Caste and Family Politics Sinhalese 1947-1976

Originally published in 1979, this book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships which gave a unique character to Sri Lanka's politics at the time, and which helped to explain the persistence of Westminster-style parliamentary politics in a society undergoing rapid economic and social change. Dr Jiggins describes some of the main actors in Sri Lankan public life, and places their political careers and loyalties within a social context. She explores the adaptation of traditional social structures and relations within a modernising state, and traces the emergence and behaviour of political parties with reference to such adaptations. The book stepped outside a narrow constitutional or party-political framework, and brought fresh material to the reader, enabling him to grasp the dynamic political life of the island. Dr Jiggins' book is a vivid and lively account of Sinhalese politics after Sri Lanka became independent.

List of tables; List of maps and charts; Preface; Glossary and list of abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. Description of castes; 3. Preliminary investigations; 4. Sabaragamuwa: a study of a caste vote in a traditional area; 5. Consequences and implications at the national level; 6. The family in politics; 7. Caste and the insurgency of 1971; 8. Conclusion; Appendix; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

Originally published in 1979, this book attempts to describe and analyse the social relationships which gave a unique character to Sri Lanka's politics at the time. Dr Jiggins' book is a vivid and lively account of Sinhalese politics after Sri Lanka became independent.