Redefining identity and expansion of livelihood options among Hijras in India

Abstract

The Hijra identity in India is closely linked with the traditional livelihood of the community. The dominant discourse often portrays them as a homogenous and close-knit group marginalized into stigmatized livelihood options. However, the livelihood of the community has transitioned to a great extent over the past two decades, leading to a change in the Hijra identity. This article looks into the dynamics of redefining Hijra identity and its interlinkages with their current livelihoods, based on a qualitative study in the state of Odisha (India). Further, the article also analyzes the lives of a growing number of Hijras who have used their agency to carve out a place of acceptance in the larger society, while continuing with the livelihoods, often considered stigmatized by the larger society, through a framework of roles and livelihoods. Lastly, it discusses implications for expanding alternatives for livelihoods and promoting rights of the larger Hijra community in the state of Odisha.

Keywords:

• Transgender
• Hijra
• identity
• agency
• social roles
• livelihood

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The guru – chela system is an ‘obligatory, hierarchical, and mutually-beneficial relationships, based on a framework of duties and responsibilities’ (Ung, 2013, p. 80). The gurus are the patriarch of the community deciding the day-to-day affairs, assigning livelihood tasks to the chela, and the territories on which they should operate. There are clear rules, roles and responsibilities, jurisdiction, etc. In case a chela gets into any conflict or trouble during sex work or begging, it is the guru’s responsibility to sort it out and provide protection. In return, the guru is paid a share of the chela’s income.

2 Literally translates as congratulations.

3 However, some of the Hijras we met preferred to replace the term begging with blessing.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India.

Notes on contributors

Payal Nayak

Payal Nayak is a development professional with 15 years of work experience on women and livelihood in both rural and urban contexts. She has a master's degree in Social Work and Gender and Development from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, U.K. She is currently a guest faculty at the Centurion University of Technology and Management.

Smita Mishra Panda

Dr. Smita Mishra Panda is currently Professor and Director of Research at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. She is trained in Social Anthropology and Development Studies (Delhi University and Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok). Dr. Smita has more than 25 years of teaching, research and consulting experience in the broad areas of gender and development, natural resource management, governance and rural development. She has worked with some of the leading schools across the globe.