Chamar artisans : industrialisation, skills and social mobility

The socio-cultural, ethnic, economic and political complexities of Indian society have given rise to the problems of social inequa lities which have severely affected the patterns of social relationships. The worst sufferer of such a system had been the scheduled castes in general and the Chamar artisans in parti cular.

The problem of association between caste and occupation, remains unaffected to a great extent in spite of the changing socio-culture scene. In view of this, the present study focu ses on two significant issues. One, how can the socio-economic position of the artisans carrying out caste specific occupations be improved? Two, is industrial development an effective alternative for the socio-economic development of the artisans? In order to view change, the study focuses on (i) Spatial mobility and its consequences; (ii) Changing economic conditions; (iii) Family structure and living conditions; (iv) Educational mobi lity; (v) Practice of untouchability and inter caste relations; and (vi) Working conditions, problems and prospects of leather workers in the industrial sector.

The study indicates changing aspects of the Chamar leather artisans as a result of indus trial development in the area of leather goods. At the same time it takes a critical look at arious deteriorating aspects of shoe maker's fe in the Indian society.