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📢 Presentation of “Caste as social capital? An exploratory analysis of the composition of interpersonal networks in villages”

As part of IFP’s internal seminars (Monday Colloquium), Cécile Mouchel (Université Paris Cité) will present the second chapter of her thesis entitled “Caste as social capital? An exploratory analysis of the composition of interpersonal networks in villages” on March 17.

To attend the presentation online, please send an email to odriis@ifpindia.org.

Abstract: A growing literature seeks to demonstrate the function of caste as social capital. It tends to outline the positive aspect of the caste system for the Indian economy. Caste would be the pilar of trust at the core of any economic transactions. This assertion is based on an extensive definition of social capital as networks and cultural norms that will foster trust, cooperation and social cohesion. Yet, social capital is one of the most fertile concepts for the last decade. This article takes root in a more restrictive meaning of social capital i.e. interpersonal relationships and the different kinds of resources embedded in these relationships. While taking another definition, this article takes up the same research question again but through a different lens. To what extent would caste be a determinant of interpersonal relationships in villages of South Arcot in Tamil Nadu? This first question will be articulated with a second one. In a context of rising inequalities all over India, to what extent social capital endowments differ between caste groups? These questions are explored through a mixed methodology. As a first result, this article shows sociability is mainly driven by caste and village relationships more than any other aspects. Villages are strongly segregated both spatially and socially. Social segregation appears to be on the rise. The upper castes are the only ones to go beyond caste boundaries but this social openness does not include lower castes. Regarding social capital endowments, this extremely high caste and village homophily hardly solves the question while a rising intra-caste group stratification is appearing over the last decade. 


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
Arnaud Natal (March 14, 2025). 📢 Presentation of “Caste as social capital? An exploratory analysis of the composition of interpersonal networks in villages” ODRIIS. Retrieved April 29, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/13h6r


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