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Caste as Social Capital: The Complex Place of Caste in Indian Society
Many consider caste as an outdated institution, though it thrives in post-liberalization India. That being the case, caste has only been studied from a religious, social and political angle. It is grudgingly accepted that caste has economic ramifications. For instance, the establishment and running of businesses tap into caste networks, both in terms of arranging finance and providing access to a ready workforce. Despite that, any study of this aspect has been limited to looking at caste groups in terms of their per capita income, their representation in various professions and other statistical details.
Caste as Social Capital examines the workings of caste through the lens of business, economics and entrepreneurship. It interrogates the role caste plays in the economic sphere in terms of facilitating the nuts and bolts of business and finance, markets and workforce. Through this qualitative view of caste, an entirely new picture emerges, which forces one to view the age-old institution of caste in a new light.
Caste as Social Capital examines the workings of caste through the lens of business, economics and entrepreneurship. It interrogates the role caste plays in the economic sphere in terms of facilitating the nuts and bolts of business and finance, markets and workforce. Through this qualitative view of caste, an entirely new picture emerges, which forces one to view the age-old institution of caste in a new light.
168 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 2, 2021
Before reading
After going through the reviews, I am pretty much sure that this just another desperate upper-caste attempt to whitewash the caste system. But since one has to understand the argument before taking it apart, I will be reading this.
After reading
Thank you, Mr. Vaidyanathan, for meeting my expectations.
Caste as Social Capital is purportedly a new way of looking at caste as a strength rather than as a weakness. In reality, it is a desperate attempt to justify caste by a number of specious arguments.
Prof. Vaidyanathan's main arguments in this book:
1. Caste was neither hierarchical nor oppressive. It is the 1881 census by the British government that made it look so. In fact, 'caste' is a foreign construct: the Indian concept of 'varna' or 'jati' is benign. Varna was not by birth but by nature; there are plenty of examples in the Indian sacred texts to prove this.
2. The reservation system in education and employment for the backward castes is a failure, because it was done based on a 1931 census which is no longer valid. In reality, the backward castes have progressed in leaps and bounds and now reservation works only to kill merit. Dr. Vaidyanathan provides an impressive list of tables in support of his claim.
3. Instead of concentrating on educating the backward castes, the government should leverage the capability of the caste groups in industry and business. Rather than the abolition of caste, the authorities should concentrate on empowering castes as social groups and exploit their "social capital".
4. India is full of caste-based parties. Our politics is based on caste. And most of these parties are of the backward castes. So even without education, they have been empowered. The thing to do is to harness the caste power in doing business.
The measured tone of the good professor's prose, plus the impressive amount of statistics he quotes, may fool the reader into believing that he is on the level here. But his arguments are specious as much as they are malicious. Let us look at the four above.
1. This is an old argument of the Hindu apologists. Unfortunately, it does not hold water, as the poison of untouchability and the ill-traetment of Dalits are there for all to see. The instances that the author cherry-picks can easily be countered with arguments from our so-called 'holy' texts themselves. For example, the Bhagavad Gita is very insistent that one should only do the jobs of the caste one is born into: the "upgrade" to a "higher" caste will have to wait for another birth. Caste has been, was and is oppressive.
2. While the argument that an up-to-date caste census is required to delineate backwardness is spot on, the fact that reservation has allowed many "undeserving" students to gain admission to schools and colleges and that they have now been sufficiently empowered is utter poppycock. One only has to see the statistics which Prof. Vaidyanathan has quoted: they have been cherry-picked to present a planned picture. His coverage of India is scattered and uneven; and he conveniently neglects to match the percentage of college admissions to the percentage of the population in the country.
3. Family and community business has a long history in India. In fact, the whole aim of caste is to compartmentalise trades. That is how learning stayed out of the grasp of the majority of the population, as Brahmins appropriated it for themselves. Dr. Vaidyanathan wants that system to continue, because he feels that the backward castes get empowered not through education, but through business!
4. While caste-based politics is detrimental in the long run, we should understand how it came into play. After independence, the leadership of all the so-called secular parties were the monopoly of the forward castes; so also were government jobs as well as administrative posts. It is because that our polity was essentially Savarna that the OBCs and Dalits had to create their own parties. Even now, with the police, administration and even the judiciary in many states living in the pockets of Brahmins and their cronies, the only way for the subaltern people to get justice is to take the political route.
Prof. Vaidyanathan says:
Excuse me while I puke, ladies and gentlemen.
After going through the reviews, I am pretty much sure that this just another desperate upper-caste attempt to whitewash the caste system. But since one has to understand the argument before taking it apart, I will be reading this.
After reading
Thank you, Mr. Vaidyanathan, for meeting my expectations.
Caste as Social Capital is purportedly a new way of looking at caste as a strength rather than as a weakness. In reality, it is a desperate attempt to justify caste by a number of specious arguments.
Prof. Vaidyanathan's main arguments in this book:
1. Caste was neither hierarchical nor oppressive. It is the 1881 census by the British government that made it look so. In fact, 'caste' is a foreign construct: the Indian concept of 'varna' or 'jati' is benign. Varna was not by birth but by nature; there are plenty of examples in the Indian sacred texts to prove this.
2. The reservation system in education and employment for the backward castes is a failure, because it was done based on a 1931 census which is no longer valid. In reality, the backward castes have progressed in leaps and bounds and now reservation works only to kill merit. Dr. Vaidyanathan provides an impressive list of tables in support of his claim.
3. Instead of concentrating on educating the backward castes, the government should leverage the capability of the caste groups in industry and business. Rather than the abolition of caste, the authorities should concentrate on empowering castes as social groups and exploit their "social capital".
4. India is full of caste-based parties. Our politics is based on caste. And most of these parties are of the backward castes. So even without education, they have been empowered. The thing to do is to harness the caste power in doing business.
The measured tone of the good professor's prose, plus the impressive amount of statistics he quotes, may fool the reader into believing that he is on the level here. But his arguments are specious as much as they are malicious. Let us look at the four above.
1. This is an old argument of the Hindu apologists. Unfortunately, it does not hold water, as the poison of untouchability and the ill-traetment of Dalits are there for all to see. The instances that the author cherry-picks can easily be countered with arguments from our so-called 'holy' texts themselves. For example, the Bhagavad Gita is very insistent that one should only do the jobs of the caste one is born into: the "upgrade" to a "higher" caste will have to wait for another birth. Caste has been, was and is oppressive.
2. While the argument that an up-to-date caste census is required to delineate backwardness is spot on, the fact that reservation has allowed many "undeserving" students to gain admission to schools and colleges and that they have now been sufficiently empowered is utter poppycock. One only has to see the statistics which Prof. Vaidyanathan has quoted: they have been cherry-picked to present a planned picture. His coverage of India is scattered and uneven; and he conveniently neglects to match the percentage of college admissions to the percentage of the population in the country.
3. Family and community business has a long history in India. In fact, the whole aim of caste is to compartmentalise trades. That is how learning stayed out of the grasp of the majority of the population, as Brahmins appropriated it for themselves. Dr. Vaidyanathan wants that system to continue, because he feels that the backward castes get empowered not through education, but through business!
4. While caste-based politics is detrimental in the long run, we should understand how it came into play. After independence, the leadership of all the so-called secular parties were the monopoly of the forward castes; so also were government jobs as well as administrative posts. It is because that our polity was essentially Savarna that the OBCs and Dalits had to create their own parties. Even now, with the police, administration and even the judiciary in many states living in the pockets of Brahmins and their cronies, the only way for the subaltern people to get justice is to take the political route.
Prof. Vaidyanathan says:
Maybe, the time has come for the government to perform mainly the task of a Kshatriya (internal and external security) and encourage large segments of our society to become Vaishyas through instrumentalities of credit delivery, taxation, social security and development of regional and community based clusters. This may go a long way in enhancing the social status of the SCs, STs and OBCs, rather than providing some limited job opportunities in listed companies.The agenda is clear. Let the oppressed castes gain money through business: leave the administration to the Kshatriyas. There will always be enough Dalits and OBCs left over to do the job of the Sudras. And learning? Leave it to the Brahmins!
Excuse me while I puke, ladies and gentlemen.
May 19, 2019
I abandoned this book almost halfway. The author tries to pass off the caste system as something good and that it should be appreciated because it has done *some* good to people. So much mental gymnastics and logical fallacies to prove whatever the author is saying. It almost doesn't feel like propaganda because it is cleverly hidden. I regret buying this, thankfully it was on a heavy discount.
January 12, 2023
Someone asked me for a book about caste. Since it's a subject that requires a lot of nuance and neutrality while examining, I'd recommend starting with this book, which "examines the workings of caste through the lens of business, economics and entrepreneurship. It interrogates the role caste plays in the economic sphere in terms of facilitating the nuts and bolts of business and entrepreneurship: finance, markets and workforce. Through this qualitative view of caste, an entirely new picture emerges of caste which forces one to view this age old institution in new light."
If you thought Caste was all bad and something we inherited, read it to know how and when it was created. More importantly, how it was and continues to be used as social capital. This book shows caste role in informal/unorganised sector especially at cluster level had been well brought out. Writer takes the subject to entirely another level and points out the dynamics in economic and political aspects of caste and brings to the reader new knowledge. It offers reasons, backed with data, that explain the socio-economic role of caste in India.
This book also mentioned some live examples of communities in various parts of India who do business wherein they also get loan to diversify from their community people, they also recruit from their community. So when we think caste is not important in our life, it is seen that caste is a major point in building social capital.
I don't know why this book got so less rating. Either they didn't read it or they just gave 1 star because the word caste is use in this book title. This book doesn't justify any caste at all. Just read it. Decide it on your own. Even I don't agree with what writer has to say but he does make some points very relevant and it exist. I have observed all this and I have interacted so many people.
Read it on your own. Book comes up with lots of data and facts. You are the one who should decide how the book is.
Additional reading for those who want to read on caste topic:
1) The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century by Dharampal
2) Growth of Scheduled Tribes and Castes in Medieval India by Kishori Saran Lal
3) Caste, Conversion A Colonial Conspiracy: What Every Hindu and Christian Needs to Know about Caste by Satish K Sharma
4) Western Foundations of the Caste System by Prakash Shah
5) Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India by Nicholas B. Dirks
6) Sivasya Kulam : Decoding Caste, Untouchability & the White Man’s Burden by Mylavarapu VNL Sudha Mohan
If you thought Caste was all bad and something we inherited, read it to know how and when it was created. More importantly, how it was and continues to be used as social capital. This book shows caste role in informal/unorganised sector especially at cluster level had been well brought out. Writer takes the subject to entirely another level and points out the dynamics in economic and political aspects of caste and brings to the reader new knowledge. It offers reasons, backed with data, that explain the socio-economic role of caste in India.
This book also mentioned some live examples of communities in various parts of India who do business wherein they also get loan to diversify from their community people, they also recruit from their community. So when we think caste is not important in our life, it is seen that caste is a major point in building social capital.
I don't know why this book got so less rating. Either they didn't read it or they just gave 1 star because the word caste is use in this book title. This book doesn't justify any caste at all. Just read it. Decide it on your own. Even I don't agree with what writer has to say but he does make some points very relevant and it exist. I have observed all this and I have interacted so many people.
Read it on your own. Book comes up with lots of data and facts. You are the one who should decide how the book is.
Additional reading for those who want to read on caste topic:
1) The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century by Dharampal
2) Growth of Scheduled Tribes and Castes in Medieval India by Kishori Saran Lal
3) Caste, Conversion A Colonial Conspiracy: What Every Hindu and Christian Needs to Know about Caste by Satish K Sharma
4) Western Foundations of the Caste System by Prakash Shah
5) Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India by Nicholas B. Dirks
6) Sivasya Kulam : Decoding Caste, Untouchability & the White Man’s Burden by Mylavarapu VNL Sudha Mohan
October 8, 2019
The book is a honest account of how caste matters in Indian society and why pretending it does not benefit is not a valid argument. Caste has solidified itself as India has added more years to its democracy. While the book does interrogate caste it is not an apologist for one, it is a good read and states things for as they stand. A good read and one which does not pull back any punches.
October 14, 2019
A thinly veiled and poorly argued apology for the caste system. Highly disappointing. Don't bother with this one.
September 18, 2019
Don't be put off by the negative reviews. They are whining nihilists who can't grasp at anything positive. Go for it. Has really good insights.
May 17, 2019
If one reads the description of the book on Amazon, one may get an impression that the book is an inquiry into caste from an economic perspective, to take in a "qualitative view" of it. And pretends to be an academic enterprise, for the lack of a better phrase. In reality, the book is a tirade against caste based reservations, very thinly disguised. This book, sounds like what an ignorant, casteist young upper caste person in his / her twenties would say against reservations and caste. (i) My college had an SC guy who drove an Audi, (ii) Caste doesn't exist in cities, (iii) Caste is irrelevant, and so and so forth.
This book, is an opinion piece, or what the author thinks caste, affirmative action, economic and social reality is, completely out of touch with reality. The author either doesn't understand what caste is, or is intentionally horsing around to push a narrative.
When I commenced reading this book, I started highlighting passages and quotes from the book which I thought were wrong, had logical fallacies and were plain ludicrous. Alas, this whole book is full of them. Further, the book is also full of contradictions, against facts and statements the author himself makes. This book is so ridiculous that I don't know where to start or end. I'm tempted to counter the book para by para, however, I believe would be a waste of my time. Instead I will quote certain passages, so the reader with any sense may decide. Before that however, the author's whole premise against reservation rests on this statement "Social backwardness, it is pointed out, is a valid reason for caste-based reservations compared to reservations based on, say, economic criteria" and he has used this at least twice in the book. Anybody with half a brain knows how and why this is so. Re the issue of percentage of persons from lower castes, the author indulges in a lot mental gymnastics. Now to some quotes which are fine examples of (honestly don't have an appropriate word as I am being kind):
1. Many argue—rightly so—that originally, caste was not based on birth, but on ‘gunas’. The word ‘guna’ means virtue, merit or excellence.
2. In the present day, discussions on caste sometimes lead to caste conflicts. The point to note is that most of these caste conflicts are often between one section of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and another ‘developed’ Other Backward Class (OBC) caste. Large sections of the Indian population who are legally known as Scheduled Castes prefer to call themselves ‘Dalits’.
3. It is also interesting to note that even in the ancient times women had as much access to education as men. As rightly observed by Nanditha Krishna: ‘Seventeen of the seers to whom the hymns of the Rig Veda were revealed were women—rishikas and brahmavadinis. They were Romasa, Lopamudra, Apata, Kadru, Vishvavara, Ghosha, Juhu, Vagambhrini, Paulomi, Jarita, Shraddha-Kamayani, Urvashi, Sharnga, Yami, Indrani, Savitri and Devayani. The Sama Veda mentions another four: Nodha (or Purvarchchika), Akrishtabhasha, Shikatanivavari (or Utararchchika) and Ganpayana.
4. But we will stick to the contemporary idea of caste based on birth even though you can technically be outside your caste—meaning not following the customs and rituals of the caste—on your own volition and particularly if you are in major cities where this is much easier
5. Some Dalit entrepreneurs have built impressive empires, like Kalpana Saroj, who heads Kamani Tubes with an estimated turnover of Rs 500 crore and Ratibhai Makwana whose Rs 300-crore Gujarat Pickers is one of the country’s largest polymer distributors.
This book, is an opinion piece, or what the author thinks caste, affirmative action, economic and social reality is, completely out of touch with reality. The author either doesn't understand what caste is, or is intentionally horsing around to push a narrative.
When I commenced reading this book, I started highlighting passages and quotes from the book which I thought were wrong, had logical fallacies and were plain ludicrous. Alas, this whole book is full of them. Further, the book is also full of contradictions, against facts and statements the author himself makes. This book is so ridiculous that I don't know where to start or end. I'm tempted to counter the book para by para, however, I believe would be a waste of my time. Instead I will quote certain passages, so the reader with any sense may decide. Before that however, the author's whole premise against reservation rests on this statement "Social backwardness, it is pointed out, is a valid reason for caste-based reservations compared to reservations based on, say, economic criteria" and he has used this at least twice in the book. Anybody with half a brain knows how and why this is so. Re the issue of percentage of persons from lower castes, the author indulges in a lot mental gymnastics. Now to some quotes which are fine examples of (honestly don't have an appropriate word as I am being kind):
1. Many argue—rightly so—that originally, caste was not based on birth, but on ‘gunas’. The word ‘guna’ means virtue, merit or excellence.
2. In the present day, discussions on caste sometimes lead to caste conflicts. The point to note is that most of these caste conflicts are often between one section of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and another ‘developed’ Other Backward Class (OBC) caste. Large sections of the Indian population who are legally known as Scheduled Castes prefer to call themselves ‘Dalits’.
3. It is also interesting to note that even in the ancient times women had as much access to education as men. As rightly observed by Nanditha Krishna: ‘Seventeen of the seers to whom the hymns of the Rig Veda were revealed were women—rishikas and brahmavadinis. They were Romasa, Lopamudra, Apata, Kadru, Vishvavara, Ghosha, Juhu, Vagambhrini, Paulomi, Jarita, Shraddha-Kamayani, Urvashi, Sharnga, Yami, Indrani, Savitri and Devayani. The Sama Veda mentions another four: Nodha (or Purvarchchika), Akrishtabhasha, Shikatanivavari (or Utararchchika) and Ganpayana.
4. But we will stick to the contemporary idea of caste based on birth even though you can technically be outside your caste—meaning not following the customs and rituals of the caste—on your own volition and particularly if you are in major cities where this is much easier
5. Some Dalit entrepreneurs have built impressive empires, like Kalpana Saroj, who heads Kamani Tubes with an estimated turnover of Rs 500 crore and Ratibhai Makwana whose Rs 300-crore Gujarat Pickers is one of the country’s largest polymer distributors.
November 27, 2019
India has been always projected at global platform as "caste, cow and curry" by leftist and liberal gang. Dooms of India has been ascribed always to the dreaded word "cast". Though the word itself has no existence in Indian dialects. The word 'caste' was derived from Portuguese word 'casta' and it was extensively used to divide Indian society by British to rule India.
However, when everyone is making a pilgrimage towards a utopia called 'caste less society', in this very scenario the author dares to write such a book which tells us about benefit of caste (actually Jatis) and how Jatis immensely contributing towards India's economy and upliftment of so called 'Dalit'.
Today's policy makers must take reference of this book to set India 'Right'.
However, when everyone is making a pilgrimage towards a utopia called 'caste less society', in this very scenario the author dares to write such a book which tells us about benefit of caste (actually Jatis) and how Jatis immensely contributing towards India's economy and upliftment of so called 'Dalit'.
Today's policy makers must take reference of this book to set India 'Right'.
August 14, 2020
Excellent, as expected from Prof R Vaidyanathan. He belongs to that rare class of scholars who have actually spent time studying India, and he is one of my go to person to learn more about what makes Indian economy work (MSMEs, not corporates - a point which an astonishing number of mainstream pundits seem to have missed).
Caste is a very sensitive topic in India (what isn't) and it dominates the political discourse, but no one (to my knowledge) has explored the economical aspect of the caste system in India. I thoroughly enjoyed this book (it is filled with reams of data). Interesting angle to understand the back story of the MSME economy.
Caste is a very sensitive topic in India (what isn't) and it dominates the political discourse, but no one (to my knowledge) has explored the economical aspect of the caste system in India. I thoroughly enjoyed this book (it is filled with reams of data). Interesting angle to understand the back story of the MSME economy.
November 24, 2020
with ample data, we can extrapolate conclusions that matter to larger society in context. the author attempt is fairly successful.
i am not statistician, but the examples cited by the author makes more sense. the conclusion drawn throughout the book, is to be seen as it has happened, the extrapolation holds true.
on a lighter note, thought amit shah, the current home minister must have read this book.
i am not statistician, but the examples cited by the author makes more sense. the conclusion drawn throughout the book, is to be seen as it has happened, the extrapolation holds true.
on a lighter note, thought amit shah, the current home minister must have read this book.
August 30, 2019
Read and tried to Understand a new perspective of Caste and how it can be and it has been used as Social Capital in India , will reread the book , always love the way Prof Vaidyanathan presents the Jargon of economics in laymen terms for general public to understand .
November 8, 2020
Leave your western slave mindset and valueless emotion aside before reading it.
All the brain dead liberals or any news channel use caste as a legitimate tool to judge India and Hinduism, Vaidynantan offered a different lens to look into the Varn or jati(caste) system using economic, educational, and political perspective.
Humans' happiness is solely based on his close connection with his community and family. These group connections play a role in business relationships, loyal labors, and shared values. Humans thrive from generation to generation with the sharing of values within their tribe from the beginning of evolution. The Indian varna system is not different than that, Though the invasion of Mughals and colonization of Britisher has wreaked havoc in the functioning social system of India which led to the caste hierarchy due to loss of capital among many thriving Vaishnav and sudra business communities.
Based on the census conducted by the British in 1931, the Newly formed Nehru led socialist government created a reservation system based on caste. Reservation is needed to uplift the backward class, However, the outdated data and parameters used to offer reservation fall on the fault line which has a drastic impact on the deserved. The author argues that conducting a new survey to understand the economical states of caste would lead to the proper distribution of funds.
India's economical sector mainly thrives in the service, industrial, and agriculture sectors. All these three sectors are incorporated sectors which are mainly thriving on social capital. The backbone of social capital India is a community which shares similar value and ethos. The author has given examples of how the communities survive in the business world with a competitive co-operation strategy. The author also argues that social capital is financial capital Since most of the business runs on cooperation and trust despite the difference which is united by a single factor.
English-educated Indians always look at everything about India through a euro-centric approach which emphasizes mainly an individual as a single element that unlinks him from any supportive communities to comes under the rule of government which strips him away from voicing his opinion. Reformation is needed in the caste system, But the blind following of the anglo Saxon model which killed the community and family system from westerners will not be an ideal model for easterners since we thrive on co-operation in different aspects of life.
Humans thrived on identity and we are always ambitious in nature, Trying to abolish the caste system with no proper backup to function as one leads a human to run astray in the confusing capitalistic society. Community is always a backbone of human society, Varna system worked as a social and business system for the proliferation of capital.
Author not trying to justify anything, Leave your western slave mindset and valueless emotion aside before reading it. If you really want to understand society from an Indian perspective, this book will offer a different understanding of the Indian social system
All the brain dead liberals or any news channel use caste as a legitimate tool to judge India and Hinduism, Vaidynantan offered a different lens to look into the Varn or jati(caste) system using economic, educational, and political perspective.
Humans' happiness is solely based on his close connection with his community and family. These group connections play a role in business relationships, loyal labors, and shared values. Humans thrive from generation to generation with the sharing of values within their tribe from the beginning of evolution. The Indian varna system is not different than that, Though the invasion of Mughals and colonization of Britisher has wreaked havoc in the functioning social system of India which led to the caste hierarchy due to loss of capital among many thriving Vaishnav and sudra business communities.
Based on the census conducted by the British in 1931, the Newly formed Nehru led socialist government created a reservation system based on caste. Reservation is needed to uplift the backward class, However, the outdated data and parameters used to offer reservation fall on the fault line which has a drastic impact on the deserved. The author argues that conducting a new survey to understand the economical states of caste would lead to the proper distribution of funds.
India's economical sector mainly thrives in the service, industrial, and agriculture sectors. All these three sectors are incorporated sectors which are mainly thriving on social capital. The backbone of social capital India is a community which shares similar value and ethos. The author has given examples of how the communities survive in the business world with a competitive co-operation strategy. The author also argues that social capital is financial capital Since most of the business runs on cooperation and trust despite the difference which is united by a single factor.
English-educated Indians always look at everything about India through a euro-centric approach which emphasizes mainly an individual as a single element that unlinks him from any supportive communities to comes under the rule of government which strips him away from voicing his opinion. Reformation is needed in the caste system, But the blind following of the anglo Saxon model which killed the community and family system from westerners will not be an ideal model for easterners since we thrive on co-operation in different aspects of life.
Humans thrived on identity and we are always ambitious in nature, Trying to abolish the caste system with no proper backup to function as one leads a human to run astray in the confusing capitalistic society. Community is always a backbone of human society, Varna system worked as a social and business system for the proliferation of capital.
Author not trying to justify anything, Leave your western slave mindset and valueless emotion aside before reading it. If you really want to understand society from an Indian perspective, this book will offer a different understanding of the Indian social system
October 10, 2020
Prof. R. Vaidya is always a delight to listen to, witty and insightful. His deep insights about economy, polity and society in general provide perspective close to how things operate at grassroots.
In this book he delves upon the role caste has played in Indian economy which still predominantly a 'relationship-based'. From helping with capital to providing critical business info to acting as a cushion for failure to development of economic clusters caste/community fulfills critical functions. Its role in building trust and enforcing contracts has immense economic value which usually goes unrecognized in the dominant discourse.
Prof. Vaidya has coins the term 'vaishyavisation' which essentially is spread of entrepreneurial spirit among traditional non-vaishya castes especially in the castes which fall under SC/ST/OBC categories. This, he contends is far more critical to upward mobility of than the affirmative action.
Role that caste plays in Indian politics is well known and much discussed. Prof. R Vaidya discussed how caste as social capital influences politics at various levels with special focus on regional parties which are essentially caste-based, family-run enterprises.
In light of this reality, this social capital needs to be acknowledged and be taken into account for better understanding of society and economy.
In this book he delves upon the role caste has played in Indian economy which still predominantly a 'relationship-based'. From helping with capital to providing critical business info to acting as a cushion for failure to development of economic clusters caste/community fulfills critical functions. Its role in building trust and enforcing contracts has immense economic value which usually goes unrecognized in the dominant discourse.
Prof. Vaidya has coins the term 'vaishyavisation' which essentially is spread of entrepreneurial spirit among traditional non-vaishya castes especially in the castes which fall under SC/ST/OBC categories. This, he contends is far more critical to upward mobility of than the affirmative action.
Role that caste plays in Indian politics is well known and much discussed. Prof. R Vaidya discussed how caste as social capital influences politics at various levels with special focus on regional parties which are essentially caste-based, family-run enterprises.
In light of this reality, this social capital needs to be acknowledged and be taken into account for better understanding of society and economy.
May 9, 2020
One of the pathbreaking work which highlights the relevance and the opportunities created by caste system in India. A far cry from most of the works which demonize the caste system, prof. Vaidyanathan highlights importance of this institution in creating entrepreneurship in India.
In that sense, caste system is the foundation on which unorganised and unincorporated enterprise develops into industrial clusters and facilitates :
1. Access to credit
2. Access to market
3. Access to labour
4. Way around red Tapism
5. Access to informal business networks
Thereby creating opportunities for entrprise development.
The author advocates caste as an important social capital instrumental in 'vaishyavisation' of Indian economy.
In that sense, caste system is the foundation on which unorganised and unincorporated enterprise develops into industrial clusters and facilitates :
1. Access to credit
2. Access to market
3. Access to labour
4. Way around red Tapism
5. Access to informal business networks
Thereby creating opportunities for entrprise development.
The author advocates caste as an important social capital instrumental in 'vaishyavisation' of Indian economy.
August 12, 2019
I came to my reading list I don't know-how. Probably catching title
I enjoyed this book and wished could have little more. Aspects covered are interesting, convincing and mind-boggling especially idea of social capital.
I enjoyed this book and wished could have little more. Aspects covered are interesting, convincing and mind-boggling especially idea of social capital.
June 17, 2019
Reveals the real truth and horrors about Caste in India
June 30, 2019
An excellent read by the author who explains that caste has an economic lens and that we should seek to harness that
January 10, 2021
I found the history of reservations in educational system very thought provoking and completely contrary to the misinformation that has been spread all around. The cast factor and the community support for business is well researched and well presented with ample examples covering the entire country. The book deals with the divisive effects of cast on Indian politics in a very clinical and ideologically neutral manner and is completely apolitical. The supporting data presented in simple to understand tables is informative shorn of all fancy charts. However, it was depressing to note that even after more than 70 years of independence and digital revolution, our data collection and national statistics is a neglected area and we don't have adequate and up to date data. The book has been written in a very simple manner and can be understood and appreciated even by lay men.
October 23, 2020
This book I received as a gift on my birthday, this is a well-researched book which has majorly covered South-India and facts related to that particular region. One thing which I really liked about the book was it contains all the data on which the arguments and analogy of the author are based on which makes our task easier to understand the situation of ground zero.
This is a must-read for anyone who wants to know about the caste system in general and its impact and other effects specifically.
This is a must-read for anyone who wants to know about the caste system in general and its impact and other effects specifically.
October 31, 2020
This is a book for every inquisitive Indian and everyone else who looks at Indian society in a condescending manner. The author, a respected academician and an authority in so many subjects, dared to show what others conveniently ignored either due to prejudice or mischief. Caste - the ubiquitous (yet foreign name) word in India...the essence of which has been hidden in plain sight and distorted and perverted most of the time. A vast majority do not understand it and even very very few have given a serious research on it. I will say no more. Please read the book.
June 19, 2021
A new perspective of looking at caste..
fact based.. caste role in informal/unorganised sector especially at cluster level had been well brought out..Vivekananda's view at the end summed up everything..More research needed on how westernization & tech is influencing communities social capital so that future trends can be predicted.
fact based.. caste role in informal/unorganised sector especially at cluster level had been well brought out..Vivekananda's view at the end summed up everything..More research needed on how westernization & tech is influencing communities social capital so that future trends can be predicted.
July 3, 2024
Detailed review - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/caste-a...
May 29, 2021
This is a short book, so short that it reads like the author's lectures converted into a book. Yet, I have given an extra star for the originality and thought provoking ideas.
September 9, 2023
"Caste as Social Capital" by R. Vaidyanathan provides a thought-provoking and comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between caste and economic dynamics in post-liberalization India. The book delves into a less explored dimension of the caste system by examining how it functions as a form of social capital with significant economic implications.
Author's work challenges the conventional discourse surrounding caste, which predominantly focuses on its religious, social, and political aspects. Instead, he sheds light on the economic facets of caste, emphasizing its role as a vital factor in business and economic networks. The book presents a well-researched and compelling argument that caste networks play a substantial role in the establishment and sustenance of businesses in India.
One of the strengths of this book is its empirical approach. Author draws on a rich array of statistical data to support his arguments. He analyzes caste groups in terms of per capita income, representation in various professions, and other relevant economic metrics. This empirical foundation lends credibility to his claims and provides readers with a clear understanding of the economic implications of caste in contemporary India.
Moreover, Author's writing is accessible and engaging, making complex economic concepts and data readily understandable to a broader audience. He effectively combines academic rigor with real-world examples and anecdotes, making the book not only informative but also highly readable.
One significant contribution of "Caste as Social Capital" is its ability to spark critical conversations around the persistence of caste in modern Indian society. The author argues that caste, rather than fading away in the wake of economic liberalization, has adapted and evolved, finding new avenues to exert influence, particularly in the realm of business and entrepreneurship. This perspective challenges the assumption that economic progress alone will dismantle the caste system.
However, it is essential to note that the book's emphasis on economic aspects of caste may overshadow other equally important dimensions of caste discrimination and social injustice. While Vaidyanathan acknowledges these aspects, readers might expect a more nuanced exploration of the broader societal issues related to caste.
All-in-all, "Caste as Social Capital" is a valuable addition to the literature on caste in India. R. Vaidyanathan's exploration of the economic ramifications of caste networks provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective. The book offers a robust empirical foundation and engaging narrative that will appeal to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between caste and the Indian economy. It encourages readers to think critically about the multifaceted nature of caste and its enduring influence in contemporary India.
Author's work challenges the conventional discourse surrounding caste, which predominantly focuses on its religious, social, and political aspects. Instead, he sheds light on the economic facets of caste, emphasizing its role as a vital factor in business and economic networks. The book presents a well-researched and compelling argument that caste networks play a substantial role in the establishment and sustenance of businesses in India.
One of the strengths of this book is its empirical approach. Author draws on a rich array of statistical data to support his arguments. He analyzes caste groups in terms of per capita income, representation in various professions, and other relevant economic metrics. This empirical foundation lends credibility to his claims and provides readers with a clear understanding of the economic implications of caste in contemporary India.
Moreover, Author's writing is accessible and engaging, making complex economic concepts and data readily understandable to a broader audience. He effectively combines academic rigor with real-world examples and anecdotes, making the book not only informative but also highly readable.
One significant contribution of "Caste as Social Capital" is its ability to spark critical conversations around the persistence of caste in modern Indian society. The author argues that caste, rather than fading away in the wake of economic liberalization, has adapted and evolved, finding new avenues to exert influence, particularly in the realm of business and entrepreneurship. This perspective challenges the assumption that economic progress alone will dismantle the caste system.
However, it is essential to note that the book's emphasis on economic aspects of caste may overshadow other equally important dimensions of caste discrimination and social injustice. While Vaidyanathan acknowledges these aspects, readers might expect a more nuanced exploration of the broader societal issues related to caste.
All-in-all, "Caste as Social Capital" is a valuable addition to the literature on caste in India. R. Vaidyanathan's exploration of the economic ramifications of caste networks provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective. The book offers a robust empirical foundation and engaging narrative that will appeal to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between caste and the Indian economy. It encourages readers to think critically about the multifaceted nature of caste and its enduring influence in contemporary India.
December 24, 2021
1. What's the background about Caste?
In Tamil Nadu, India — Caste is a frequent topic.
Social, Political, Economic fabric of Tamil Society is in clutches of Caste.
Americans are curious readers with intriguing questions.
When they introduce themselves to Indians.
They ask, “Do you still have the caste system?” Yes.
I do, suggest broadening understanding, whatsoever.
One requires reading, writers, sociologists from both west and India.
2. So, What do people say about Caste?
People quickly say, Caste is evil.
Yes - Caste is evil.
When an individual human’s dignity is robbed, tramped upon. This means, looking down on people.
Treating each other with contempt, derision.
Imagine for a moment,
Indian Society, consists of people from all religions, castes, creeds, ethnicities.
When our own children are being treated, unfairly.
Unfairly with derision, contempt, due to caste.
Certainly, it is evil.
3. So, What is Caste in Indian Society?
Caste needs to be understood in context of Indian Society.
Socio-Economically - Caste plays a role through endogamous marriage.
Caste also, plays pivotal role in Politics
In sociology, it’s a form of social order.
Historically, all societies display forms of social order, to maintain social order.
In India, the issue is using, Caste to rob dignity of another human being.
4. How does Indian Society differ from others?
Tamil Society could be described as Honor-Shame.
Face is of ultimate value.
For Men, Face is tied with money, social status, educational.
For Women, Fair Skin, Age, Children.
Tamil Society’s game is exchange, and competition of Face.
Fine, I ask — you lose face? So what?
That does not rob your dignity as a human being.
Sadly, in Honor-Shame Society, losing face leads to suicide.
Ruth Benedict, an anthropologist’s work on Japanese Society.
She brought this tremendous insight. After figuring out, differences between culture of America and Japan.
The Japanese felt dying gave them face in World War 2.
5. Can we remove Caste?
Hypothetically, Let’s assume, Caste disappears from tomorrow.
Most problems in Tamil Society, disappear - correct?
We will find a new Caste System - Job Title
This new Caste system would fill social fabric void.
In Indian Workplace, Job title is tied with face, honor.
In Tamil Workforce, all want to be manager - Why?
Much face, among peers, relatives.
CEO - High-Caste
Politicians - High Caste
Manager - High-Caste
Office Boy, Podiyan (Doorkeeper) - Low-Caste
Watchman - Lowest Caste
6. What is the meat of this book ?
Basically, Professor Vaidyanathan argues -- Caste as Social Capital
No, He is not arguing or saying, Caste is not Evil or good for society
Do not mix up. Be a careful, honest reader.
Do not apply your feelings into a work or bring other filters into this.
We can see, how he puts his case, "Caste as Social Capital."
Social Capital - access of resources through inter-personal networks.
Would you agree, it does provide?
So, for his thesis of Caste as Social Capital.
He goes through, the following
1 Caste and Education
2 Reservation in Education: Weak Data Base
3 Caste Categories and Entrepreneurs
4 Caste Categories and Entrepreneurs: The Unincorporated Sector
5 Social Capital
6 Social Capital and Entrepreneurship
7 Caste and Economic Clusters
8 The ‘Vaishyavisation’ of India
9 Caste and the Service Sector
10 Caste and Politics
Based on other works, from my readings.
I agree with the author’s thesis.
His thesis — Caste acts as Social Capital.
This has no connection with robbing human dignity.
Do not conflate or mix up.
Do not straw-man, misrepresent, a writers’s work.
He says, “In a sense, the debate does not distinguish between caste discrimination and caste as a social capital.”
Which is fairly accurate, one needs to delineate this boundary.
7. What parts do I like from this author?
He says,
In international forums, caste is used as a stick to beat anything connected to Indian religions, customs and culture.
In other words, caste has been made to be for Indians what the holocaust is for Germans and Austrians.
He says,
“The Anglo-Saxon model of atomizing every individual to a single element in a rights-based system and forcing him to have a direct link with the State has produced disastrous effects in the West wherein families have been destroyed and communities have been forgotten."
In honor-shame culture, We find there is more loyalty, trust.
eg: People trust each other based on castes (our caste)
8. What could be suggested, historically?
The founders of India, could have extended their understanding.
They applied top-down approach.
They borrowed European ideas, injecting into India.
One vivid example,
Instead of individual rights, something hybrid like individual face right or family?
Because, Indian Society is not atomistic.
For Readers who want to know about:
a) Caste
b) Socio-Economics
c) India
d) Politics
Book is well-organized, straight-forward, easy to read.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
In Tamil Nadu, India — Caste is a frequent topic.
Social, Political, Economic fabric of Tamil Society is in clutches of Caste.
Americans are curious readers with intriguing questions.
When they introduce themselves to Indians.
They ask, “Do you still have the caste system?” Yes.
I do, suggest broadening understanding, whatsoever.
One requires reading, writers, sociologists from both west and India.
2. So, What do people say about Caste?
People quickly say, Caste is evil.
Yes - Caste is evil.
When an individual human’s dignity is robbed, tramped upon. This means, looking down on people.
Treating each other with contempt, derision.
Imagine for a moment,
Indian Society, consists of people from all religions, castes, creeds, ethnicities.
When our own children are being treated, unfairly.
Unfairly with derision, contempt, due to caste.
Certainly, it is evil.
3. So, What is Caste in Indian Society?
Caste needs to be understood in context of Indian Society.
Socio-Economically - Caste plays a role through endogamous marriage.
Caste also, plays pivotal role in Politics
In sociology, it’s a form of social order.
Historically, all societies display forms of social order, to maintain social order.
In India, the issue is using, Caste to rob dignity of another human being.
4. How does Indian Society differ from others?
Tamil Society could be described as Honor-Shame.
Face is of ultimate value.
For Men, Face is tied with money, social status, educational.
For Women, Fair Skin, Age, Children.
Tamil Society’s game is exchange, and competition of Face.
Fine, I ask — you lose face? So what?
That does not rob your dignity as a human being.
Sadly, in Honor-Shame Society, losing face leads to suicide.
Ruth Benedict, an anthropologist’s work on Japanese Society.
She brought this tremendous insight. After figuring out, differences between culture of America and Japan.
The Japanese felt dying gave them face in World War 2.
5. Can we remove Caste?
Hypothetically, Let’s assume, Caste disappears from tomorrow.
Most problems in Tamil Society, disappear - correct?
We will find a new Caste System - Job Title
This new Caste system would fill social fabric void.
In Indian Workplace, Job title is tied with face, honor.
In Tamil Workforce, all want to be manager - Why?
Much face, among peers, relatives.
CEO - High-Caste
Politicians - High Caste
Manager - High-Caste
Office Boy, Podiyan (Doorkeeper) - Low-Caste
Watchman - Lowest Caste
6. What is the meat of this book ?
Basically, Professor Vaidyanathan argues -- Caste as Social Capital
No, He is not arguing or saying, Caste is not Evil or good for society
Do not mix up. Be a careful, honest reader.
Do not apply your feelings into a work or bring other filters into this.
We can see, how he puts his case, "Caste as Social Capital."
Social Capital - access of resources through inter-personal networks.
Would you agree, it does provide?
So, for his thesis of Caste as Social Capital.
He goes through, the following
1 Caste and Education
2 Reservation in Education: Weak Data Base
3 Caste Categories and Entrepreneurs
4 Caste Categories and Entrepreneurs: The Unincorporated Sector
5 Social Capital
6 Social Capital and Entrepreneurship
7 Caste and Economic Clusters
8 The ‘Vaishyavisation’ of India
9 Caste and the Service Sector
10 Caste and Politics
Based on other works, from my readings.
I agree with the author’s thesis.
His thesis — Caste acts as Social Capital.
This has no connection with robbing human dignity.
Do not conflate or mix up.
Do not straw-man, misrepresent, a writers’s work.
He says, “In a sense, the debate does not distinguish between caste discrimination and caste as a social capital.”
Which is fairly accurate, one needs to delineate this boundary.
7. What parts do I like from this author?
He says,
In international forums, caste is used as a stick to beat anything connected to Indian religions, customs and culture.
In other words, caste has been made to be for Indians what the holocaust is for Germans and Austrians.
He says,
“The Anglo-Saxon model of atomizing every individual to a single element in a rights-based system and forcing him to have a direct link with the State has produced disastrous effects in the West wherein families have been destroyed and communities have been forgotten."
In honor-shame culture, We find there is more loyalty, trust.
eg: People trust each other based on castes (our caste)
8. What could be suggested, historically?
The founders of India, could have extended their understanding.
They applied top-down approach.
They borrowed European ideas, injecting into India.
One vivid example,
Instead of individual rights, something hybrid like individual face right or family?
Because, Indian Society is not atomistic.
For Readers who want to know about:
a) Caste
b) Socio-Economics
c) India
d) Politics
Book is well-organized, straight-forward, easy to read.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
April 7, 2020
I wish Goodreads had a "Regret Reading" option.
Ever heard the saying that academics (especially academics with numbers) can justify anything? Of course you would have. I would call this book "an example of pseudo-science" but then i would be committing the same crime as whatever this book is actually doing.
Vaidhyanathan's arguments and claims (more of the latter than the former) are bolstered by the use of surveys, statistics, and quotes. What's that? I'm not going into the contexts and analyses of these? Call that a lesson i've learned from this book. It seems to have only one purpose: to establish that caste is a good thing, and anyone (including the Mandal Commission) who claims otherwise is basing their claims on "outdated data" and "myths", and preventing progress. Should data and the reservation system be questioned? Absolutely. One thing which the book sadly gets right is that caste is a complex phenomenon that needs to be engaged with critically. The problem is that the author shows no interest in approaching his own sources with that same criticality. An IAS officer said this, Dipankar Gupta said that, a 2005 survey shows this, a study in Gujarat/TamilNadu says this.......but, finally, what are these? While making bold claims, the book frankly succeeds in establishing itself as a seemingly-liberal academic-brahminical contribution to pro-caste anti-reservation rhetoric that claims to analyse caste as a complex phenomenon while actually justifying it and reducing all kinds of caste politics to a reductionist claim that it's just a means which certain castes want to use in order to enjoy the benefits of corruption.
I'm not a social science student, so i don't know whether K. Subramanian, in his review of this book, is accurate in saying that "social capital" as a concept was first conceived by the World Bank, and is now fairly abandoned. What i do know is that it's use as a peg in this book is extremely sketchy (considering what it is intended to justify) and even its elaboration comes too late into the book.
Ever heard the saying that academics (especially academics with numbers) can justify anything? Of course you would have. I would call this book "an example of pseudo-science" but then i would be committing the same crime as whatever this book is actually doing.
Vaidhyanathan's arguments and claims (more of the latter than the former) are bolstered by the use of surveys, statistics, and quotes. What's that? I'm not going into the contexts and analyses of these? Call that a lesson i've learned from this book. It seems to have only one purpose: to establish that caste is a good thing, and anyone (including the Mandal Commission) who claims otherwise is basing their claims on "outdated data" and "myths", and preventing progress. Should data and the reservation system be questioned? Absolutely. One thing which the book sadly gets right is that caste is a complex phenomenon that needs to be engaged with critically. The problem is that the author shows no interest in approaching his own sources with that same criticality. An IAS officer said this, Dipankar Gupta said that, a 2005 survey shows this, a study in Gujarat/TamilNadu says this.......but, finally, what are these? While making bold claims, the book frankly succeeds in establishing itself as a seemingly-liberal academic-brahminical contribution to pro-caste anti-reservation rhetoric that claims to analyse caste as a complex phenomenon while actually justifying it and reducing all kinds of caste politics to a reductionist claim that it's just a means which certain castes want to use in order to enjoy the benefits of corruption.
I'm not a social science student, so i don't know whether K. Subramanian, in his review of this book, is accurate in saying that "social capital" as a concept was first conceived by the World Bank, and is now fairly abandoned. What i do know is that it's use as a peg in this book is extremely sketchy (considering what it is intended to justify) and even its elaboration comes too late into the book.
May 1, 2020
If you understand the term "social capital" then I'm sure you already know that caste is definitely a social capital. Whether, using that social capital is a correct way of dealing with caste or not is obviously not the idea of this book. However, it shows us that caste afterall is a creation of the society and is definitely based on profession. This book gives plenty of data points which suggests that people from various caste do indulge in specific professions and do have a common identity and belongingness and that belongingness eventually encourage them in taking up professions. Getting credits, risk mitigation etc becomes easier for people belonging to a specific caste which indulge in a specific business. The author believes that Indian business is basically relationship based atleast in non organized sector and caste is definitely a social capital due to this. I don't agree with many points, for example I feel this caste based identity and social capital can repulse people from one caste to take profession of another caste , which is no way a good thing. This can create rivalry and even disastrous consequences. However, if there can be flow of ideas and people between castes and differences mitigated properly things can go in a positive direction. But no-one knows how much possible is this. Any way this book brought a different perspective.
August 29, 2019
Stopped reading half-way through the book. It is a desperate attempt to white-wash caste as a positive practice that has very little discriminatory aspects to speak of. It should've been titled 'A Vindication of Caste and it's privileges'.
July 24, 2023
Caste is a subject of immense interest, scrutiny, topic for lighting fires amidst debates. When an esteemed professor writes about this controversial, yet relevant topic, it evokes interest in the readers to dig more. I came across this book quite accidentally and when I received the recent version, I couldn’t help but read through this book in a jiffy.
We find caste’s implication in everyday life, be it education, politics or general society. More often than not, the most common association of caste is with reservations and generally makes for a topic of immense debate. However, when one analyses Caste from a data point of view, devoid of the immense emotions it can evoke, it makes for some fascinating reading. This book is an amazing attempt on providing a 360 degree view of caste from various aspects, that has some relevance for almost everyone. As the author writes, quoting him: “The answer lies in the “inquiring mind” endowed with ancient wisdom that looks at the past dispassionately & provides opportunities to disadvantaged sections based on facts & not basis of myths”
Myths perpetuated by humans to further own agenda have been the bedrock of the caste based fissures. However, when a learned person looks at the same data & holds a brutally honest mirror to the society, it is bound to evoke some strong reactions. This is quite apparent for this book when I went through some of the reviews on Goodreads. However, it is my earnest recommendation that one should try to discern the reality by reading the book than going by extremely polarised view points.
Prof. Vaidyanathan brings in an interesting perspective by analysing caste from multiple perspectives i.e. from reservation to how human dynamics are evolving through caste, business funding to entrepreneurship to all-time favourite of Politics. The author’s grip over the subject is quite apparent through the detailed statistical tables across the chapters that really throw up some interesting observations. Apart from the statistics, the details captured in some of the sections of the book are amazingly educational, yet precise to the point. His analysis is not limited to the major community of the country, but captures all the communities across the length & breadth of this vast country.
This book is a delight for social commentators, statisticians, thought leaders and perhaps educators & politicians. However, I feel this should be read by every single section of society, specially kids of 15-18 years range who come face to face with reservations in competitive exams. It would enable them to appreciate and comprehend the thought behind the various affirmative actions present in modern day society. It also provides some serious food for thought to understand the challenges that lay ahead of them.
In some sections of the book, the statistics can overwhelm some of the readers. However, this small detail apart, this book is a readers delight. Recommended read !!
We find caste’s implication in everyday life, be it education, politics or general society. More often than not, the most common association of caste is with reservations and generally makes for a topic of immense debate. However, when one analyses Caste from a data point of view, devoid of the immense emotions it can evoke, it makes for some fascinating reading. This book is an amazing attempt on providing a 360 degree view of caste from various aspects, that has some relevance for almost everyone. As the author writes, quoting him: “The answer lies in the “inquiring mind” endowed with ancient wisdom that looks at the past dispassionately & provides opportunities to disadvantaged sections based on facts & not basis of myths”
Myths perpetuated by humans to further own agenda have been the bedrock of the caste based fissures. However, when a learned person looks at the same data & holds a brutally honest mirror to the society, it is bound to evoke some strong reactions. This is quite apparent for this book when I went through some of the reviews on Goodreads. However, it is my earnest recommendation that one should try to discern the reality by reading the book than going by extremely polarised view points.
Prof. Vaidyanathan brings in an interesting perspective by analysing caste from multiple perspectives i.e. from reservation to how human dynamics are evolving through caste, business funding to entrepreneurship to all-time favourite of Politics. The author’s grip over the subject is quite apparent through the detailed statistical tables across the chapters that really throw up some interesting observations. Apart from the statistics, the details captured in some of the sections of the book are amazingly educational, yet precise to the point. His analysis is not limited to the major community of the country, but captures all the communities across the length & breadth of this vast country.
This book is a delight for social commentators, statisticians, thought leaders and perhaps educators & politicians. However, I feel this should be read by every single section of society, specially kids of 15-18 years range who come face to face with reservations in competitive exams. It would enable them to appreciate and comprehend the thought behind the various affirmative actions present in modern day society. It also provides some serious food for thought to understand the challenges that lay ahead of them.
In some sections of the book, the statistics can overwhelm some of the readers. However, this small detail apart, this book is a readers delight. Recommended read !!
Read
August 25, 2023In a post-liberalisation India where modernity and tradition often collide, the enduring presence of caste has been a topic of both fascination and concern. R. Vaidyanathan's groundbreaking work, "Caste as Social Capital," offers a departure from conventional studies, shedding light on the intricate interplay between caste and the economic landscape.
Vaidyanathan delves deep into the intricate web of business, economics, and entrepreneurship, exposing how caste networks intricately shape the very fabric of commerce. Far beyond the familiar statistical analyses of per capita incomes and profession distributions, the book explores how caste operates as an underappreciated driver of business dynamics.
The author's lens zeroes in on the tangible mechanisms by which caste operates in the realm of economics. It uncovers how caste influences the crucial components of enterprise - financing, market access, and workforce availability. Drawing from a trove of qualitative research, Vaidyanathan reveals a complex tapestry where caste serves as an unconventional form of social capital, navigating the practical challenges that entrepreneurs face.
Thanks, Penguin India, for the review copy!
Vaidyanathan delves deep into the intricate web of business, economics, and entrepreneurship, exposing how caste networks intricately shape the very fabric of commerce. Far beyond the familiar statistical analyses of per capita incomes and profession distributions, the book explores how caste operates as an underappreciated driver of business dynamics.
The author's lens zeroes in on the tangible mechanisms by which caste operates in the realm of economics. It uncovers how caste influences the crucial components of enterprise - financing, market access, and workforce availability. Drawing from a trove of qualitative research, Vaidyanathan reveals a complex tapestry where caste serves as an unconventional form of social capital, navigating the practical challenges that entrepreneurs face.
Thanks, Penguin India, for the review copy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews