Contemporary Social Movements

Understanding the politics of collective mobilisation and mass public action in Indian political culture. 

In this course, you will learn about the multiple forms of mass social action that have wrought and sought social change in India, and develop a historical perspective on non-party political processes. Your will explore a range of theorising around social action and explore the nature of the non party political process as well as case studies. You will develop a critical understanding of the role that social movements have played in informing and influencing development policy and political decision making in India. Some of the key features we explore will revolve around democracy, identity and development, and you will watch documentaries and make field visits in addition to reading relevant literature on social movements.