A Reassessment of Power and Social Development in Kerala, India
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Capability and Cultural Subjects – A Reassessment of Power and Social Development in Kerala, India By Tamara Nair A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Humanities, University of New South Wales 2012 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Nair First name: Tamara Other name/s: - Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: School of Humanities Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences Title: Capability and Cultural Subjects – A Reassessment of Power and Social Development in Kerala, India Abstract This thesis explores connections between power and social development through an examination of capabilities and the formation of cultural subjects in tribal and fishing communities in the state of Kerala, India. Kerala has long been studied for its unique development model and, since 1996, its People's Plan for Democratic Decentralisation. Although Kerala is not exclusive in pursuing decentralised planning, its successes make it stand out from other Indian states and even other parts of the developing world. Despite its achievements, several scholars question Kerala's development outcomes including the continued deprivation faced by tribal and fishing communities. Through analysing the disadvantages faced by these communities utilising Amartya Sen's capability approach and Michel Foucault's concepts of power and subject creation, this thesis hopes to contribute to a reassessment of social development in Kerala. By illuminating factors besides income that signify development, and acknowledging cultural contexts that affect the participation of marginalised communities in development planning and decision- making, the thesis proposes ways in which these communities can be empowered while also exploring barriers to this empowerment. Foucault's concepts in particular assist in examining these barriers, which arise from the exercise of power in society. In light of this, I investigate the potential for increasing the capabilities of these marginalised groups by looking at policy options and the need for further research in the field. The empirical data I collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis during a five-month field study in Kerala indicates that equitable development and effective public participation of marginalised communities have not been sufficiently addressed by the state and local governments. The thesis shows that government initiatives have not translated into greater capability for the marginalised, and have even impeded capability building for these communities, creating barriers to their inclusion in the development process. My case studies reveal that tribal and fishing communities feel their perceived place in society makes their contribution with regards to local-level planning negligible, and defines them mostly as beneficiaries and recipients of various social programmes rather than as effective participants in sustainable development. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). …………………………………………………… ……………………………………..…… ……….……………………... Signature Witness Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: ORIGINALITY STATEMENT ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed ……………………………………............ Date ………………………………………............ COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed …………………………………………….......... Date ……………………………………………............... AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT ‘I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.’ Signed ……………………………………………................ Date …………………………………………….................... Abstract This thesis explores connections between power and social development through an examination of capabilities and the formation of cultural subjects in tribal and fishing communities in the state of Kerala, India. Kerala has long been studied for its unique development model and, since 1996, its People's Plan for Democratic Decentralisation. Although Kerala is not exclusive in pursuing decentralised planning, its successes make it stand out from other Indian states and even other parts of the developing world. Despite its achievements, several scholars question Kerala's development outcomes including the continued deprivation faced by tribal and fishing communities. Through analysing the disadvantages faced by these communities utilising Amartya Sen's capability approach and Michel Foucault's concepts of power and subject creation, this thesis hopes to contribute to a reassessment of social development in Kerala. By illuminating factors besides income that signify development, and acknowledging cultural contexts that affect the participation of marginalised communities in development planning and decision-making, the thesis proposes ways in which these communities can be empowered while also exploring barriers to this empowerment. Foucault's concepts in particular assist in examining these barriers, which arise from the exercise of power in society. In light of this, I investigate the potential for increasing the capabilities of these marginalised groups by looking at policy options and the need for further research in the field. The empirical data I collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis during a five-month field study in Kerala indicates that equitable development and effective public participation of marginalised communities have not been sufficiently addressed by the state and local governments. The thesis shows that government initiatives have not translated into greater capability for the marginalised, and have even impeded capability building for these communities, creating barriers to their inclusion in the development process. My case studies reveal that tribal and fishing communities feel their perceived place in society makes their contribution with regards to local-level planning negligible, and defines them mostly as beneficiaries and recipients of various social programmes rather than as effective participants in sustainable development. Acknowledgements A researcher very rarely works on his or her own. This project has materialised as a result of assistance from a number of people to whom I am indebted. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my two ‘gurus’, Associate Professor Paul Brown and Dr Anthony Corones. Their critical feedback, valuable insights, refreshing ideas and demands for clarity helped me tremendously in this journey, especially during the intensive periods towards the end. Their constant support, encouragement and patience, is deeply appreciated. I would also like to thank Associate Professor Ursula Rao for taking the time to read my work and offering valuable insights. I count myself very lucky to have met