Continuity and change in caste structure of Jammu region a sociological study of Reasi district

Abstract

This study deals with the caste structure, its continuity and change in the Reasi district of the Jammu region. The study highlights in detail the traditional caste structure and its continuity and change by using the triangulation method to understand the emerging trend in caste dynamics. The main objectives of the study were to understand the caste hierarchy, individual and social attitudes towards caste, the implications of inter-caste marriages and the occupational mobility of scheduled castes in the region and to analyse the impact of government schemes for the upliftment of scheduled castes in the district. The entire study is based on methodological triangulation and consists of a field survey conducted at eight panchayats in four blocks in the Reasi District of the Jammu region. During field work, participant observations, case study methods, focus group discussion, field notes, and extensive long interviews are taken as tools and techniques of data collection. Despite numerous government schemes and programmes aimed at improving the status of the Scheduled Castes, the status and living condition of the scheduled caste has not changed much and more needs to be done. It was also found that the lower castes are still facing much discrimination and they are the most marginalised among the population. newline