Empowering Village Voices

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This paper explores the intricate dynamics of social networks and their influence on political participation in rural India. Through a detailed analysis of village-level social networks in Maharashtra and Kerala, the study aims to identify how social capital—rooted in caste, religion, and institutional affiliations—affects political engagement. Using the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) data, we constructed networks to map household  to various formal institutions, such as cooperatives, self-help groups, and public meetings. 

The findings reveal significant disparities in network structures and centrality measures between the two villages, highlighting the crucial role of social integration and community institutions in fostering civic participation. In the village in Maharashtra, the network exhibited lower density and fewer active institutions, indicating limited community engagement, with centrality measures pointing to a concentration of influence among specific caste groups. In contrast, Kerala's village displayed a more interconnected and denser network, with public meeting groups serving as central hubs for community interaction. This higher level of integration was associated with increased political participation, particularly among diverse social groups. The study underscores the importance of enhancing network density and inclusivity to improve civic engagement and ensure equitable political representation in rural India.