Social Work and Folk Culture

Contents: Preface. I. Theoretical perspectives on Folk Culture: 1. What is folk and folk culture? 2. Cultural patterns in India. 3. Dance, dormitory and sex life. 4. Economic life. 5. Mutual attitudes and social interactions among the Catholics, Lutherans and the Sarna Uraon. II. Case study: 6. Tamasha, Sangitbari--its origin and development. 7. Research methodology. 8. Analysis and interpretation of data. 9. Public attitude. Bibliography. Index.   

"The proposed volume focuses upon the issue pertaining to the livelihood of these artists which is at stake. As "live entertainers" they are loosing importance in society and are deprived of their rights to livelihood. As a human right issue, the interests of the artists and the institution need to be protected. Against this backdrop, the proposed book offers insights into the socio-economic background of the artists, their social lives and perceptions about their vocation and the attitudes of the common public towards them. The book is divided into two parts. Part I dwells on the theoretical aspects of folk culture. The part II dwells upon the history of this institution in Maharashtra, the themes and contents of these art forms and the relevance of understanding Tamasha and Sangeetbari as a humane subject and to nurture this age old art form. Further it addresses to the social and economic contexts within which these forms operate, their patrons, and the changing scenario. Next part is on the perceptions of the artists about their own profession and the public attitude towards these art forms.

The book shall be of interest to those engaged in media research, human rights, policymakers and the general readers." (jacket)