Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the micro-politics of poor Dalits in Rural South India. It shows how contestation of the social order co-exists with semi-feudal labour relations that perpetuates the (contested) social order.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the micro-politics of poor Dalits (or former untouchable castes) in a faction-ridden and extremely violent rural setting in Andhra Pradesh (India). It shows how Dalits make use of the democratic discourse to contest the inequities of the caste system, to demand the respect of their dignity and to fight untouchability. This contestation of the social order shapes labour relations between Dalits agricultural labourers and upper caste landowner. At the same time, however, changing climate conditions and large scale migration to urban areas of male youths result in increasing vulnerability of those Dalits who remain in the villages. This too shapes labour relations, as Dalits are forced to accept their role as servants of the upper castes. This is partly explained by their material dependency from upper caste landowners who control access to credit and, through it, preserve and reinforce the factional nature of political contestation in the area. Furthermore, the control of upper caste factional leaders over political parties and access to public services and safety nets divide the Dalits into two clear-cut factions, thus preventing collective action to emerge. Hence, contestation of the social order stemming from rising educational standards and the penetration of democratic values co-exists with semi-feudal labour relations that perpetuates the (contested) social order.