Between Utopia and pragmatism
Subtitle: the making of a pudhari (local level leader)
By: Arun de Souza
Contributors: Delhi School of Economics. Department of Sociology; University of Delhi
Series: Occasional papers (new series) -- 2007/5
Publisher: Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Delhi
Language: eng
Number of pages: 18
Description: This paper examines the way in which political dominance is established in rural Maharashtra through a system of interlinked factions. Public resources are used to establish patron-client relationships and to capture power. An important way in which such relationships are established is by 'performing' the role of leader and enacting a set of practices that constitute the 'symbolic' representation of leadership. These practices are not confined to the ritual sphere, however, but are quotidian practices that structure the leader's working day.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 17-18).