Caste and Family Politics Sinhalese 1947 1976

By Janice Jiggins

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521133785
• ISBN13: 9780521133784
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"