The Gulabi Gang as a social movement : an analysis of strategic choice

Abstract

In the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh exists a women's collective who calls themselves the 'Gulabi Gang'. Founded by Sampat Pal Devi, the gang formed in 2006 and has since has gained more than 20,000 members, most of which are Dalit women or 'untouchables'. Focusing, though not exclusively, on promoting women's rights and stopping corruption, The Gulabi Gang strives to empower women, promote childhood education, especially for girls, prevent child marriages, stop abuses of power, and end domestic violence. Often taking matters into their own hands they tackle issues ranging from domestic violence to police corruption to land disputes. This thesis aims to prove that the Gulahi Gang meets the criteria for a social movement, as put forth by Charles Tilly, and in doing so will also analyze the strategies and tactics that the gang has chosen to use.