Chaste Wives and Prostitute Sisters

This anthropological study explores the intersection of prostitution and patriarchy within the marginalized Bedia community in north India, examining its impact on kinship, marriage practices, and individual women's lives.

Chaste Wives and Prostitute Sisters offers an in-depth anthropological examination of the intersection between prostitution and patriarchy within the Bedias, a marginalized and de-notified community in northern India. This work stands out as the first comprehensive analysis of how the practice of familial prostitution affects the kinship structures and marriage customs of the Bedias. The author reveals a stark division within the community, distinguishing between sisters and daughters who engage in prostitution and those who do not, such as wives and daughters-in-law.

The book delves into the economic reliance of the Bedias on the prostitution of young unmarried women, highlighting how this practice serves as a crucial component of their familial economy. By tracing the origins of this systemic practice, the author illustrates its profound impact on the lives of individual women and the family dynamics that arise within the community. The narrative provides insight into the daily realities faced by these women, shedding light on their roles and the societal expectations placed upon them.

Additionally, the author explores the implications of this familial economy on Bedia men, particularly concerning marriage prospects and social standing. The text discusses how Bedia wives become symbols of female purity, a status that is threatened by the actions of their sisters involved in prostitution. Through this exploration, the book paints a complex picture of gender roles, economic necessity, and the social fabric of a community grappling with its identity and survival.