ;ritten in the last decadeof the 20th the trajectoriesof the women's move- (pp 55-67), Kalpanaand Vasanthargue century, these essays reflect the ment.Stree Shakti Sanghatana (SSS) was thatinsofar as masculinityis tiedup to the agonisingconcerns of thewomen's move- formedafter the emergencywas lifted in degree of control men (collectively and mentwhen confrontedwith the dramatic 1977, when a groupof 15 women came individually)exercise over women's sexu- changes of the period:For the era had togetherin orderto expresstheir political ality, women from the other group are witnessedthe restructuring of the prevail- concerns.Set againstthe backdropof the violatedduring inter-community conflicts. ing socio-economicstructures - a process radical politics in AndhraPradesh, the The aim of suchviolence is to demoralise thatwas markedwith greater state repres- essay describesthe politicalmoorings of the men from the other group.This im- sions,economic inequalities and ideologi- thefounder members of theSSS as radical portantunderstanding of the underlying cal conservatism.The globalisationof the and historicallyrooted in Telengana,a reasons for violence perpetratedby the world economy and the entry of foreign region known for its economic/cultural upper castes against women from the capital into the countryhad created an marginalisationand its tense relationship lower castes has emergedfrom the expe- illusionof prosperityfor the middle classes; to the other parts of the state. All the riences of women. The National this unfortunatelywas achieved on the foundingmembers of thegroup had close Federationof Dalit Women (NFDW) in sufferingof manywho weredispossessed connectionswith the Left politics. itsdraft declaration on Gender and Racisim becauseof the currentdevelopment poli- asserted: cies or renderedunemployed by the clo- Modes of Violence Descent-baseddiscrimination based on sure of many factoriesand small manu- caste resultsin the violentappropriation facturingunits. Exacerbating the economic Writtenover a periodof time,the essays of and sexualcontrol over dalitwomen hardshipsof the people was the growing point to the evolutionof thoughtof the by men of the dominantcastes, evident communaltensions fostered by Right- two writersKalpana and Vasanth. Never- in thesystematic of dalitwomen and wingedideologies and politicalagendas. theless, despite the time lag, the essays the perpetuationof forcedprostitution in Thesedevelopments had serious implica- develop as a cohesive whole to indicate thename of religionthrough the tionsfor women.The risingcost of living the centralconcerns of feministpolitics. system(p 9). and the shrinkingemployment markets Focusingon sexuality,rape, sexual haras- Furtherdeconstructing various inci- were increasingwomen's economicbur- sment and domesticviolence, the essays dentsof caste-basedviolence, they argue dens, at the same time encoded ideas of pointout to the ways in whichwomen are that there must be a distinction made genderidentities within the fundamentalist silenced through the use of violence. betweenthe violenceperpetrated by men discoursewere pushing women back into Violenceis not limitedto thephysical use fromthe dominantgroups to maintainthe their homes. of force;it alsooperates at both the material prevailingcaste/gender domination and Capturingthe complexity and the dilem- and normativelevels in society to main- the violence that resultsfrom the legiti- mas of the times, the essays give us in- tainexisting caste/gender hierarchies. The mateanger of thedowntrodden against the sights into the theory and praxis of the violationof evena seeminglysimple dress oppressors.They also point out that in women's movement from the south. code by a lowercaste woman could prove understandingcommunal violence, it is Locatedin AndhraPradesh - a statewith to be potentialtinderbox that could ignite also necessaryto recognisewomen's roles a long history of radicalpolitics - the a communalviolence. A stalemateoccur- in perpetuatingviolence. Failing to recog- essays delineatefeminist politics through red in Orissabetween the kshatriyasand nise that the intersectingideologies of the experiences of those were in the the dalitsbecause a dalitwoman 'dressed casteand gender controls are also enacted

Economicand Political Weekly November29, 2003 5047

This content downloaded from 49.206.124.132 on Sun, 06 Sep 2015 12:48:33 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions in their own lives, the women from the enactedin thevariousjudgments delivered countryshapes the contoursof theircol- dominantgroups often side with the men in India since independence.Pointing to lective memories. in theircommunities against the other. contradictionsin the discourse,she says Subsequentlyreflecting on women's The next threeessays namely, 'Outra- that althoughrape is legally describedas politicalparticipation in 'A HenCrowing: geousModesty, Outraged Honour' (pp 68- a crime, it is also a productof the inter- Womenand Political Power' (pp 208-41) 95), 'Deathfor Rape?' (pp 96-103) and 'A nalised values of hetro-sexualityin the Kalpanaand Vasanth raise questions about RavishedJustice: Half a Centuryof Judi- larger society. Rape cases hinge on the women's politicalparticipation and con- cial Discourseon Rape'(pp 104-69) con- notionof a woman'sconsent; the prevail- sciousness.They point out that the prevail- centrateon the legal discourseson vio- ing socio-cultural norms on sexuality, ing dual gender classificationforecloses lence. The first of the threeessays show however,deny minors the right to consent politicalspace for thosewho do notfit into thatthe supremecourt guidelines issued and adult woman not to consent. These the classificationas seen in the story of in its judgmenton Vishakavs the Stateof ambiguitiestherefore are present in the ShabnamMausi, aeunuch: although elected Rajasthanhas been framed from the stand- legal system to deny womenjustice. The to the MadhyaPradesh legislative assem- pointof thevulnerability of a dalitwoman. essay goes on to show thatthe victims of bly in 2000 as an independentcandidate, It seeks to protectworking women from rape(contrary to the stereotypedimage of ShabnamMausi was denieda ticketby the exploitationby the dominantcastes and a seductressasking for it) couldbe a child Congress Party. Subsequentlyreflecting holdsthe state government responsible for or an adult woman from any age group. on LakshmiParvathi's political career in theirsafety. It also pointsout the difficulty Likewise the accused (who enjoys the AndhraPradesh, they pointthat a woman of gettingthe seriousnessof the offense benefit of doubt within the legal frame- with political ambitionshas to conform of sexualharassment accepted by society. work)could be a teenager,an old man, a to a predeterminedscript of appropriate This is evidentfrom the attitudeof poli- father,guardian, uncle, brother,servant, gender/upperclass norms to survive in ticiansand bureaucrats to thecomplaint of neighbours,government officials, or even politics. This constructionof appropriate sexual harassmentfiled by RupanBajaj a stranger.These rapists are not criminals; genderroles is also deeplyingrained even againstthe supercop K P S Gill. It was rather they are ordinarycitizens. This in progressivegroups like the UCCRI (ML) as if the reputationof a fine officer was indicatesthat the crime of rape is com- groups.This, they suggest, is the reason needlesslytarnished by a womanbecause mitted within the social norms defining why so manyfeminist groups quit radical of a pettyntsdemeanour. If an upperclass heterosexuality. Left parties.The essay also discussesthe womanfaces suchdisbelief in gettingher natureof women's politicalparticipation complainttaken seriously, what hope could Vain Search for Justice by describingthe mass movementspear- ordinarywomen have that their complaints headedby women againstthe liquorpoli- would be heard? After pointing to the failure of the cies of the state. A lesson in an adult Thesecond of thethree essays examines prevailinglegal systemin ensuringjustice literacy primer triggered an apparently the currentdebate on whetherdeath pen- for women, the authorsindict the police leaderlessmovement in AndhraPradesh alty should be imposed in rape cases. for manipulatingthe systemin 'Desecrat- againstthe state governmentin the early Kalpanaand Vasanth discuss the legal ing Graves,Defiled Bodies,Dispossessed 1990s.The last partof the essay convinc- frameworkfor the imposition of death Community'(pp 170-88).Deconstructing ingly argue for affirmative action for penalty.Death penalty can only be im- the official positionin the RameezaBee women in electoralpolitics. posed underSection 303 IPC. The sen- case, theypoint to theerasure of thecrime In 'Sharingthe Fish Head'(pp 242-61), tenceis only awardedin the rarestof rare in official investigationprocess in order Vasanthpassionately discusses the multi- cases and at the discretionof the judges. to exoneratethe accusedpolicemen. The layered disseminationstrategies devised Given the difficultyof provingrape in a processof erasurealso makesevident the by feminists.The essay beginsby describ- courtof law,it is unlikelythat death penalty ways in which women's identities are ing the growthand developmentof femi- wouldbe awardedin a rapetrial. The legal constructedin society. Apartfrom divid- nistpolitics in thecountry since the 1970s. systemin thecountry rests on the assump- ing womeninto good andbad women, the Subsequentlyindicating some of the im- tion of the innocenceof the accuseduntil stereotypingof womenalso occurson the portantmilestones of the women's move- provedguilty. Pointing to the difficultyof basisof theircommunity identities. Women ment,such as theentry of women'sstudies establishingcriminal culpability of the fromthe minoritycommunities are, in the into the universitysystem and the estab- accused,especially when the victimis not process,denied their rights to equal pro- lishment of the Indian Association of a minorand thereare no signs of injuries tection underthe law. Women's Studies in the first national on her body, they argue that the rate of The next essay, 'Crossing the Black conferenceof women'sstudies in Mumbai, convictionin rapetrials is extremelylow. Waters, Commemorating150 years of it goes on to examiningsome of the on- No doubtthis concern for the presumption IndianArrival in Trinidad'(pp 189-207) going ideological debates on main- of innocencehas been set aside in rape by Kalpanadoes not seem to apparently streaming gender in development.The cases in recentyears. This is consequent fit into the mainframeof the book, for it interestshown by internationaldevelop- to amendmentsof the IPC following focuseson theIndian diaspora in Trinidad. ment agencies on gender issues has re- feministprotests to the Supreme Court The text, however,conforms to the ideo- sultedin the mushroomingof gendertrain- judgment in the Mathura rape case logical positions of the author. By at- ing programmes.An examinationof these (Tukaramvs State of ,1979 temptingto reconstructthe historyof the programmessuggests that the differences scc[Cr]381). early Indiansettlers in Trinidad,Kalpana between them are both ideological and Thethird essay by KalpanaKannabiran pointsto theinsidious ways that the funda- theoretical.Vasanth defines programmes investigatesthe legal discourseon rapeas mentalist discourse from the mother that seek to change socio-political and

5048 Economicand Political Weekly November29, 2003

This content downloaded from 49.206.124.132 on Sun, 06 Sep 2015 12:48:33 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions economicunderpinnings of genderineq- programmemay be influenced by the conviction;qualities rare among the cur- uities as 'women and empowerment ideology of the donor agency, it may rent generation. He had overcome the programmes'and those that are under- equallybe affectedby the ideologyof the despair,poverty and casteism with educa- takenwith moderate goals as 'womenand organisations undertakingthe training tion and throughpersonal endurancein equityprogrammes'. The conceptualdif- programmes. additionto the neighbourhoodmission. ferences between these two kinds of In conclusion, the book provides an Frantz Fanon, on the tragedy of the programmes,however, needed to be elabo- insider's view of the growthof feminist Blacks,says: "I am talkingof millionsof rated. Subsequently,this discussion on politics in India. One appreciates the men[and women] who have been skilfully gendertraining veers to the much-debated passion and clarityof theirideas as well injectedwith fear, inferioritycomplexes, questionwithin mass movementson the as theircommitment to feministpolitics. trepidation,servility, despairand abase- impactof internationalfunding on thecivil However,as the essays have been written ment".Precisely in similarcircumstances, structuresin society. Suggestingthat the over a periodof time, one wishes thatthe Moonwho beganhis life with 'vasti',rose questionis complex,Vasanth argues that essays includedbrief notes on when each to becomea civil servant,a greatachieve- the donor-drivenlabel need not neces- of themwas writtenso thatreaders could ment indeed. Above all, he had edited sarilyundermine the meritsof the training appreciatethe evolutionof feministideas morethan 16 volumesof B R Ambedkar's programmes. While the aims of the in India. 31 writings and speeches, while engaging himself in the dalit struggle. His auto- biographyis thus morerelevant today for everyone of us, associatedwith the social Out-Caste movements. Today'spolitical class of all huesis en- trenchedwith the syndromes'of rushing' of the complex dalit situationand on the as observed by Gopal Guru. The book Growing Up Untouchable in India: A other, suggests a clear-cutvision of the endowsone with a perceptionof struggle Dalit Autobiography of Vasant strugglewith a long-termperspective apart and whatdoes reachingmean itself. With Moon translatedfromthe Marathi from an addedemphasis on consistency. ideology, commitment, conviction and by Gail Omvedt; Accordingly:(i) theindividual gaining the moralitybecoming `arityin comptem- VistaarPublications, New Delhi, 2002; insights could strengthen the struggle poraryIndian conditions, even the 'sub- pp xv + 203, Rs 250. without giving too much importanceto ordinated'groups are merely imitating the mundane needs/pleasure;(ii) the dalit dominantpolitical forces in every sphere activist has been shown numerous - a process of 'political sanskritisation' C LAKSHMANAN programmeswith clear strategies; (iii) both in its peak. could find an answerto the currentplight Thenarrative also providesinsights into Withoutdarkness even the light of thesun of the dalitmovements across the thefuture of theliberation of the is dim regions, oppressed. includingthe 'intractable'sub-caste issue; Havingconsciously associated his life with Withoutsorrow the idea of happinessseems in vain and finally (iv) culturalchange, through thatof thecommunity he gives the reader an the Buddhist has been to consider his/her role in - Vasant Moon (p 121) adopting tradition, opportunity shownas an option and effective alternative. shapingup or contributingto the ongoing A n effective student/youthmovement Readingthis book withfascination, one struggle, by provokinghim/her to ask: s inevitablefor social transforma- wouldcertainly wonder what a meaningful WhatI have done for the society/commu- tion.Whether a society aims to transform life Moon had had. LegendaryTamil nity? Where our fellow persons stand? itselffrom traditional to modem,capitalist poetess Aavaiyarhas sung thus centuries Whatkind of leadershipwe have?Here, it to socialist,feudal to just, class to classless, back: would be pertinentto raise how manyof authoritarianto democraticor even from Karkai Nandre Karkai Nandre! the dalit neighbourhoodsor movements casteto casteless,students/youths can play Pichai Puhinum Karkai Nandre... have bookbanks, community cooperative a useful and catalytic role. This is the (Thoughleft to beg it is betterto learn) hostels, community libraries and study centraltheme, if I had understoodit cor- Ithad happened literally to VasantMoon circles at least for themselves,to support rectly, flowing like a streamthroughout inhis childhood. The similarity of instances the poor amongthe poorestwhose unlet- VasantMoon's autobiography. may be therefor manyof the firstgenera- teredparents still struggleto meetends as This book contains29 chapterswith an tion dalitliterates across the country.The landlessagriculture labourers or underpaid impressive introductionby an eminent differencelies in thathe had consciously urbanmigrant workers. However, these scholar,Eleanor Zelliot, who has an ex- acknowledgedthe importantrole of the are the objective conditionsthat should tensiveunderstanding of the Maharashtra vasti/neighbourhood.In a situationwhere strengthenthe dalit activists' ideological dalit and Bhaktimovements. It has pre- a person'sbasic needs for mere survival commitment.Of course, there may be some cious messagesfor as well as non- - food, cloth and shelter - become a butthe pointis whetherthey aresufficient dalits.The messagesare morerelevant in daydream,his soul andbody remaining in enoughto fightfor the causeof liberation. the contextof the prevailingconditions of a bond with the community, is really In a pathetic situation, where state Indianpolitics and social struggle, provid- extraordinary.Nowhere in thebook Moon programmesare neither implemented prop- ing a futuristicvision to both the indivi- has expressedregret. His narrativeis full erly nor reach the most deserved ones, dualsand overall dalit movements. On the of hopeand optimism coupled with serious mere state supportis not enoughto con- one handit impartsa deep understanding commitment, persistence as well as scientisepeople abouttheir predicament.

Economicand PoliticalWeekly November29, 2003 5049

This content downloaded from 49.206.124.132 on Sun, 06 Sep 2015 12:48:33 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions