CALL FOR CHAPTERS! Book – Cultural Boundaries and Tragedies: Honour, Shame, and the Dynamics of Violence in South Asian Communities! Submit Now!

Introduction

The twin concepts of ‘honour’ and shame have deeply rooted cultural significance within South Asian communities, profoundly impacting social behaviour, family dynamics, and individual actions. These cultural constructs, while traditionally viewed as mechanisms to uphold social order, often precipitate various forms of violence, manifesting as hidden crimes both within South Asia and internationally. The rigid adherence to these norms can lead to severe consequences, including ‘honour’-based violence, forced marriages, and even ‘honour’ killings. This seeks to explore the pervasive issue of ‘honour’ and shame within South Asian communities from a global perspective, aiming to highlight the urgent need for awareness, legal reforms, and improved support mechanisms for victims. We invite students, academics, scholars, practitioners, and activists to contribute their research, insights, and experiences to this critical discourse.

About the Editors

Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni – She is an independent researcher and legal scholar specialising in human rights law, international law, and global health law. She holds a PhD in Law from Lancaster University, UK, where her doctoral research examined caste-based exploitation and untouchability in India, with a focus on manual scavenging and caste discrimination in higher educational institutions. She also holds an LL.M. in Human Rights from the University of Reading, UK, and a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) with Gold Medal from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
Amit Anand, Assistant Professor, School of Legal Studies, REVA University, Bengaluru, India – He is a legal scholar specialising in international human rights law, with a focus on gender-based violence, caste-based discrimination, and the intersection of law, culture, and social exclusion. He holds a PhD in Law from Lancaster University, UK, where his doctoral research, “Unheard and Unnoticed: Violence Against Women in India – A Study of the Practice of Witch-Hunting, Honour Killing, and the Devadasi System”, examined culturally entrenched forms of violence often overlooked by legal systems. He also holds an LL.M. in Human Rights from the University of Reading and a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.

About Book

To provide a multidisciplinary examination of ‘honour’ and shame within South Asian, focusing:

The sociocultural underpinnings of ‘honour’ and shame
The manifestation of ‘honour’-based violence and its various forms
Barriers faced by victims in accessing justice and support
Legal frameworks and their effectiveness in protecting victims
Police responses and the role of law enforcement
Strategies for raising awareness and fostering societal change

Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

About Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Founded in 2001 by former lecturers and researchers from the University of Cambridge, it publishes original academic work across a wide range of subjects in 4 key areas:

Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
Health Sciences (HS)
Physical Sciences (PS)
Life Sciences (LS).

Eligibility

Scholars and Researchers: Academics from disciplines such as law, sociology, caste, gender studies, and anthropology;
Policymakers and Legal Practitioners: Individuals involved in developing and implementing policies and laws;
Law Enforcement Officials: Police officers, investigators, and legal professionals dealing with ‘honour’-based crimes and,
NGOs and Activists: Organizations and individuals advocating for victim support and legal reforms.

Recommended Topics

We welcome contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:

Historical and cultural perspectives on ‘honour’ and shame in South Asia.
‘Honour’-based violence: Case studies and comparative analyses.
Legal recognition and criminalization of ‘honour’-based crimes.
Victims’ barriers: Cultural, social, and legal challenges.
Police response and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Support mechanisms: Shelters, counselling, and legal aid.
International perspectives on ‘honour’ and shame: Diaspora communities.
The role of media in shaping perceptions of ‘honour’ and shame.
The psychological impact of ‘honour’ and shame on individuals and communities.

Submission Procedure

Researchers, academics, students and practitioners are invited to submit papers (5,000 – 7,000 words excluding references) which should also include abstracts of not more than 250 words, conforming to formatting guidelines as mentioned in the Cambridge Scholars Publishing Publication Guide 2023. All submitted papers will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis.