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Eastern Michigan University

The nature of contradictions in India: Using an applied ethnographic technique to further intercultural understanding

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>India is often noted for the large body of contradictions that exist within it, which has left many observers in a state of bafflement, never really understanding why or how such huge inconsistencies can harmoniously exist. The intent of this thesis is to begin an exploration into India’s mass of contradictions.</p> <p>The insights of Indian informants were incorporated into this study in an attempt to explain this dilemma. The respondents were interviewed in order to determine whether (1) they are aware that these contradictions exist and (2) whether they attempt to reconcile them and, if so, how. The fascinating interplay between India’s cultural traditions and its economic system can hopefully be better understood as a result of this study. In the future, a similar model may be useful in exploring other developing countries and their own personal sets of contradictions.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts (MA)
Level thesis:degree_level
Open Access Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
Year
2009

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Handa, Melissa LR
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Jay Weinstein, PhD, Chair
  • Solange Simoes, PhD

Subjects

dc:subject × 3

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/227
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1226

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Eastern Michigan University
Base URL
commons.emich.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Handa, Melissa LR. The nature of contradictions in India: Using an applied ethnographic technique to further intercultural understanding. Open Access Thesis thesis, 2009. https://commons.emich.edu/theses/227