Dalit Identity in Indian Print Media: Caste, Power, and Representation

Dalit Identity in Indian Print Media: Caste, Power, and Representationtakes readers inside the world of Indian news media to reveal how caste operates today, not through open exclusion, but through subtle and powerful storytelling. This book introduces the idea of ＂New Casteist media,＂ showing how modern journalism often gives Dalits visibility only in moments of violence or conflict, while quietly reinforcing the hierarchies it reports on.

Drawing on a unique blend of media research and social theory, it examines hundreds of news stories from The Times of India and Amar Ujala during a period of political transformation. The findings provide a nuanced overview of the ways in which hegemonic relations are shaped and structured in Indian news media, often presenting a paradoxically inclusive front while continuing to reinforce bias in more subtle but powerful ways. This book is not just about the media. It’s about democracy, identity, and how stories shape the way we see power and injustice. Perfect for readers interested in media, politics, and social change, it offers a fresh and eye-opening look at how deeply entwined journalism is with the fight for equality in 21st-century India.

This book benefits scholars interested in media studies, social inequality, and identity formation, offering valuable insights into how media influences the evolving dynamics of caste in modern India. Academics studying caste, media, or social hierarchies will find this book particularly relevant. The book also offers a critical lens for understanding how media influences public discourse on caste and marginalization, making it essential reading for scholars in sociology, media studies, and cultural studies.

Ali Saha is a media sociologist specializing in theorizing media and its role in identity creation and negotiation among marginalized communities. She is currently an academic at the University of Melbourne and has previously taught at several international universities. Dr. Saha earned her Ph.D. from Monash University, Australia, and completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Banaras Hindu University, where she was awarded the Faculty Gold Medal for academic excellence. Before transitioning to academia, she worked for nearly a decade as a communication professional. Driven by a commitment to social impact, she brings together her academic scholarship and industry experience to advance the pursuit of social justice.