Rural labour relations in India: Persistent themes, common processes and differential outcomes

The paper has three aims: (1) to identify and consider those major persiste nt themes which inform this volume; (2) to distinguish, within those themes , whatever common processes, with respect to labour relations in the Indian countryside, can be observed in the contributions published; and (3) to su ggest what the studies reveal about differential outcomes within the Indian social formation. The overarching theme of class conflict is singled out a nd that of the nature and impact of state intervention noted. A series of ' stylised shifts', or clear general tendencies, are seen to be in evidence i n the analyses, which suggest the operation of vigorous emancipatory proces ses. The limitations and contradictions inherent in these emancipatory proc esses are discussed, the influences which condition class straggle are high lighted, and the crucial role of the state (and, in particular, the signifi cance of poverty alleviation programmes) stressed. It is argued, finally, t hat a primary analytical task is to pursue a far more systematic interpreta tion of regional variations in the Indian social formation than is currentl y available.