The Untouchability of Labor: Gender, Caste, and Work in the Rishi Community

• In Event: 30409 - Sociology of Development

Abstract

Christian missionaries have been lauded for educating the outcaste Rishi community because development experts have assumed that education will lead to expanded work opportunities. There has been, however, little analysis of educated Rishi men and women. This study uses intersectionality theory to explore the impact of education on the simultaneous oppressions of caste, gender, and age on Rishi masculinities and femininities. The findings of this longitudinal qualitative study of 73 villagers from Muslim, Hindu, and Rishi households in Bangladesh (2001-2024) are: 1.) Job opportunities for educated Chrisitan Rishis are gendered. Men can leave their village to search for work in the cities where they can pass. But passing comes at a high price; educated Christian Rishi masculinity is predicated on severing all ties with their families. These men also live in fear of being discovered. Women cannot pass because of restricted social mobility; so their job opportunities are limited. 2.) Educated Rishi women have gained voice within their communities. They can effectively negotiate property inheritance; and serve as bridge builders between Rishi and Muslim neighborhoods. 3.) Education has not transformed violent Rishi masculinity; both illiterate and educated Rishi men engaged in domestic violence. 4. ) Rishi women do not complain about domestic violence because they feel that the court will dismiss their cases because of their outcaste status. 5.) Older illiterate Rishi women continue to beg for food. They are exploited by educated members of their own families. In sum, conversion has enabled Christian Rishis to reduce everyday harassment; however, work opportunities remain limited because of the taint of untouchability. The author concludes with policy and implementation recommendations for the Rishi community.

Author

• Fauzia Erfan Ahmed, Miami University-Ohio