Untouchability, Caste-Based Reservation, and Confidence Gap in Police

Interacting Dynamics

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7309923
AutoresManoj Kumar (0000-0003-2360-5451, Banaras Hindu University), Ajay, Ajay Ajay (University of Delhi)
Ano2025
Data de publicação2025-10-29
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Asian and African Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0021-9096 • E-ISSN: 1745-2538
EditoraSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00219096251386029
OpenAlexW4415655197
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas33

Marginalised groups often exhibit lower trust in institutions such as the police and courts. In hierarchical societies like India, such disparities between caste groups can heighten social discrimination, including untouchability. Using India Human Development Survey–II (IHDS-II) data, this study examines how Pradhan seat reservation for lower castes interacts with the caste bias of confidence in police to shape untouchability experiences. Findings show that in reserved villages, a pronounced inter-caste confidence gap in the police corresponds to higher reports of untouchability among lower-caste households. Revealing that while reservations aim at empowerment, unequal institutional trust may intensify discrimination. Bridging this gap is vital to safeguard the intensions of affirmative action