Perspectives on Social Change in a Kerala Village

Abstract

Regardless of the breakdown of the caste-occupation corresponding to the
caste hierarchy system, caste considerations prevail in India. The rising
incidence of honour killings and atrocities that the downtrodden
communities are susceptible to are manifestations of this phenomenon.
These factors, along with caste-based mobilisation and agitations reported
in several places, indicate that Indian villages are emerging as conflict zones.
An exception is Kerala which achieved a high level of social development.
In this context, an investigation into the social changes of Kerala villages
and the contributing factors assumes significance