Postmodern Perspectives on Indian Society

Book Details:

• Author: S. L. Doshi

• Brand: Rawat Publications

• Edition: 2008

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 336

• Release Date: 22-02-2008

• ISBN: 9788131601884

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches

About the Book:

Postmodernity proposes the idea that society is no longer governed by history or progress. In a postmodern society, characterized by pluralism, differentiation, and diversity, all grand narratives such as Marxism, Gandhism, and rationalism are rejected, as they are considered universal explanations of society. This concept of postmodernity meets the challenges presented by modernity. While modernity in the West, particularly in the United States, has created a "risk society," in India, modernity's benefits have largely been cornered by high-caste Hindus, elites, political leaders, and higher classes. The subalterns, marginalized groups, and disadvantaged masses have been left behind, leading to the emergence of religious, academic, and market fundamentalism.

In this book, the author applies the postmodern perspective to interpret contemporary Indian society. He critically examines traditional institutions such as family, caste, village, culture, and religion from a postmodern lens. The author also thoroughly analyzes the rise of fundamentalism in India and argues that Indian society, in its current form, can be considered a postmodern society.

The book is an essential read for sociology and anthropology teachers, researchers, NGOs, and students preparing for competitive examinations.

Contents:

• Postmodernity: What?

• Theorizing Modernity and Postmodernity

• Postmodernity: Themes and Perspectives

• Postmodernity in Post-colonial, Post-feudal Indian Society

• Fundamentalist World of Dogma and Danger

• India’s Grand Narratives and Emerging Little Traditions

• The Family: Traditional, Modern, and Postmodern

• Interpreting Caste, Village Community, and Postmodernism

• India’s Culture: Modernity and Postmodernity

• Scheduled Tribes: On the Road to Modernity and Postmodernity

• Globalization, Liberalization, and Market

About the Author:

S.L. Doshi has taught sociology at M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur, and South Gujarat University, Surat. He is also a Visiting Professor at M.D. University, Rohtak. Dr. Doshi has authored, co-authored, and edited more than two dozen books, including “Modernity, Postmodernity and Neo-sociological Theory,” “Rural Sociology,” “Social Anthropology and Tribal Ethnicity,” and “Class and Integration.”