Caste and Learning in Higher Education Activist Movements

Pradhan, Ishita

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Caste and Learning in Higher Education Activist Movements Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/9g54xk528

Abstract

Caste-based discrimination persists as a formidable barrier within Indian higher education, compelling Dalit students to employ university spaces not only for learning but as arenas for activism and social change. This dissertation explores the agency of Dalit students as they confront and dismantle systemic inequalities through strategic engagement and "activism for dignity." Facing risks that range from academic repercussions, social ostracization and threats to physical safety, Dalit students harness their histories and everyday experiences to assert their dignity and challenge oppressive structures. Grounded in a critical sociocultural framework, this dissertation delves into the intersections of caste, learning, and agency, utilizing phenomenological interviews to illuminate how Dalit students navigate dual roles as learners and activists. Dalit students' activism emerges as a dynamic site of learning, characterized by the development of critical consciousness, resilience, and an acute awareness of institutional infrastructure, which are pivotal in their pursuit of equity and transformation within the university environment. By documenting and analyzing the complex ways in which Dalit students use activism to influence institutional practices and policies, the dissertation underscores the importance of integrating caste into the broader discourse on educational justice. It reveals how activism serves not only as a response to immediate injustices but also as a meaningful learning process that supports personal growth and community resilience. This work contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of learning in the social movements, advocating for a reimagined approach to learning sciences that embraces the complexities of caste and the transformative potential of Dalit students’ activism.

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