Book on Cultural Boundaries and Tragedies

About

The twin concepts of honour and shame have deeply rooted cultural significance within South Asian communities, profoundly impacting social behaviour, family dynamics, and individual actions. These cultural constructs, while traditionally viewed as mechanisms to uphold social order, often precipitate various forms of violence, manifesting as hidden crimes both within South Asia and internationally. The rigid adherence to these norms can lead to severe consequences, including honour-based violence, forced marriages, and even honour killings.

These crimes are frequently underreported due to the stigma and fear associated with dishonour, creating significant barriers for victims seeking support or protection. The need for recognizing these acts as criminal offences and addressing the societal and legal challenges faced by victims is paramount. An exploration into the police response, legal protections available, and the efficacy of support systems is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of these issues.

Objectives

The book aims to provide a multidisciplinary examination of honour and shame within South Asian contexts, focusing on:

• The sociocultural underpinnings of honour and shame.
• The manifestation of honour-based violence and its various forms.
• Barriers faced by victims in accessing justice and support.
• Legal frameworks and their effectiveness in protecting victims.
• Police responses and the role of law enforcement.
• Strategies for raising awareness and fostering societal change.

Target Audience

The target audience includes:

• Scholars and Researchers: Academics from disciplines such as law, sociology, gender studies, and anthropology.
• Policymakers and Legal Practitioners: Individuals involved in developing and implementing policies and laws.
• Law Enforcement Officials: Police officers, investigators, and legal professionals dealing with honour-based crimes.
• NGOs and Activists: Organizations and individuals advocating for victim support and legal reforms.

Topics

• Historical and cultural perspectives on honour and shame in South Asia.
• Honour-based violence: Case studies and comparative analyses.
• Legal recognition and criminalization of honour-based crimes.
• Victims’ barriers: Cultural, social, and legal challenges.
• Police response and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
• Support mechanisms: Shelters, counselling, and legal aid.
• International perspectives on honour and shame: Diaspora communities.
• Role of media in shaping perceptions of honour and shame.
• Psychological impact of honour and shame on individuals and communities.

How to Submit?

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before September 14, 2025, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by September 28, 2025 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines.

Full chapters of a minimum of 10,000 words (word count includes references and related readings) are expected to be submitted by December 7, 2025, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at the link given at the end of the post prior to submission.

All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-anonymized review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, SDG Frameworks for Poverty Alleviation. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-anonymized peer review editorial process.

Important dates

• September 14, 2025: Proposal Submission Deadline
• September 28, 2025: Notification of Acceptance
• December 7, 2025: Full Chapter Submission
• January 18, 2026: Review Results Returned
• February 15, 2026: Final Acceptance Notification
• February 22, 2026: Final Chapter Submission

Contact

Amit Anand REVA University: amit.anand@reva.edu.in
Jyothis Mary Hume Institute for Postgraduate Studies: jyothis.mary@humelausanne.ch
Ummul Waraah Woxsen University: ummul.waraah@woxsen.edu.in

Click here to submit.