Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
This thesis dives into the stories and lives of female low-caste garment workers in South India, uncovering their agency and strategies within the complex web of social norms and expectations. It's...Show moreThis thesis dives into the stories and lives of female low-caste garment workers in South India, uncovering their agency and strategies within the complex web of social norms and expectations. It's all about understanding how factors like caste, gender, and labor intertwine to shape their lives in the bustling world of textile factories. The journey starts by shining a light on the influence of big international brands on the factories' conditions and how the caste systems still affects people’s lives and opportunities. We dig into how traditional gender roles shape the lives of these female workers, dealing with both unequal power dynamics and family expectations. With the guiding question, "How exactly do female low-caste garment workers in South India show their power, and how do they tackle the challenges they face in their lives and jobs?" in mind, the research takes us through six chapters. The heart of the matter reveals that these workers, despite the odds, aren't just passive players. They've got agency and plans, like prioritizing their children’s education if their financial situation allows it in order to break free from the cycle of struggle. And then there's the central role of NGOs like READ, who give them skills and a voice to demand better conditions. Wrapping it all up, the conclusion shows strength doesn't always mean pushing back hard; it's often about finding ways to stand tall and find strategies when facing difficulties. All said and done, this research paints a vivid picture of these female workers' multi-faceted strengths, highlighting how they navigate their world with grit and grace, all while shaking up the social norms that surround them.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
In 2004, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Theo van Gogh made the anti-Islam film Submission. Four years later, Geert Wilders published his own anti-Islam film, Fitna. These movies were both a reason for and a...Show moreIn 2004, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Theo van Gogh made the anti-Islam film Submission. Four years later, Geert Wilders published his own anti-Islam film, Fitna. These movies were both a reason for and a consequence of a Dutch sociopolitical climate in which anti-Islam sentiments were widely spread. Using academic literature about orientalism, media and gender, such as described by Edward Said as well as many others, I researched the use of orientalist characteristics in representing Muslims and the Islam in both of these movies, paying attention to the texts, visual aspects and implications of the films, as well as looking at the intentions of the makers and the place of the movies in the wider Dutch context.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
In Hindu North India marriage is a family-centred event. The vast majority of marriages is arranged, which means that family elders have an important input in the choice for a prospective spouse...Show moreIn Hindu North India marriage is a family-centred event. The vast majority of marriages is arranged, which means that family elders have an important input in the choice for a prospective spouse for their younger members. When arranging a marriage, the family seeks to form an alliance with another family with whom they share a number of characteristics and whose background is thus considered compatible in terms of caste, class and religion. Therefore, apart from the formation of new kinship ties, marriage is a crucial act in confirming and reproducing existing social and economic boundaries. However, the marital landscape appears to be changing as young individuals increasingly prefer what they label as love marriages. In this thesis I focus on how such love marriages are perceived amongst Hindus in North India and in which manner they differ from arranged marriages. Furthermore I look at how this increased preference for love marriages impacts local family and gender relations. I argue how love marriages are not dichotomous to arranged marriages but instead show a lot of overlap. I show how not only young individuals, but their family elders and close kin as well creatively invent strategies in order to adapt marriages to the changing socio-economic circumstances.Show less
