Democracy in the Family: Insights from India is unique in the way it employs diverse research methods to address the issue of justice in the family under the common theme of examining whether the ethos of democracy is relevant to it. The interface between principles of democracy inside and outside the home is explored through the sub-themes of `Experiencing the Family`, `Expressing the Family`, `Seeking Justice` and `Including the Excluded`. The topics covered range from examinations of the institution of the family, the site of the household, practices of householding and relationships between members, the impact of non-democratic norms and attempts to seek justice in the face of domestic strife and violence, to the advocacy of inclusive strategies that involve men and entire communities in democratising the family.

Democracy in the Family: Insights from India is unique in the way it employs diverse research methods to address the issue of justice in the family under the common theme of examining whether the ethos of democracy is relevant to it. The interface between principles of democracy inside and outside the home is explored through the sub-themes of `Experiencing the Family`, `Expressing the Family`, `Seeking Justice` and `Including the Excluded`. The topics covered range from examinations of the institution of the family, the site of the household, practices of householding and relationships between members, the impact of non-democratic norms and attempts to seek justice in the face of domestic strife and violence, to the advocacy of inclusive strategies that involve men and entire communities in democratising the family.

Preface
Introduction - Joy Deshmukh-Ranadive
I: EXPERIENCING THE FAMILY
Women Adjusting for Survival: Women Workers, New Economic Policies, and Adjustments within the Family and Household - Nandita Gandhi
The Light Shines Through Gossamer Threads: Inside-Outside Political Spaces - Sumi Krishna
II: EXPRESSING THE FAMILY
Family in Feminist Songs: A Continuity with Women`s Folk Literature - Sonal Shukla
Resurrecting the Mother in Mata Hidimba - Uma Narain
III: SEEKING JUSTICE
Sustaining Democracy within the Family Through Family Courts: An Exploratory Analysis - Sita Vanka and M Nirmala Kumari
Private Concerns in Public Discourse: Women–initiated Community Response to Domestic Violence - Nandita Bhatla and Anuradha Rajan
The Shalishi in West Bengal: A Community–Based Response to Domestic Violence - Shramajibee Mahila Samity
IV: INCLUDING THE EXCLUDED
Family, Gender and Masculinities - Radhika Chopra
Placing Gender Equity in the Family Centre Stage: The Use of Kala Jatha Theatre - Joy Deshmukh-Ranadive
Index