|
Panel 7:
Psychological issues related to institution of caste and untouchability
The discipline of
Psychology has been at the forefront in examining societal inequality
and oppression, and has developed an influential body of theory and
research examining group processes and inter-group relations in multiple
contexts. Psychology in India has also shown curiosity and interest in
studying caste. However, psychological research on caste does not go
beyond a few sporadic yet notable contributions. As a result, despite
the availability of relevant theoretical and research frameworks, the
psychological study of caste has remained on the periphery and has only
received limited attention within the mainstream academic community and
the public. The real question that the use of psychology should not be
limited in efforts to understand and annihilate caste but should also
include what sort of psychology helps or hinders those efforts.
Against this background,
the Psychology panellists will attempt to bridge the theoretical and
empirical gap between caste and psychology. Contributions will draw on
theoretical and research foundations within Psychology to bring together
emerging perspectives, offer novel insights into caste related
cognition, emotion, and behaviour, and provide directions for future
psychological research on caste.
The sub-themes will include
the following: (1) Potential of psychology to examine oppressive social
structures; (2) Theoretical and methodological issues in psychological
study of caste; (3) Development of caste consciousness among children
and adults; (4) Prejudice and stereotyping in the caste context; (5)
Psychological aspects of collective action and resistance against caste;
(6) Development and expressions of hate against caste and religious
groups; (7) Ethnic isolation and discrimination; (8) Caste-based stigma,
humiliation and trauma: experience, impact and interventions; (9)
Education and curriculum for psychology of caste; (10) Intersectional
approach to psychological study of caste.
This theme will also be
taken up on all the three days of the conference through parallel
sessions. We expect to have about 12 parallel sessions, and about three
Keynote addresses and special lectures on this theme.
|
