Youth in South Asia live at a complicated intersection: rapid social change, uneven economic growth, expanding education systems, and longstanding hierarchies of class, caste, gender and place. Their aspirations — what young people hope for, imagine as possible, and plan toward — are culturally shaped, historically situated, and structurally constrained. Understanding Youth aspirations sociologically reveals … Read more
Nepal, a landlocked country situated between India and China, is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and traditions. While geographically small, the country’s social diversity is vast, reflecting centuries of historical developments, migration patterns, political changes, and cultural exchanges. From a sociological perspective, Nepali society can be understood through multiple lenses such … Read more
Introduction on Education and Social Mobility Education is universally heralded as the great equalizer, the most potent vehicle for social mobility, capable of lifting individuals from the confines of their birth and granting them access to better opportunities. In the diverse and densely populated region of South Asia—encompassing Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—this … Read more
Introduction South Asia, comprising countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, is a region with diverse cultural, religious, and social traditions. Kinship and marriage patterns in this region are deeply rooted in historical, religious, and socio-economic structures. These patterns play a crucial role in shaping social organization, family dynamics, and gender … Read more
Introduction on Postcolonial India Postcolonial India has witnessed profound social transformations shaped by historical legacies, economic development, political movements, and globalization. The end of British colonial rule in 1947 marked the beginning of a new era characterized by efforts to build a democratic, secular, and egalitarian society. Sociologically, postcolonial India has been a site of … Read more
Introduction Ethnic conflict has been a persistent issue in Sri Lanka, shaping its political, social, and economic landscape for decades. The conflict primarily involved the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority, culminating in a brutal civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009. From a sociological perspective, this conflict can be analyzed through various theoretical … Read more
Introduction The Dalit question remains one of the most critical and unresolved issues in South Asian sociology. The oppression of Dalits (previously known as “untouchables”), which has its roots in the hierarchical caste system, has endured for centuries and shaped social, economic, and political systems in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Despite constitutional safeguards, affirmative … Read more
Introduction on Women’s Movements in South Asia Women’s movements in South Asia have played a crucial role in shaping gender discourses, challenging patriarchal norms, and advocating for legal and social reforms. These movements, rooted in the region’s colonial history, cultural diversity, and socio-political struggles, reflect the intersection of class, caste, religion, and nationalism. From fighting … Read more
Introduction on Sociology of Caste in South Asia The sociology of caste is one of the most enduring and complex social structures in South Asia, shaping the socio-political and economic lives of millions of people across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures but extending beyond religious boundaries, caste operates … Read more
Introduction on Identity, Ethnicity and Nationhood Identity, ethnicity and nationhood are central themes in sociology, particularly in the study of regional societies. These concepts shape social cohesion, political movements, and cultural expressions, influencing how individuals and groups perceive themselves and others. Regional sociology examines how local identities interact with broader national and global structures, often … Read more