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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Caste, capital, and the state: Mapping new regimes of stratification in neoliberal India
Authors
Dr. Chaganti Rami Reddy
Abstract
This paper examines the
evolving dynamics of social stratification in neoliberal India, focusing on the
intersections of caste, capital, and state policies. It explores how economic
liberalization, policy interventions, and urbanization have reshaped historical
hierarchies while generating new forms of marginalization. Dispossessed
peasants, migrant laborers, and women in informal sectors emerge as
particularly vulnerable groups, navigating structural inequalities that are
both spatially and socially mediated. Gendered labor and educational mobility
are identified as critical axes through which caste and class inequalities are
reproduced and contested. State policies, including land titling and climate
adaptation programs, while designed to promote inclusion, often reinforce
existing disparities by privileging socially and economically advantaged
groups. Cultural and political arenas, such as media, protest theatre, and
digital activism, serve both to reproduce hierarchical norms and provide spaces
for resistance and contestation. The study highlights the multi-dimensionality
of contemporary inequalities, emphasizing the complex interplay between
structural, cultural, and institutional factors. The findings underscore the
necessity of context-sensitive and intersectional approaches to policy and
research, emphasizing the role of grassroots mobilization and inclusive
interventions in addressing stratification. Future research should focus on the
long-term impacts of neoliberal reforms, comparative regional analyses, and the
effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting equitable social transformation
in India.
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Pages:199-204
How to cite this article:
Dr. Chaganti Rami Reddy "Caste, capital, and the state: Mapping new regimes of stratification in neoliberal India". International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 199-204
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