Call for Chapters on Book Title – Cultural Boundaries and Tragedies: Honour, Shame, and the Dynamics of Violence in South Asian Communities
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. This edited volume seeks to delve into the pervasive issue of ‘honour’ and shame within South Asian communities from a global perspective, aiming to highlight the urgent need for awareness, legal reforms, and better support mechanisms for victims. We invite students, academics, scholars, practitioners, and activists to contribute their research, insights, and experiences to this critical discourse.
Objective
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:
1. Scholars and Researchers: Academics from disciplines such as law, sociology, caste, gender studies, and anthropology;
2. Policymakers and Legal Practitioners: Individuals involved in developing and implementing policies and laws;
3. Law Enforcement Officials: Police officers, investigators, and legal professionals dealing with ‘honour’-based crimes and,
4. NGOs and Activists: Organizations and individuals advocating for victim support and legal reforms.
Recommended Topics
We welcome contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
Submission Procedure
Researchers, academics, students and practitioners are invited to submit full papers (5,000 – 7,000 words excluding references) which should also include abstracts of not more than 250 words, conforming to prescribed formatting guidelines as mentioned in the Cambridge Scholars Publishing Publication Guide 2023.
The submissions are to be directly sent to: submissions2K25@gmail.com
All submitted papers will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis.
Publisher
This book is scheduled to be published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Cambridge Scholars Publishing is an independent academic publisher, committed to providing a forward-thinking publishing service that champions original thinking, whilst ensuring we put our authors at the heart of everything we do. Founded in 2001 by former lecturers and researchers from the University of Cambridge, it publishes original academic work across a wide range of subjects in four key areas: Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS); Health Sciences (HS); Physical Sciences (PS); and Life Sciences (LS).
Important Dates
Full Chapter Submission: 30 November, 2025
Communication of Review: 15 January, 2026
Submission of Revised Chapter: 28 February, 2026
Communication of Final Acceptance: 31 March, 2026
About the Editors:
1. Dr. Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni
Dr. Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni is an independent researcher and legal scholar specialising in human rights law, international law, and global health law. She holds a PhD in Law from Lancaster University, UK, where her doctoral research examined caste-based exploitation and untouchability in India, with a focus on manual scavenging and caste discrimination in higher educational institutions. She also holds an LL.M. in Human Rights from the University of Reading, UK, and a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) with Gold Medal from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
Her research has been recognised by the UK Parliament and United Nations bodies, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. She has delivered oral statements before UN Treaty Bodies and her written submissions have been published and cited internationally. She has authored and co-authored book chapters and articles on human rights, caste, gender, health law, and climate change, with her work on the International Health Regulations published by Oxford University Press and listed by the WHO in its official COVID-19 research database.
Dr. Nagaveni has taught at universities in the UK and India, including the University of Lincoln, Lancaster University, and NLSIU and is enrolled as an Advocate in the High Court of Karnataka. She also has extensive experience in legal aid, policy engagement, and collaborations with NGOs and research networks.
2. Dr. Amit Anand, Assistant Professor, School of Legal Studies, REVA University, Bengaluru, India.
Dr. Amit Anand is a legal scholar specialising in international human rights law, with a focus on gender-based violence, caste-based discrimination, and the intersection of law, culture, and social exclusion. He holds a PhD in Law from Lancaster University, UK, where his doctoral research, “Unheard and Unnoticed: Violence Against Women in India – A Study of the Practice of Witch-Hunting, Honour Killing, and the Devadasi System”, examined culturally entrenched forms of violence often overlooked by legal systems. He also holds an LL.M. in Human Rights from the University of Reading and a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
Dr. Anand has contributed to several research initiatives and policy submissions recognised by the UK Parliament and United Nations human rights mechanisms. He has presented at international forums including the University of Cambridge, delivered oral statements before UN Treaty Bodies, and engaged with UN Special Rapporteurs on marginalisation and human rights.
For More Information:
For further clarification, contact us at – submissions2K25@gmail.com
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