ETHNIC IDENTITY AND SOCIAL MOBILITY

Ethnic identity and social mobility are interrelated. Ethnic identity plays a crucial role in bringing about social mobility of a community. Ethnic identity is a sense of belonging and has socio-cultural and political dimensions. Ethnic communities, that are locally segregated, develop their own ethnic associations and organizations which play a pivotal role in preservation of ethnic identity by simulating their culture and accelerating social mobility by promoting educational and occupational facilities and financial help to members of the community. These ethnic associations also fight for the democratic rights and demands through collective action and political mobilization of the community members.
Through an empirical analysis, the present study demonstrates the relationship between ethnic identity of the Buddhists in Pune and their consequent social mobility. The role played by ethnic voluntary associations of the Buddhists in bringing about social mobility has also been highlighted in this book.
The study concentrates on the Mahars’ experience of their new ethnic identity arising out of their conversion of Buddhism and how this new identity becomes a strong basis for social mobility.

Anjali Kurane teaches anthropology in the University of Pune, Pune.