The dialectics of identity and resistance among Dalits in Nepal

摘要: Based on two broad constituent samples, this dissertation investigates the dialectics -- content, modalities and processes of identity across between sites Dalit life in Kathmandu, Nepal: everyday community organized political advocacy. These samples comprised, respectively, (1) householders from three occupationally segregated neighborhoods, encompassing discrete communities sweepers, metalworkers tailors/musicians; (2) individual activists sphere. Through 43 interviews with members 41 activists, research investigated civil-society space class, caste, gender generation. Research questions specifically sought to uncover constraints possibilities identities organized/activist further differences gender, class The study revealed strong evidence continuing embeddedness caste Kathmandu. Their experiences discrimination force both actors strategically reveal or conceal their status depending situation. Evidence resistance ranged acts collective forms. ethnography important sweeper, metal-worker tailor-musician communities. neutrality sweeper occupation allows women relatively more autonomy than that found other occupational groups. tailor/musician group showed all indicators social mobility into middle had adopted a caste-denying discourse allowed them embrace musical traditions as an ethnic asset was parlayed commercial success. site contradictions. First, based parties tend privilege nation-state its bounded sovereignty strategic ultimate terrain upon which struggle for full inclusion is fought, while advocates non-governmental organizations appeal primarily international human rights claims universal dignity. Second, there tension private lives they negotiate oppression public proactive empowered actors. Finally, moment People's Movement April 2006 united Dali fight locally citizenship rights.