Democratic Transformation of A Social Class

Society is too complex a phenomenon to be formalized in terms of a few relationships. One a broad plane, a society reveals itself in terms of three major elements-economic relations, social stratification and political articulations. To build an authentic account of the process of the political transformation, one has to take cognizance of these broad elements. A complex combine of basic structure, institutional network and policy framework has been created in India. Rise of the scheduled castes and their becoming a vital focus and pivotal centre of politics is a good indicator of the functioning of this creation. On the basis of the experiences of the scheduled castes of Banda of U.P., this book brings out that vigorous participation in political activities has greatly facilitated the general process of transformation. However, in regard to reducing the gap between centre and periphery sections the result has not been encouraging. The trend shows that scheduled castes are out there with common-fated masses to exploit political opportunity. This is making social relations tense and often conflict-hit. Suggestions to counter this trend are also included in the book.

Dr. M.P.S. Chandel (b. 1955) is an M.a. (Pol. Sc.), L.T. and Ph.D. (B.H.U.) and has more than a dozen of research articles published on various political issues of national and international importance. Currently he is engaged as U.G.C. Research Associate working on ‘Emerging Patterns of Class Conflict in Bihar Society’. He is also taking classes in the Deptt. of Political Science, B.H.U. at graduate and post graduate levels. His published works is: A Social Force in Politics. He is currently writing books on – Class Conflict in India (UGC project). Elites and Democracy.