The Status, Survival, and Current Dilemma of a Female Dalit Cobbler of India
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THE STATUS, SURVIVAL, AND CURRENT DILEMMA OF A FEMALE DALIT COBBLER OF INDIA Gale Ellen Kamen Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Learning and Human Resource Development Marcie Boucouvalas, Chair Marvin G. Cline Letitia Combs Clare Klunk Linda Morris March, 2004 Falls Church, Virginia Copyright 2004, Gale Ellen Kamen Keywords: Dalit, oppression, hierarchy, caste, untouchable THE STATUS, SURVIVAL, AND CURRENT DILEMMA OF A FEMALE DALIT COBBLER OF INDIA by Gale Ellen Kamen Committee Chair: Marcie Boucouvalas, Chair Human Development (ABSTRACT) Historically, oppression has been and continues to be a serious issue of concern worldwide in both developed and underdeveloped countries. The structure of Indian society, with its hierarchies and power structures, is an ideal place to better understand the experience of oppression. Women throughout the long established Indian hierarchy, and members of the lower castes and classes, have traditionally born the force of oppression generated by the Indian social structure. The focus of this research explored the way the way class, caste, and gender hierarchies coalesce to influence the life choices and experiences of an Indian woman born into the lowest level of the caste and class structure. This research specifically addressed the female Dalit cobbler (leatherworker), who exists among a caste and class of people who have been severely oppressed throughout Indian history. One female Dalit cobbler from a rural village was studied. Her life represents three levels of oppression: females (gender), Dalits (caste), and cobblers (class). This study was based on three interconnected research questions that attempted to uncover the way class, caste, and gender hierarchies influence the lives of Dalit female cobblers: what the Dalit female cobbler has experienced in terms of economic, personal, and social struggle; how the Dalit female cobbler manages to get through her day-to-day struggles; and where the Dalit female cobbler sees herself in the future. Participant observation and triangulation were major components in the design of this study, as it was important to view the local daily life of this individual. Detailed field notes were colleted and recorded, interviews based on open-ended questions were conducted, and site documents were gathered. The findings that have become evident throughout this observation have increasingly exposed one continuous theme in particular: the ‘lived’ experience and position that one must accept his or her station in life without question. This dissertation, however, has shown how acceptance does not mean that one stops trying to thrive. On the contrary, the life of this particular female Dalit cobbler exemplifies the ingenuity and perseverance of people who are not members of the dominant social structure. It demonstrates how one individual had the ability to negotiate multiple levels of oppression and succeed in sustaining herself, her family, and her community. iii Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to Sana, her family, and the village that welcomed me with open arms. It is also with great appreciation that I would like to include Dr. Marcie Boucouvalas for her unconditional support and astute understanding of human rights issues. iv Acknowledgements I am most grateful to the members of my committee. Special thanks to the chairperson of my committee, Dr. Marcie Boucouvalas, for her unconditional support, thorough attention to detail, demand for excellence, and her ardent appreciation of the plight of the female Dalit cobbler of India. I would also like to express gratitude to Dr. Marvin G. Cline, who graciously remained central on my committee even after his retirement to the serenity of the `live free or die’ state (New Hampshire). Additional thanks to Dr. Linda Morris, who retained her sincere commitment to this study throughout an extensive relocation process. Further appreciation to Dr. Clare Klunk, for her contributions and keen eye for detail. Gratitude to Dr. Letitia Combs for making time for this project in the midst of her demanding work schedule. There are no words to describe my eternal appreciation for the time, support, and proficiency of Dr. Boucouvalas and this committee throughout the duration of this study. Furthermore, there are others who have offered invaluable support to this endeavor. I would like to thank Tammy Roberts for editing insights, and `sounding board’ contributions. Additional thanks to Laurie Bolster for her APA acumen editing and support. I hope to return the favor when she needs a `second’ or `third’ pair of eyes. I would also like to thank my mother, Ruth Levine, for supporting my fieldwork endeavors. Particular thanks to Trupti Patole (my translator), whose eyes, ears, knowledge and insights helped bring this study to life. Also, to my host family, who made this study possible, and the village that embraced our presence. I would additionally like to express thanks to the numerous people of India who helped me better understand the culture and society. Most importantly, and with great admiration, I thank my dear friend Sujata Parmita for her brilliance, dignity, and caring for all human beings. She has eloquently introduced me to the plight of the female Dalit cobbler, ultimately resulting in a study that will hopefully bring light to the dilemma of this population. Thank you, dear friend. v TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: OPPRESSION AND THE DALIT FEMALE COBBLER.............................................................1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................................1 BACKGROUND: THE CASTE SYSTEM...........................................................................................................................1 BACKGROUND: ORIGINS OF UNTOUCHABILITY AND THE DALITS ...............................................................................2 BACKGROUND: TOWARD SOCIAL CHANGE.................................................................................................................6 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM....................................................................................................................................8 PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH .......................................................................................................................................8 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ...............................................................................................................................................9 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...................................................................................................................................10 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY.....................................................................................................................................10 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................10 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................................................12 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................12 Defining Untouchability ......................................................................................................................................13 Oppression and Struggle .....................................................................................................................................18 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................22 CHAPTER 3: METHODS OF RESEARCH .........................................................................................................24 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................24 DESIGN OF THE STUDY .............................................................................................................................................24 BOUNDS OF THE STUDY: THE SETTING .....................................................................................................................27 BOUNDS OF THE STUDY: THE RESEARCH POPULATION ............................................................................................28 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................................................28 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES.............................................................................................................................29 DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................................31 Verification Process ............................................................................................................................................32 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................33