Being socially marginalized means being pushed to the edges or sidelines and not being included in the main parts of society.
The term ‘Adivasis’ refers to the original inhabitants. Adivasis are communities that lived and often continue to live in close association with forests.
Adivasis
i) Population: They make up about 8% of India’s population and are prominent in mining and industrial areas like Jamshedpur and Rourkela.
ii) Diversity: India has over 500 Adivasi groups, with significant populations in states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and various northeastern states.
iii) Geographic Distribution: States like Odisha have over 60 different tribal groups.
iv) Social Structure: Adivasi societies are distinctive for their lack of hierarchy, unlike caste-based or monarchy-based communities.
v) Belief Systems: They practice diverse belief systems, including ancestor worship, and nature spirits, and have been influenced by surrounding religions such as Shakta, Buddhist, and Christian traditions.
vi) Religious Influence: Adivasi religions have influenced dominant religions and cults like Jagannath in Odisha and Shakti traditions in Bengal and Assam.
vii) Christianity: Many Adivasis converted to Christianity during the 19th century, which remains a significant religion among them.
viii) Languages: Adivasis speak their own languages, some older than Sanskrit, influencing mainstream Indian languages. Santhali is notable for its large number of speakers and published works.
i) Stereotypical Portrayal: Adivasis are often depicted in colorful costumes, headgear, and dancing in school events, books, and movies.
ii) Lack of Awareness: There is limited understanding of the actual lives and realities of Adivasis.
iii) Misconceptions: They are frequently viewed as exotic, primitive, and backward due to these stereotypes.
iv) Adivasis are sometimes unfairly blamed for their lack of advancement, with the belief that they resist change and new ideas.
v) Such stereotypes can lead to discrimination and reinforce negative perceptions about Adivasi communities.
Forests play a crucial role in the development of all empires and settled civilization in India. Adivasis had deep knowledge of forest. Often empires heavily depended on Adivasis for the crucial access to forest resources.
Historical Significance of Forests:
Adivasi Control Over Forests:
Changes in Adivasi Life:
Impact of Development Projects:
Environmental and Social Impact:
Economic Consequences:
Cultural Loss:
Interconnected Issues:
The term minority is most commonly used to refer to communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of the population.
Safeguards for Minorities:
Role of the Constitution:
- Provides constitutional safeguards to religious and linguistic minorities.
- Courts uphold the law and enforce Fundamental Rights, allowing citizens to seek justice if their rights are violated.
Insecurity and Relations: Small communities may feel insecure about their lives, assets, and well-being. Tensions between minority and majority communities can increase this sense of insecurity.
Muslims are 14.2% of India’s population and are considered to be a marginalized community in India
Muslim Population: As per the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 14.2% of India's total population. This significant proportion highlights their presence as a major minority group within the country.
Socio-Economic Marginalization: Muslims are considered marginalized due to comparatively lower socio-economic development. This marginalization is reflected in various indicators such as basic amenities, literacy, and public employment, demonstrating that the community lags behind in these critical areas.
Sachar Committee Report (2005):
- Chair: Justice Rajindar Sachar.
- Objective: To investigate the social, economic, and educational status of Muslims in India.
- Key Findings: The report identified that Muslims faced marginalization similar to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It highlighted issues such as lower average years of schooling for Muslim children aged 7-16 compared to other socio-religious communities.
Comparative Analysis: The marginalization of Muslims shares similarities with that of other marginalized groups such as Adivasis and women, as observed in various chapters and studies. This indicates that marginalization is a multifaceted issue affecting various communities in different ways.
Need for Comprehensive Strategies: Addressing marginalization requires a multi-dimensional approach, including legal safeguards, social reforms, and targeted policies. The Constitution and associated laws are crucial in protecting minority rights and promoting equality.
Constitutional Protections: The Indian Constitution provides safeguards for minorities to ensure their cultural, social, and economic rights are protected. This is essential to preserving India's diversity and ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens.
1. What is marginalization?
Ans. Marginalization refers to the social, economic, and political exclusion of certain groups of people from mainstream society. This exclusion can be due to various factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and disability. It often leads to discrimination, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and lower social mobility. Marginalization is a form of social inequality and can have long-lasting effects on individuals and communities.
2. What are the different types of marginalization?
Ans. There are several types of marginalization, including economic marginalisation, political marginalisation, social marginalisation, and cultural marginalisation. Economic marginalisation occurs when individuals or groups lack access to economic resources, such as education, employment, and healthcare. Political marginalisation occurs when individuals or groups are excluded from political decision-making processes and lack representation in government. Social marginalisation occurs when individuals or groups are excluded from social institutions and networks, such as schools, clubs, and religious organizations. Cultural marginalisation occurs when individuals or groups are excluded from cultural practices and traditions.
3. How does marginalisation affect mental health?
Ans. Marginalisation can have a significant impact on mental health. Individuals who experience marginalisation may be more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They may also face stigma and discrimination related to their mental health, which can further exacerbate their symptoms. Marginalisation can also lead to social isolation, which can contribute to poor mental health outcomes. It is important to address the root causes of marginalisation in order to promote mental health and well-being for all individuals.
4. What are some strategies for addressing marginalisation?
Ans. There are several strategies for addressing marginalisation, including promoting diversity and inclusion, providing education and training on cultural competency, advocating for policies and laws that promote social justice and equality, and providing resources and support to marginalized communities. It is also important to listen to the voices of marginalized communities and involve them in decision-making processes. By working together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society.
5. How can individuals support those who are experiencing marginalisation?
Ans. Individuals can support those who are experiencing marginalisation by educating themselves on the issues and challenges faced by marginalized communities, speaking out against discrimination and injustice, and advocating for policies and laws that promote equality and social justice. They can also support marginalized communities through volunteering, donating to organizations that work to support these communities, and participating in community events and activities. It is important to listen to the experiences and perspectives of marginalized individuals and communities and to support them in their efforts to create positive change.
1. Hierarchy: A graded system or arrangement of persons or things. Usually persons at the bottom of the hierarchy are those who have the least power. The caste system is a hierarchical system and Dalits are considered to be at the lowest end.
2. Ghettoisation: A ghetto is an area or locality that is populated largely by members of a particular community. Ghettoisation refers to the process that leads to such a situation. This may occur due to various social, cultural and economic reasons. Fear or hostility may also compel a community to group together as they feel more secure living amongst their own. Often a ‘ghettoised’ community has few options of moving out, which may lead to them becoming alienated from the rest of the society.
3. Mainstream: Literally this refers to the main current of a river or stream. It is used to refer to a cultural context in which the customs and practices that are followed are those of the dominant community. In connection with this, mainstream is also used to refer to those people or communities that are considered to be at the centre of a society, i.e. often the powerful or dominant group.
4. Displaced: In the context of this chapter this refers to people who are forced or compelled to move from their homes for big development projects including dams, mining etc.
5. Militarised: An area where the presence of the armed forces is considerable.
6. Malnourished: A person who does not get adequate nutrition or food.
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1. What does it mean to be Socially Marginalised? |
2. Who are Adivasis? |
3. Adivasis and Stereotyping |
4. Adivasis and Development |
5. Minorities and Marginalisation |
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