Class 8 Civics Chapter 7 Notes - Understanding Marginalisation

What does it mean to be Socially Marginalised?

Being socially marginalized means being pushed to the edges or sidelines and not being included in the main parts of society.

• Sometimes, marginalized groups are seen with hostility and fear by others.
• To make certain groups in society feel marginalized, there are various reasons such as money, how people treat each other, cultural differences, and politics. So, being marginalized is usually experienced in different aspects of life, not just one.

Social Marginalisation

Who are Adivasis?

The term ‘Adivasis’ refers to the original inhabitants. Adivasis are communities that lived and often continue to live in close association with forests.  

Adivasis

• Adivasis are particularly numerous in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Orrisa is home to more than sixty different tribal groups.  
• Adivasis practice a range of tribal religions that are different from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.  
• Adivasis worship ancestors, own village, and nature spirits. They have been influenced by different religions, like Shakta, Buddhist, Vaishnav, Bhakti and Christianity.  
• Adivasis have their own languages, Santhali has the largest number of speakers and has a significant body of publication.  

Adivasis and Stereotyping 

Adivasis are invariably portrayed in very stereotypical ways-in colorful costumes, headgear and through their dancing.  

• Adivasis are blamed for their lack of advancement as they are believed to be resistant to change or new ideas.  
• People believe that the Adivasis have a primitive background.  

Adivasis and Development 

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.  

• In today’s world. Adivasis are considered marginal and powerless communities.  
• In the pre-colonial world, they were traditionally ranged hunter-gatherers and nomads and they lived by shifting agriculture and cultivating at one place.
• For the past two hundred years, Adivasis have been forced through economic changes, forest policies and political force applied by State to migrate as workers in plantations, industries and as domestic workers.  
• Forest lands have been cleared for timber and to get land for agriculture and industry.  
• Huge tracts of lands have gone under the waters of hundreds of dams that have been built in independent India.  
• Losing their lands and access to the forests means that tribes lose their main source of livelihood and Adivasis have migrated to cities in search of work.  
• They get caught in the cycle of poverty and deprivation. Almost 45% of tribal groups in rural areas and 35% in urban areas live below the poverty line.  

Minorities and Marginalisation  

The term minority is most commonly used to refer to communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of the population.  

• Safeguards are needed to protect minority communities against the possibility of being culturally dominated by the majority.  
• The Constitution provides these safeguards because it is committed to protecting India’s cultural diversity and promoting equality as well as justice.  

Muslims and Marginalisation 

Muslims are 13.4% of India’s population and are considered to be a marginalized community in India.

• They have over the years been deprived of the benefits of socio-economic development. They have been deprived of basic amenities, literacy and public employment.  
• Recognizing that Muslims in India were lagging behind in terms of various development in indicators, the government set up a high-level committee in 2005.  
• The report of the community suggests that Muslim community is comparable to that of other marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.  
• Muslim customs and practices such as wearing burqa and fez make them different from others. Because of this, they tend to be identified differently and some people think they are not like the ‘rest of us’. This often becomes an excuse to treat them unfairly.  
• This social marginalization of Muslims in some instances has led to their migration from places where they have lived, often leading to the isolation of the community.  

Conclusion 

• In India, there are several more marginalized communities like Dalits.  
• Marginalized communities want to maintain their cultural distinctiveness while having access to rights, development and other opportunities.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Related to Understanding Marginalisation

1. What is marginalisation?

Ans. Marginalisation 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. Marginalisation is a form of social inequality and can have long-lasting effects on individuals and communities. 

2. What are the different types of marginalisation? 

Ans. There are several types of marginalisation, 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.