PPT: Understanding Marginalisation | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

 Page 1


Understanding 
Marginalisation
Page 2


Understanding 
Marginalisation
What does it mean to be Socially Marginalised?
Definition
Being socially marginalised means 
being pushed to the edges of 
society and excluded from 
mainstream participation. This 
exclusion occurs in everyday 
settings like classrooms or 
playgrounds, where differences in 
speech, behavior, or preferences 
lead to isolation.
Impact
Marginalised groups face limited 
access to resources and 
opportunities, experience 
powerlessness, and often 
encounter hostility or fear from 
mainstream society.
Contributing Factors
Economic, social, cultural, and 
political factors drive 
marginalisation. Differences in 
language, customs, religion, 
economic status, or social 
background can lead to exclusion.
This presentation explores two marginalised communities in India, examining their experiences and the factors behind their 
marginalisation.
Page 3


Understanding 
Marginalisation
What does it mean to be Socially Marginalised?
Definition
Being socially marginalised means 
being pushed to the edges of 
society and excluded from 
mainstream participation. This 
exclusion occurs in everyday 
settings like classrooms or 
playgrounds, where differences in 
speech, behavior, or preferences 
lead to isolation.
Impact
Marginalised groups face limited 
access to resources and 
opportunities, experience 
powerlessness, and often 
encounter hostility or fear from 
mainstream society.
Contributing Factors
Economic, social, cultural, and 
political factors drive 
marginalisation. Differences in 
language, customs, religion, 
economic status, or social 
background can lead to exclusion.
This presentation explores two marginalised communities in India, examining their experiences and the factors behind their 
marginalisation.
Who are Adivasis?
Definition & Population
'Adivasis' are indigenous 
inhabitants with traditional 
forest connections. They 
constitute 8% of India's 
population and have significant 
presence in industrial centers 
like Jamshedpur and Rourkela.
Diversity & Distribution
Over 500 Adivasi groups exist 
across India, primarily in 
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, 
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and 
northeastern states. Odisha 
alone houses more than 60 tribal 
groups.
Social Structure & Beliefs
Unlike caste-based societies, 
Adivasi communities lack 
hierarchical structures. Their 
belief systems include ancestor 
worship and nature spirits, with 
influences from neighboring 
religions.
Adivasis speak indigenous languages that predate Sanskrit and have influenced mainstream Indian languages. 
Santhali stands out for its widespread use and literature. Christianity gained significant following among 
Adivasis during the 19th century.
Page 4


Understanding 
Marginalisation
What does it mean to be Socially Marginalised?
Definition
Being socially marginalised means 
being pushed to the edges of 
society and excluded from 
mainstream participation. This 
exclusion occurs in everyday 
settings like classrooms or 
playgrounds, where differences in 
speech, behavior, or preferences 
lead to isolation.
Impact
Marginalised groups face limited 
access to resources and 
opportunities, experience 
powerlessness, and often 
encounter hostility or fear from 
mainstream society.
Contributing Factors
Economic, social, cultural, and 
political factors drive 
marginalisation. Differences in 
language, customs, religion, 
economic status, or social 
background can lead to exclusion.
This presentation explores two marginalised communities in India, examining their experiences and the factors behind their 
marginalisation.
Who are Adivasis?
Definition & Population
'Adivasis' are indigenous 
inhabitants with traditional 
forest connections. They 
constitute 8% of India's 
population and have significant 
presence in industrial centers 
like Jamshedpur and Rourkela.
Diversity & Distribution
Over 500 Adivasi groups exist 
across India, primarily in 
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, 
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and 
northeastern states. Odisha 
alone houses more than 60 tribal 
groups.
Social Structure & Beliefs
Unlike caste-based societies, 
Adivasi communities lack 
hierarchical structures. Their 
belief systems include ancestor 
worship and nature spirits, with 
influences from neighboring 
religions.
Adivasis speak indigenous languages that predate Sanskrit and have influenced mainstream Indian languages. 
Santhali stands out for its widespread use and literature. Christianity gained significant following among 
Adivasis during the 19th century.
Adivasis and Stereotyping
Stereotypical Portrayal
Adivasis are often depicted in 
colorful costumes, headgear, 
and dancing in school events, 
books, and movies, creating a 
one-dimensional view of their 
rich and diverse cultures.
Lack of Awareness
There is limited understanding 
of the actual lives and realities 
of Adivasis, with their complex 
histories, social structures, and 
contemporary challenges 
remaining largely unknown.
Misconceptions
They are frequently viewed as exotic, primitive, and backward due to 
these stereotypes. Some unfairly blame Adivasis for their lack of 
advancement, believing they resist change and new ideas.
Such stereotypes can lead to discrimination and reinforce negative perceptions 
about Adivasi communities, further marginalising them and creating barriers to 
their full participation in society.
Page 5


Understanding 
Marginalisation
What does it mean to be Socially Marginalised?
Definition
Being socially marginalised means 
being pushed to the edges of 
society and excluded from 
mainstream participation. This 
exclusion occurs in everyday 
settings like classrooms or 
playgrounds, where differences in 
speech, behavior, or preferences 
lead to isolation.
Impact
Marginalised groups face limited 
access to resources and 
opportunities, experience 
powerlessness, and often 
encounter hostility or fear from 
mainstream society.
Contributing Factors
Economic, social, cultural, and 
political factors drive 
marginalisation. Differences in 
language, customs, religion, 
economic status, or social 
background can lead to exclusion.
This presentation explores two marginalised communities in India, examining their experiences and the factors behind their 
marginalisation.
Who are Adivasis?
Definition & Population
'Adivasis' are indigenous 
inhabitants with traditional 
forest connections. They 
constitute 8% of India's 
population and have significant 
presence in industrial centers 
like Jamshedpur and Rourkela.
Diversity & Distribution
Over 500 Adivasi groups exist 
across India, primarily in 
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, 
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and 
northeastern states. Odisha 
alone houses more than 60 tribal 
groups.
Social Structure & Beliefs
Unlike caste-based societies, 
Adivasi communities lack 
hierarchical structures. Their 
belief systems include ancestor 
worship and nature spirits, with 
influences from neighboring 
religions.
Adivasis speak indigenous languages that predate Sanskrit and have influenced mainstream Indian languages. 
Santhali stands out for its widespread use and literature. Christianity gained significant following among 
Adivasis during the 19th century.
Adivasis and Stereotyping
Stereotypical Portrayal
Adivasis are often depicted in 
colorful costumes, headgear, 
and dancing in school events, 
books, and movies, creating a 
one-dimensional view of their 
rich and diverse cultures.
Lack of Awareness
There is limited understanding 
of the actual lives and realities 
of Adivasis, with their complex 
histories, social structures, and 
contemporary challenges 
remaining largely unknown.
Misconceptions
They are frequently viewed as exotic, primitive, and backward due to 
these stereotypes. Some unfairly blame Adivasis for their lack of 
advancement, believing they resist change and new ideas.
Such stereotypes can lead to discrimination and reinforce negative perceptions 
about Adivasi communities, further marginalising them and creating barriers to 
their full participation in society.
Adivasis and Development
1
Historical Relationship 
with Forests
Forests were vital to all 
Indian empires and 
civilizations. Adivasis 
possessed extensive 
knowledge of forest 
ecosystems and sustainable 
management practices.
2
Knowledge as Power
Adivasis' understanding of 
forest resources made them 
valuable to expanding 
states. Their expertise in 
medicinal plants, minerals, 
and sustainable harvesting 
was unmatched.
3
Economic 
Dependence
Empires relied on Adivasis 
for access to forest 
resources, creating 
relationships of exchange, 
tribute, and sometimes 
exploitation between tribal 
communities and states.
This historical relationship between Adivasis, forests, and states provides context for understanding how 
modern development policies have affected tribal communities in India.