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Localities, Citizenship, and Rights in India and Pakistan: Uncovering the Complexities of Citizenship in South Asia

Billy Foster

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Boundaries of Belonging: Localities, Citizenship and Rights in India and Pakistan

by Mark Bowden

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7957 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	330 pages

Delving into the Intricate Relationship between Local Practices, Citizenship, and Rights

In the tapestry of South Asia, where the threads of history, culture, and politics intertwine, the relationship between localities, citizenship, and rights presents a multifaceted enigma. Drawing upon original research from India and Pakistan, the groundbreaking work "Localities, Citizenship, and Rights in India and Pakistan" unpicks this intricate web, shedding light on the lived experiences of ordinary citizens and the challenges they face in accessing rights and justice.

This interdisciplinary exploration ventures beyond the theoretical realm, delving into the heart of local practices and institutions that profoundly shape the experiences of citizenship. It unveils how these local dynamics can both reinforce and undermine the rights and entitlements that citizens are entitled to, exposing the complexities and contradictions that characterize citizenship in South Asia.

Localities: The Crucible of Citizenship

The book places localities at the forefront of its analysis, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the contours of citizenship. Localities are not mere geographical entities but rather dynamic spaces where social, political, and economic forces converge, influencing the daily lives of citizens. Through rich ethnographic accounts, the authors meticulously examine how local power structures, social norms, and cultural practices mediate access to rights and opportunities.

In the vibrant streets of Mumbai and the bustling markets of Karachi, the book uncovers how local brokers and intermediaries play a crucial role in facilitating or obstructing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal aid. It demonstrates how localized forms of justice, rooted in traditional customs and religious beliefs, often coexist with and sometimes challenge the formal legal system, creating a complex landscape of rights and obligations.

Citizenship: Navigating the Maze of Belonging

Citizenship, a cornerstone of modern nationhood, takes on multifaceted meanings in India and Pakistan. The book explores the ways in which citizenship is constructed, negotiated, and contested within these two countries. It examines the legal frameworks that define citizenship, the processes through which it is acquired and revoked, and the social and political practices that determine who is considered a legitimate citizen.

Drawing on case studies from both India and Pakistan, the book highlights the challenges faced by marginalized groups, such as religious minorities, women, and migrants, in claiming and exercising their citizenship rights. It reveals the systemic barriers and everyday experiences of discrimination that can undermine their sense of belonging and entitlement.

Rights: The Promise and the Reality

The promise of rights enshrined in the constitutions of India and Pakistan stands as a beacon of hope for all citizens. However, the book meticulously dissects the gap between the promise and the reality of rights on the ground. It analyzes the structural and institutional obstacles that prevent many citizens from fully enjoying their rights, exposing the social and economic inequalities that persist within these societies.

Through vivid accounts of struggles for land rights, labor rights, and gender justice, the book documents the resilience and agency of ordinary citizens as they navigate the labyrinth of institutions and power dynamics that shape their access to rights. It sheds light on the strategies they employ to claim their rights, often in the face of adversity and resistance.

: Towards a More Inclusive and Just Citizenship

"Localities, Citizenship, and Rights in India and Pakistan" concludes with a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the future of citizenship in South Asia. It argues that a more inclusive and just citizenship requires a transformative approach that goes beyond legal and constitutional frameworks. It calls for a re-examination of local practices and institutions, a commitment to addressing social and economic inequalities, and a recognition of the diverse and dynamic nature of citizenship itself.

This thought-provoking work is an indispensable resource for scholars, policymakers, activists, and all those interested in the critical issues of citizenship, rights, and social justice in South Asia. It offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and complexities that define citizenship in this region, inspiring a deeper conversation about the path towards a more equitable and just society.

Boundaries of Belonging: Localities, Citizenship and Rights in India and Pakistan

by Mark Bowden

4.2 out of 5