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Continue reading →: Backward Class Movement in the Indian context
The Backward Class Movement in India has been a significant social and political movement aimed at improving the social, economic, and political conditions of historically marginalized communities. In the Indian context, “backward classes” refer to communities that have been socially and economically disadvantaged due to the caste system, which has…
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Continue reading →: The Marxian approach to the study of social movements
The Marxian approach to the study of social movements is rooted in the analysis of class struggle, economic inequalities, and the role of material conditions in shaping social, political, and economic systems. According to Marxism, social movements arise as expressions of underlying economic forces and class contradictions within society. Unlike…
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Continue reading →: Ethnic movements in North-East India
The ethnic movements in North-East India are diverse and complex, shaped by a variety of historical, cultural, political, and economic factors. These movements primarily focus on asserting the identity, autonomy, and rights of various ethnic groups and indigenous communities in the region. North-East India, comprising states like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur,…
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Continue reading →: Reservation as a tool of social justice
Reservation, in the context of India, refers to a system of affirmative action aimed at ensuring social justice by providing preferential treatment to historically disadvantaged and marginalized communities. These include Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The reservation system was introduced as a means to…
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Continue reading →: The political mobilization of Dalits since the 1980s
The political mobilization of Dalits in India has undergone significant transformations since the 1980s, marking a critical phase in the struggle for social justice, equality, and political representation. Dalits, historically marginalized and oppressed by the caste system, have been involved in various forms of resistance, but the 1980s saw the…
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Continue reading →: Impact of economic liberalization in Indian society
The economic liberalization of India, which began in 1991, represents a significant transformation in the country’s economic policies and has had profound implications for both the nation’s economic growth and its society. The liberalization process, initiated under the leadership of then-Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, aimed to address the economic…
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Continue reading →: Differences between reform and revolutionary movements
Social movements can broadly be categorized into reform movements and revolutionary movements, two distinct forms of collective action aimed at achieving social change. While both aim to challenge and alter societal structures, they differ significantly in their scope, goals, methods, and the extent of transformation they seek. Reform Movements: Reform…
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Continue reading →: The New Social Movements (NSMs)
New Social Movements (NSMs) emerged in the late 20th century as distinct from traditional labor movements and class-based struggles. NSMs are primarily concerned with issues related to identity, culture, lifestyle, and environmental concerns. Unlike the earlier movements that focused on class struggle and economic inequalities, NSMs seek to address broader…
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Continue reading →: Liberal approach to the study of social movements? How does it compare and contrast with other approaches?
The liberal approach to the study of social movements originates from liberal democratic traditions and sociological perspectives that emphasize individual rights, civil liberties, participatory democracy, and the rule of law. It conceptualizes social movements as essential mechanisms through which citizens engage with democratic institutions to seek reforms, assert rights, and…
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Continue reading →: Narmada Bachao Andolan
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is one of the most significant social movements in India, primarily focused on the environmental and social impacts of the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River in central India. The movement has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the…
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Continue reading →: The relevance of social movements in Indian democracy
Social movements have long been a powerful force in shaping the democratic fabric of India. With its vast social, cultural, and religious diversity, India has witnessed a variety of movements, each addressing different aspects of society, ranging from political rights and economic justice to cultural recognition and gender equality. Social…
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Continue reading →: Religious movements in India
Religious movements in India have been a significant part of the country’s socio-political landscape, influencing not only spiritual life but also the political and cultural dynamics. These movements, deeply rooted in India’s rich religious diversity, are often driven by the need for social reform, revitalization of spiritual values, and the…