Chapter 7 UNDERSTANDING MARGINALISATION

What Does It Mean To Be Socially Marginalised?

To be marginalized means to be pushed to the fringes or sides of society, excluded from the center of things. This can happen due to differences in taste, accent, beliefs, or social status, leading to a feeling of being "not with it" or unacceptable. Groups or communities can be marginalized because they speak a different language, follow different customs, belong to a minority religion, or are perceived as poor, of low social status, or less human. This exclusion often results in a lack of access to resources and opportunities, fostering a sense of disadvantage and powerlessness compared to dominant societal groups.

Adivasis And Marginalisation

Adivasis, meaning "original inhabitants," are communities traditionally associated with forests and nature. Despite their significant presence (8% of India's population) and the location of major industries in their territories, they are often marginalized due to historical and socio-economic factors.

Who Are Adivasis?

Adivasis are diverse communities with distinct languages, religions, and social structures, often characterized by less hierarchy compared to caste societies. They traditionally worship ancestors, village spirits, and nature deities, and have been influenced by various surrounding religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Their traditional languages have also influenced mainstream Indian languages.

Adivasis And Stereotyping

Adivasi communities are often portrayed stereotypically in media and books as exotic, primitive, and backward, mainly through colorful costumes and dances. This misrepresentation overshadows the realities of their lives and rich knowledge systems, leading to prejudice and discrimination. Their perceived resistance to change is often wrongly blamed for their lack of advancement.

Adivasis And Development

Historically, forests were crucial for resources like timber, minerals, and sustenance, with Adivasis possessing deep knowledge of and access to these areas. However, the colonial era and subsequent development projects (dams, mines, industries) have led to the displacement of Adivasis from their lands and forests. This dispossession results in loss of livelihood, cultural identity, and causes immense hardship, often trapping them in cycles of poverty and migration to cities for low-wage labor. Many tribal areas also suffer from militarization and lack of access to basic amenities, further contributing to their marginalization.

Minorities And Marginalisation

Minority communities, numerically smaller than the majority, can also experience marginalization due to issues of power, resource access, and socio-cultural differences. The Indian Constitution provides safeguards for religious and linguistic minorities to protect them from cultural domination and discrimination. However, communities like Muslims often face marginalization due to socio-economic and educational backwardness, as highlighted by the Sachar Committee Report. Their distinct customs and practices can lead to them being unfairly treated and discriminated against, sometimes resulting in ghettoization and prejudice.

Muslims And Marginalisation

Data suggests that Muslims in India lag behind in several development indicators, including access to basic amenities, literacy rates, and public employment, comparable to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Stereotypes and prejudice, often stemming from distinct cultural practices, lead to unfair treatment and discrimination, contributing to their social and economic marginalization.

Conclusion

Marginalization is a complex phenomenon stemming from economic disadvantage, social prejudice, and powerlessness, impacting Adivasis, Muslims, and other communities like Dalits. It affects livelihood, access to resources, education, and cultural identity. However, marginalized communities possess a history of struggle and resistance, seeking to retain their distinctiveness while demanding equal rights and opportunities. Addressing marginalization requires comprehensive strategies, legal safeguards, and the active participation of citizens to protect diversity and promote equality.

Exercises

The chapter exercises aim to deepen understanding of marginalization by examining the experiences of Adivasis and Muslims. Questions require students to define marginalization, list reasons for Adivasi marginalization, explain the importance of minority safeguards, and analyze data on the socio-economic status of Muslims. Students are prompted to discuss the contribution of Adivasis to forests, challenge stereotypes about tribal communities, and reflect on the interconnectedness of economic and social marginalization. Activities include creating a movie story based on Adivasi experiences and discussing the need for special measures to address disparities.