Hierarchy and egalitarianism

Dr Gunasekera provides a comprehensive analysis of stratification in rural Sri Lanka, taking account of the hierarchies of class, status and power. The book highlights the fundamental changes that have occurred, by comparing the nature of contemporary stratification with that prevailing at the turn of the century.

The interaction of national, regional and local politics has given rise to a new rural power elite based on political connections, a process which has destroyed the traditional foundations of village leadership and threatens rural development based on collective participation.