Paper short abstract:

I argue that iterative cultural and economic factors influence poverty for the Pardhi. Productive activity perceived to involve high-energy expenditure while economically attractive, can be rejected from unfamiliar body-techniques or in contexts where communities aim to preserve ‘body-capital’.

Paper long abstract:

From village-based research in central Chhattisgarh, this paper examines the curious case of the ex-criminal or de-notified Pardhi tribe, and its rejection of employment under NREGA - a public works programme expected to benefit them. The paper argues that there are iterative cultural and nutritional factors that influence poverty for this community, notwithstanding oppressive social and political relations. Productive activity perceived to involve high-energy expenditure, while seemingly economically attractive can be rejected in contexts where communities aim to preserve 'body-capital'. Furthermore, conventional classifications of what is considered routine unskilled work under NREGA may be rejected because of cultural unfamiliarity and unfamiliar body techniques. The economic and cultural history of the tribe as a nomadic community, which still bears some burden of the 'deviant' classification may further contribute to Pardhi rejection of public programmes.