Ambiguous Institutions: Traditional Governance and Local Democracy in Rural South India
研究发现印度卡纳塔克邦的传统村庄委员会并未消失，而是适应民主环境、提供公共服务，与正式选举机构形成互补而非竞争关系。
Abstract In India, ‘customary village councils’ are generally believed to be disappearing vestiges of a pre-democratic, hierarchical socio-political order. However, while remaining informal and maintaining a low public profile, in Karnataka state they are actively taking on new roles, adapting to the democratic, competitive political environment, becoming more representative and pluralist, and providing a wide range of services that are highly valued by the populations they serve. The relationship of customary village councils to the formal, elected local councils (Grama Panchayats) – and to electoral democracy generally – is more synergistic and complementary than competitive.