SOUTH INDIA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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The ‘Devi and Dasi’ Dichotomy: Feminist Interpretations of Gender, Caste and Power in Indian Society
Get PDFThis paper aims to explore the conflicting concepts of Devi and Dasi within the Indian cultural and religious context, while critically examining how feminist scholars have addressed and confronted these dichotomous images of women. The Devi-Dasi dichotomy, which positions women either as goddess-like figures (Devi) or as submissive, labouring objects (Dasi), displays the deep-rooted social hierarchies that intersect with caste, class and gender. Drawing from historical and contemporary examples, including figures like Meera Bai and Akka Mahadevi, this study examined how women in Indian society have navigated, resisted, and redefined these restrictive identities. The study used an interdisciplinary style, intersecting feminist lens, ethnography and literature to explore how the Devi-Dasi dichotomy is rooted in our socio-cultural and religious narratives. The paper investigated the historical roots of these constructs, exploring how they have been perpetuated through texts, rituals, and social practices, while also highlighting feminist critiques that propose more complex, layered portrayals of women’s identities. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse around gender, caste and power in Indian society, showing how feminist perspectives provide critical tools for dismantling these long-standing binaries
Drive And Decide: Unveiling The Multifaceted Influences on Consumer Car Preferences and Perceptions
Get PDFThe Indian automotive sector, one of the largest globally, is experiencing rapid growth due to the easy availability of auto loans, leading to an increasing number of vehicles on the road. This study investigates the impact of brand credibility and perceived value on consumer perception and preference for various automobile brands. Using a combination of a questionnaire survey and a literature review, using a simple random sampling technique data were gathered from 434 respondents. A pilot test with 50 respondents led to necessary adjustments before the main survey. The final survey was conducted via Google Forms and distributed through e-mail, and WhatsApp, the hard copies were also distributed to those less familiar with technology, ensuring broad participation. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and structural equation modelling was performed with AMOS graphical software. Advanced statistical tools and comprehensive data collection methods provided a nuanced understanding of consumer behaviour. The combination of digital and traditional survey methods ensured inclusivity and reliability, reinforcing the study's relevance in real-world marketing scenarios. The research provides valuable insights into how brand credibility and perceived value influence consumer preferences in India's dynamic automotive market. The findings contribute significantly to marketing strategies, offering a robust framework for automobile brands to enhance their credibility and quality perceptions. By doing so, brands can improve consumer preference and market performance. This study underscores the importance of strengthening brand credibility and perceived value to guide automotive brands toward more effective marketing strategies and stronger market positions in India's growing automotive sector
South India's Iron Age Cultures: A Comprehensive Study of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
No full textMegalithic monuments in Telangana are thought to have been built between 1000 BC, to 200 AD. A megalith is a large, frequently undressed stone that was used in the construction of Neolithic, Chalcolithic or Bronze Age monuments between 4500 and 1000 BCE. These monuments, also known as performs, can be as simple as one stone (Menhir), but most megalithic monuments are made up of several stones that are joined together without the use of mortar or cement. Megaliths are a unique type of monument found in the Deccan, particularly in Telangana. Hundreds of villages across Telangana have reported the presence of megalithic monuments such as Menhirs, Stone Circles, Dolmens, and Dolmonoid Cists. On the Mallugrugutta (Warangal) Galabha, Kachanapally (Khammam), cruciform monoliths in male and female forms known as Statue-Menhirs are a unique feature in the megalithic culture of the mid-Godavari valley. The megalithic monuments in Telangana are typically dated between 1000 B.C. and 200 A.D. Apart from regular exploration and identification, the government is making every effort to recover and preserve Megalithic Burials wherever they are discovered. Most megalithic burials – burials of people who lived between 1,000 BC and 2nd century AD – identified under the Ancient and Historical Monuments Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1960 have vanished across Telangana over the years due to a lack of continuous monitoring and protection. However, there are still a few burials that aren't covered by the Act.
Malaria Incidence and Treatment Factors Among the People of Ongole City, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Get PDFMalaria is widely recognized as a significant infectious disease, necessitating the utilization of medicinal plants alongside pharmaceutical interventions for its treatment. The aim was to determine the factors linked to malaria and the botanical remedies employed for its treatment among the residents of Ongole city is situated in the Prakasam district of the coastal Andhra region of India, specifically on the western shore of the Bay of Bengal. A survey was administered, encompassing sociodemographic, housing, knowledge, and attitude inquiries, as well as inquiries regarding the medicinal plants employed for treatment purposes. 48% of individuals utilize medicinal plants either independently or in conjunction with medications, with Gliricidiasepium(Madri) and Acmellaoppositifolia(opposite leafspot flower) being the most commonly used plants. Malaria has been reported in 48% of the households. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between malaria knowledge, consultation with a traditional doctor, and being above the age of 15 in Ongole city. The plants documented by the participants of this study lack scientific substantiation as antimalarial agents. Enhancing the presence of health authorities and fostering collaboration with traditional doctors is crucial for implementing more efficient strategies.
Job Qualification Mismatch in Indian Labour Market and Related Socio-Economic Issues: A Case Study of Jammu District
Get PDFThis study delves into the dynamic relationship between India's commendable progress in enhancing overall literacy rates and the phenomenon of "job qualification mismatch," focusing on police constables and 4th class employees in Jammu District, UT of J&K, between October 2022 and June 2023. The research assesses the prevalence of overeducation, identifies associated factors, and explores the reasons for job selection. Primary data was collected within Jammu District, spanning four tehsils and various institutions, including government colleges, the University of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu, and Civil Secretariat, particularly focusing on 4th class employees in these institutions. Data collection also extended to police constables at different police stations, women cells, chaukis, battalions, and other establishments, with a specific emphasis on locations with significant numbers of police constables. A significant majority (57.70%) of respondents were found to be overeducated, holding qualifications exceeding job requirements. Employing logistic regression, the analysis identified key predictors such as gender, age, marital status, parental educational status and occupation, family structure, regional background, and personal factors. Diverse motivations for job selection were uncovered, with poor family financial conditions being the primary motivator (38.1%), followed by job security, passion, work-life balance, career development, location, and the impact and purpose of the work
City beautification and the cry of the marginalized; Media framing of resettlement issues in English newspapers
Get PDFUrban development accelerated post-independence in India; the private sector, employment, and educational opportunities flourished rapidly. Urban development steered the population of people residing in urban areas. However, the unfortunate sequel of such developmental activities is slum clearance. Slum clearance led to resetting people from where they were earlier living to an entirely new environment. This resulted in a lot of shifts, precisely in their livelihood, economy, and psychology of the people. Media has the power to persuade and influence the perspective of the people. How the news is published in a newspaper crafts specific images and contributes to the conviction of the masses. The frames adopted by the English newspapers portray marginalized people in a vulnerable position. This paper will help us understand how English newspapers represent marginalized people and how they are viewed, treated and cared for in society. This paper will also analyze how English newspapers cover and publish news related to resettlement and identify the various frames adopted by different newspapers in India as influential opinion moulders
Examining the Impact of School Teachers' Work Engagement on Organisational Commitment
Get PDFAttitude towards one’s work plays a crucial role in determining employee behavior. Similarly, one’s family structure may have an influence in their work attitudes. The present study examines the impact of school teachers’ work engagement on organisational commitment. Further, it seeks to ascertain the impact of various components of work engagement, i.e., vigor, dedication and absorption, on school teachers' organisational commitment. It also compares the organisational commitment and work engagement of school teachers living in joint-family and nuclear-family setups. TCM Employee Commitment Survey and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to measure the variables. The sample consisted of 200 government school teachers teaching in Punjab. The results indicated that dedication emerges as a consistent and significant predictor of organisational commitment in teachers. In contrast, vigor and absorption do not show significant effects when all three predictors are considered. No significant difference was found between teachers' organisational commitment and work engagement irrespective of their family structure. The research provides insight into the work attitudes of school teachers and can help school managers and administrators formulate policies to enhance their dedication and thus organisational commitment
Understanding the Health Disparities: A Study of Tribal Communities in Telangana
Get PDFThe marginalization of tribal communities in India is well-documented; their backwardness can be seen in every aspect of life, particularly in health outcomes. In Telangana, while tribal communities as a whole are disadvantaged, disparities exist among them. Most studies focus broadly on their socioeconomic development, but it is equally important to delve into the intra-tribal disparities that influence health and well-being. This research examines these disparities by focusing on five numerically dominant tribal communities in Telangana: the Lambadi, Koya, Gond, Kolam, and Chenchu. The study specifically investigates access to healthcare, food intake, birth weight, seasonal infections, and sanitation facilities within these communities. The findings show significant differences in these key areas. While the Koya and Lambadi communities exhibit comparatively better outcomes and have access to these aspects, the Gond, Kolam, and Chenchu communities continue to face challenges, particularly in accessing healthcare, ensuring proper nutrition, and combating seasonal diseases. These results underscore the need for more targeted policies and interventions that address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of these tribes rather than considering them as a homogeneous population
From Domestic Roles to Economic Independence: Analysing Women's Evolving Participation in the Labour Force
No full textThis study delves into the intricate relationship between employment and the enhanced societal and financial autonomy of women, with a particular focus on the Indian context. The investigation addresses the persistent gender discrimination in the labour market, where men predominantly occupy senior positions, and women's work is often undervalued and confined to domestic roles. This paper synthesises existing literature using a descriptive-analytical method to explore the evolving dynamics of women's participation in the labour market, identifying both the facilitating factors and ongoing constraints.
The analysis reveals a significant increase in female labour force participation in recent years, as indicated by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), with a notable rise from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23. This increase is especially pronounced among women from the Dalit community and those with vocational training, highlighting the impact of socio-economic necessity and skill development on women's labour market engagement. However, the study underscores that the family, as a primary social institution, remains a critical barrier to women's mobility, particularly in patriarchal rural societies where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched.
The findings suggest that while there have been notable improvements in women's labour market participation, achieving gender equality requires a multifaceted approach that addresses structural barriers and societal norms. Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and supportive policies is essential for enhancing their societal and financial autonomy, ultimately contributing to broader development outcomes. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between gender, caste, and labour in Indian rural communities, providing valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and advancements in women's labour market participation
Mapping the Trajectory of Indian Social Science Research: A Decadal Bibliometric Analysis
Get PDFThe present study evaluated the trends in publications and citations in social science research funded by Indian funding agencies over the last decade. We identified the key research areas, preferred document types for publication, and authorship patterns in funded publications using bibliometric mining and visualization. Analysis of 2040 publications produced during the last decade (2014-2023) indexed in Social Science Citation Index of Web of Science revealed that they received a total of 41015 citations, averaging 21.11 citations per paper. The mean relative growth rate of both publications and citations were higher during the first five years (MRp=0.20, MRc=0.12) and declined during the second (MRp=-0.08, MRc=-0.70). A similar trend was seen in the mean doubling time of publications and citations during the first five years (DTp=0.29, DTc=0.17) as compared to the second five-year block period (DTp=-0.12, DTc=-1.01). Correlation between publications and citations was positive (r=0.574), but not statistically significant (p=.082). "Public, Environmental & Occupational Health" was the most dominant subject area in terms of publication counts (210), and "Green & Sustainable Science & Technology" in terms of citation counts (3381). Authors preferred to publish their research in the form of articles (86.91%). Indian social science researchers engaged mostly in collaborative research (97.25%), with three-authored publications being the most prevalent (18.38%). Ganesan Venkatasubramanian from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru was the most prolific author with 48 publications and 287 collaboration linkages. Based on the results, it is clear that social science research in India needs significant attention in terms of financial support. While funding agencies need to enhance research funding, social scientists need to utilize alternative platforms such as author self-archiving repositories to get better visibility for their publications