π Chapter 5 β Understanding Marginalisation
β¨ Introduction
- India is a country of diverse cultures, religions, and communities.
- While diversity is our strength, some communities are often left out or pushed to the margins of society.
- This process is called Marginalisation.
π Definition:
π Marginalisation is the process by which certain groups are excluded from mainstream society, denied equal opportunities, and face discrimination.
π’ Why Do Communities Become Marginalised?
- Religion & Culture
- Minority religions may face prejudice and stereotyping.
- Example: Muslims in India sometimes face suspicion and unequal treatment.
- Economic Status
- Poverty keeps people away from education, healthcare, and jobs.
- Social Discrimination
- Caste-based discrimination (like Dalits facing untouchability).
- Language & Region
- Speaking a different language or belonging to a tribal region may cause exclusion.
π΅ Key Features of Marginalisation
- π« Exclusion β denied participation in decision-making.
- π Lower social status β labelled as inferior.
- π° Economic disadvantages β fewer resources, jobs, and opportunities.
- βοΈ Lack of rights β treated unfairly despite constitutional protections.
π£ Case Study 1 β Muslims in India
- Muslims form about 14% of Indiaβs population.
- Issues faced:
- Misconceptions & prejudice (viewed with suspicion).
- Low literacy rate compared to national average.
- Fewer job opportunities in government & private sectors.
- Living in ghettos (separate colonies).
π Government Steps:
- Establishment of Sachar Committee (2005) to study their condition.
- Special schemes for education & employment.
π€ Case Study 2 β Adivasis (Tribal Communities)
- Adivasis are the original inhabitants of forests and hilly areas.
- Rich in culture, music, dance, and unique traditions.
- They depend on forests for food, medicine, and livelihood.
π² Problems faced:
- Loss of Forests β mining, industries, and dams have displaced them.
- Land Alienation β land taken by outsiders.
- Poverty & Illiteracy β lack of access to education and healthcare.
- Exploitation β by moneylenders, contractors, and middlemen.
π Effects of Marginalisation
- π« Educational gap β fewer schools in marginalised areas.
- πΌ Job insecurity β very few government or organised sector jobs.
- ποΈ Poor housing β live in slums or remote areas.
- βοΈ Limited participation in democracy β rarely represented in politics.
- π Loss of identity β forced to abandon their language, dress, or customs.
π‘ Safeguards in the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution provides protection to ensure equality and justice.
- Fundamental Rights (Articles 14β18, 25β30):
- Equality before law.
- No discrimination based on caste, religion, gender.
- Freedom of religion and culture.
- Directive Principles of State Policy:
- Promote educational & economic interests of weaker sections.
- Reservation Policy:
- SCs, STs, and OBCs get reservations in education, jobs, and politics.
- Special Laws & Programmes:
- SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
- Scholarships, free hostels, and welfare schemes.
π’ Why Should We Understand Marginalisation?
- To build a fair and just society.
- To ensure equality and fraternity among all communities.
- To remove prejudice and stereotypes.
- To give voice to the voiceless and oppressed.
π Key Terms to Remember
- Marginalisation β Being pushed out of the mainstream.
- Minority β A community smaller in number compared to the majority.
- Adivasis β Indigenous tribal communities.
- Prejudice β Negative attitude towards a group without proper knowledge.
- Discrimination β Unfair treatment of people based on identity.
π Quick Revision (Mind Map Style)
π Marginalisation
β‘οΈ Causes β Religion, caste, poverty, culture, region
β‘οΈ Effects β Exclusion, poverty, illiteracy, loss of rights
β‘οΈ Groups affected β Muslims, Adivasis, Dalits, women
β‘οΈ Solutions β Constitutional rights, reservation, welfare schemes