Caste and Family Politics Sinhalese 1947–1976

This book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships as well as the politics when Sri Lanka became independent.

Janice Jiggins (Author)

9780521133784, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 March 2010

204 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.1 cm, 0.31 kg

Originally published in 1979, this book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships which gave a unique character to Sri Lanka's politics at the time, and which helped to explain the persistence of Westminster-style parliamentary politics in a society undergoing rapid economic and social change. Dr Jiggins describes some of the main actors in Sri Lankan public life, and places their political careers and loyalties within a social context. She explores the adaptation of traditional social structures and relations within a modernising state, and traces the emergence and behaviour of political parties with reference to such adaptations. The book stepped outside a narrow constitutional or party-political framework, and brought fresh material to the reader, enabling him to grasp the dynamic political life of the island. Dr Jiggins' book is a vivid and lively account of Sinhalese politics after Sri Lanka became independent.

List of tables
List of maps and charts
Preface
Glossary and list of abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Description of castes
3. Preliminary investigations
4. Sabaragamuwa: a study of a caste vote in a traditional area
5. Consequences and implications at the national level
6. The family in politics
7. Caste and the insurgency of 1971
8. Conclusion
Appendix
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: General & world history [HBG]