Understanding human dignity : a case study of Dalit adolescent girls in Nepal | |
| Author | Rajaratnam, Ravi Shankar |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.RD-24-03 |
| Subject(s) | Dignity--Nepal--Case studies Women's rights--Nepal--Case studies Sex discrimination--Nepal--Case studies |
| Note | A Dissertation submitted in partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Regional and Rural Development Planning Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Dignity has gained substantial recognition in the development sector. However, it is a missing element in the empowerment discourse. Hence, a qualitative study in Nepal, based on grounded theory methodology for data collection and analysis, was conducted to assess Dalit adolescent girls’ understanding of human dignity and empowerment.Social dignity is the boundary for this study, as it could be promoted or violated due to actions and interactions between people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 adolescent girls, 24 parents, 21 siblings of the adolescent girls, and 10 key informants. MAXQDA software supported the data analysis. From adolescents’ perspective, social dignity is determined by how they are treated, respected, valued, and recognized. The results confirm that caste- and gender-based discrimination, poverty, and having their opinions disregarded contribute to a violation of Dalit adolescent girls’ dignity. Empowerment for adolescent girls refers to decision making ability, freedom of movement, increased self-esteem and self-reliance, and education. The findings prove that dignity is the foundation of empowerment and human rights and, thereby, a rights-based approach to development. Hence, this study argues that the more dignity is upheld, the greater the empowerment outcomes.Therefore,without conceptualizing dignity, theorizing empowerment will not be complete. Additionally, this study proves that dignity violation can affect social cohesion and contribute to conflicts at family and community levels. Further, this study argues that gender inequality is a dignity issue. The study proposes a three-tier level of empowerment measurement with a dignity lens. Overall, this research contributes to the nexus between dignity, empowerment, and a rights-based approach to development. Accordingly, the findings will assist development actors and policymakers in planning and implementing appropriate interventions for adolescent girls to live with dignity. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Regional and Rural Development Planning (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ahmed, Mokbul Morshed; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen;Chatterjee, Joyee; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Fellowship;Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph. D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |