The economy of respect in a North Indian village

Abstract

The economy of respect involves symbolic interaction signifying deference or esteem. The paper examines the patterning of these symbolic exchanges in a north Indian village. It describes the criteria by which villagers qualify for respect and the conventional means by which they show respect to others. Although discussion focuses primarily on the interaction of men, attention is also given to the role of women in the local economy of respect. The paper demonstrates that respect represents an important modality of social relationships and constitutes a mirror of social values as well.