Challenging the Devadasi System from a Framework Of
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View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Texas A&M Repository CHALLENGING THE DEVADASI SYSTEM FROM A FRAMEWORK OF INTERSECTIONALITY A Dissertation by MRUDULA ANNE Submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Chair of Committee, Jamie Callahan Committee Members, Lisa Baumgartner Dongxiao Liu Jia Wang Head of Department, Fredrick Nafukho December 2014 Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development Copyright 2014 Mrudula Anne ABSTRACT The practice of marrying girls to deities or priests existed historically in many cultures across South Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In India alone, this system is known by different names like Devadasi, Mathamma, Jogini, Basavis. Through this study, I represent the unheard voices of Devadasi women from South India and use HRD concepts and principles to synthesize the findings. The field of HRD is not confined to the boundaries of an organization and can play a critical role in community development. This is the first step towards empowering the members of this system and it is hoped that the findings from this study will help inform the organizational practices of NGO’s working with this populace. This study includes a unique set of participants whose experiences have not been captured and examined using intersectionality and Bourdieu, thus contributing to literature. Data was collected through interviews with Devadasi women from South India, specifically Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, and Tirupati. Five themes emerged from the data – dichotomy, identity, status, fear and locus of control. The theme ‘status’ refers to the participant’s intersecting identities as women and as people from lower castes. The themes ‘identity’ and ‘dichotomy’ indicate cultural and economic capital respectively. It is the intersections of these forms of capital that create intersections in statuses, which collectively result in symbolic violence. This is evident from the last two themes, fear and locus of control, which were identified from the data. ii DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to all the women role models in my life who inspired me to go on this journey. I specifically would like to mention two of the women – my mom, Dr. Usha Rani. Anne and my committee chair, Dr. Jamie L. Callahan who have supported me each step of my way and without them this piece of work would not have been possible. Mom, you have always inspired and supported me in ways I cannot begin to comprehend and you are my pillar of strength. You were, are and will be my first and best role model ever. Amma, I love you and I would not have made it this far without you. Dr. Callahan, I cannot thank you enough for trusting in me, and for showing me what I am capable of. You have stood by my side, no matter what and mentored me through the whole process. You are a brilliant, extraordinary and passionate professor, and advisor. I could not have asked for better. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to extend my gratitude to all my committee members, Dr. Jia Wang, Dr. Lisa Baumgartner and Dr. Dongxiao Liu, for their guidance and support throughout the course of this research. Each of you played an important and special role in helping me make this study a reality and for encouraging me every step of the way. Dr. Jia Wang – Thank you for being my first mentor in my doctoral journey and for introducing me to qualitative research. You have always pushed me to aim higher and maintain high and excellent standards. Dr. Lisa Baumgartner – Thank you for sharing your expertise and perspectives and helping me keep my progress on schedule. I am grateful for your trust in me and for stepping in when I needed you the most in spite of our brief relationship. Dr. Dongxiao Liu – Thank you for your resolute support and for challenging me to think differently. You introduced me to new concepts helping me add another dimension to my research. Special thanks to Dr. Gary McLean for introducing me to a different perspective towards the field of HRD and for mentoring me through my initial steps into the doctoral program. Thanks to Dr. Terah Venzant Chambers for guiding me through the developmental stages of the research and for constant encouragement in different venues. Special thanks to Dr. Raghava Rao Naraparaju, for all the love and support. You have always been there for me as a father figure, helping me realize my dreams while challenging and developing my thought process. My thanks go to my loving granddad iv Mr. Krishnama Naidu who was by me all throughout this journey. You are a model of hard work, dedication, love and perseverance that I constantly look up to and strive to emulate. Many thanks to my family, friends and colleagues who have encouraged me throughout my journey at Texas A&M. Thanks for your support, patience and more importantly for all the fun I had. You filled me with energy and enthusiasm to face every challenge head on. Special thanks to Mr. Nagender Swamy. Tadepally, for your advice, help and partnership during the data collection process at Mahabubnagar. Your work and leadership through the NGO – Villages in Partnership (VIP) – to increase people’s participation in their own development is truly motivational and inspiring. Special thanks to Mr. S. Vishwanath for your help with my interviews in Tirupati. Your work through the NGO – Sanghamithra Service Society – to provide better education, health care, and counseling to children from marginalized population in rural India is highly commendable and truly inspiring. Many thanks to Mr. Manohar Gorrepati, who helped me through the initial phases of my participant selection. The resources and context you provided were invaluable. Finally thanks also go to the department faculty and staff for making my time at Texas A&M University a great experience. v NOMENCLATURE Devadasi Deva meaning God ; and Dasi meaning servant or one who serves. Devadasi means one who serves God or one who is a servant to God. Mathamma; Jogini; Different names and words used for Devadasi varying Matha; Basavi by region. Pothuraju and Baindla Men who are a part of the system are called Pothuraju. They play a significant role during the wedding ceremony of the Devadasi and in the annual festival conducted in the villages. Caste A system of segregation in the Indian subcontinent, based primarily on the occupation of an individual. It passes on in the family and transcending caste boundaries is not easy. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................ii DEDICATION ................................................................................................................. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................. iv NOMENCLATURE .......................................................................................................... vi TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................vii LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... xi LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................xii CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 Background ............................................................................................................ 5 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................ 11 Theoretical Framework ........................................................................................ 13 Intersectionality ........................................................................................ 13 Bourdieu’s Concept of Power and Practice. ............................................. 13 Research Questions .............................................................................................. 15 Methods ................................................................................................................ 15 Significance of the Study ..................................................................................... 16 II LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................... 18 Caste System and its Origins ................................................................................ 18 Gender .................................................................................................................. 20 Gender and Caste Discrimination in India ........................................................... 21 Intersectionality .................................................................................................... 26 Bourdieu’s Concept of Power and Practice .......................................................... 29 III METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................... 32 Methodological Framework ................................................................................. 33 vii Phenomenology ........................................................................................ 34 Researcher’s Background and Positionality