Class VIII – Political Science

Summary

Chapter-5

Understanding Social Marginalization

Social marginalization entails being relegated to the periphery or sidelines, away from the central dynamics of society. This experience is akin to feeling excluded or not belonging, often encountered in various contexts such as classrooms or social environments.

Manifestations in Daily Life

In classrooms, individuals who deviate from the norm in terms of interests, appearance, behavior, or background may find themselves marginalized by their peers. Differences in music preferences, accents, sociability, sports interests, or attire can lead to feelings of being ‘out of sync’ or not fitting in.

Broader Social Dynamics

Beyond the classroom, communities may also face marginalization based on language, customs, religion, socio-economic status, or perceived humanity. Such marginalization can lead to exclusion from resources, opportunities, and rights, perpetuating a sense of disadvantage and powerlessness.

Intersectional Nature

Marginalization rarely operates in isolation; economic, social, cultural, and political factors intersect to reinforce exclusion. Dominant groups, possessing wealth, education, and political influence, maintain power over marginalized communities, exacerbating their sense of alienation and lack of agency.

Tribals are also referred to as Adivasis.
You may have heard the term Scheduled Tribes. Scheduled Tribes is the term used for Adivasis used by the Indian government in various official documents. There is an official list of tribes. Scheduled Tribes are often grouped together with Scheduled Castes in the category Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,

Source: NCERT

Multi-Dimensional Impact

The effects of marginalization permeate various spheres of life, encompassing economic, social, cultural, and political realms. Marginalized groups often find themselves deprived of opportunities for advancement and subjected to discrimination and prejudice.

Upcoming Exploration

In the subsequent chapters, the focus will be on delving into the experiences of specific marginalized communities in India, shedding light on their struggles, challenges, and resilience amidst social exclusion.

Understanding Adivasis: India’s Original Inhabitants

Adivasis, meaning ‘original inhabitants,’ are diverse communities closely tied to forest environments. Comprising approximately 8% of India’s population, they inhabit regions hosting key mining and industrial centers like Jamshedpur and Rourkela.

Diverse Population

With over 500 distinct groups, Adivasis are not a homogenous population. They are particularly concentrated in states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra, as well as in the northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya.

Distinct Societies

Adivasi societies are characterized by minimal hierarchy, differing significantly from caste-based or monarch-ruled communities. This absence of rigid social stratification sets them apart.

Unique Religious Practices

Adivasis adhere to tribal religions distinct from mainstream Islam, Hinduism, or Christianity. Their spiritual practices involve reverence for ancestors, village spirits, and nature deities, with sacred groves and household rituals playing integral roles.

Religious Interactions

While rooted in indigenous beliefs, Adivasi religions have been influenced by surrounding faiths like Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Christianity. Conversely, Adivasi traditions have also impacted dominant religions, evident in the Jagannath cult of Odisha and Tantric traditions in Bengal.

Language and Cultural Heritage

Adivasis possess their own languages, often distinct from Sanskrit and influential in the development of mainstream Indian languages. Santhali, with the largest speaker population, boasts a rich literary tradition evident in publications and online platforms.

Historical Dynamics

Historically, Adivasis have faced conversion to Christianity, which has left a significant imprint on their modern religious landscape.

In summary, Adivasis represent a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, languages, and spiritual beliefs, deeply intertwined with the natural landscapes they inhabit.

Adivasis: Victims of Stereotyping and Development

Stereotypical Portrayals:

In Indian society, Adivasis are often depicted in stereotypical ways, highlighted by their colorful attire, traditional dances, and headgear. These portrayals, frequently showcased during school functions, official events, and in media representations, serve to reinforce preconceived notions of Adivasi communities as exotic, primitive, and backward. Such limited representations fail to capture the complexity and diversity of Adivasi cultures and lifestyles.

Ignorance of Realities:

The prevalent stereotypes surrounding Adivasis often stem from a lack of understanding of their lived experiences and historical contexts. This ignorance leads to misconceptions about their resistance to change or adoption of new ideas. In reality, Adivasi communities are dynamic and adaptive, yet their nuanced narratives are overshadowed by oversimplified stereotypes. These biases can result in discrimination and hinder efforts for their social and economic advancement.

From the 1830s onwards, Adivasis from Jharkhand and adjoining areas moved in very large numbers to various plantations in India and the world – Mauritius, the Caribbean and even Australia. India’s tea industry became possible with their labour in Assam. Today, there are 70 lakh Adivasis in Assam alone. The story of this migration is full of extreme hardship, torture, heartbreak and death. For example, in the nineteenth century alone five lakh Adivasis had perished in these migrations. The song below captures the hopes of the migrants and the reality they faced in Assam.
Come Mini, let’s go to Assam
Our country has so much suffering The country of Assam, oh Mini
Has tea gardens full of greenery…
The Sardar says work, work
The Babu says catch and bring them in
The Saheb says I’ll take off the skin of your back
Hey Jaduram, you deceived us by sending us to Assam .

Source: NCERT

Historical Significance:

Historically, Adivasis have played a crucial role in India’s development, particularly in relation to forest resources. Forests served as vital repositories of metal ores, medicinal herbs, and animal products essential for sustaining ancient empires and civilizations. Adivasis possessed deep knowledge of forest ecosystems and maintained control over vast tracts of forestland, contributing significantly to the socio-economic fabric of pre-colonial societies.

Changing Dynamics:

However, colonial interventions and subsequent post-colonial policies disrupted traditional Adivasi livelihoods and land tenure systems. Forced displacement, land alienation, and exploitation of forest resources by external entities have marginalized Adivasi communities, leading to their gradual integration into mainstream society as laborers in plantations, industries, and construction sites.

Displacement and Loss:

Adivasis have faced widespread displacement due to various development projects, including mining, industrialization, and construction of dams. The loss of ancestral lands and natural habitats has not only deprived them of traditional livelihoods but also severed their ties to cultural and spiritual heritage deeply rooted in the land. Dispossession of farmland, sacred sites, and communal resources has disrupted social cohesion and eroded cultural identity.

Impact on Livelihood and Culture:

The displacement of Adivasis has far-reaching consequences beyond economic loss, profoundly impacting their social and cultural fabric. Dispossession of land and displacement from traditional habitats disrupts customary practices, communal rituals, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. Moreover, loss of access to natural resources jeopardizes traditional livelihoods, leading to increased poverty, malnutrition, and social exclusion among Adivasi communities.

Interconnected Challenges:

The challenges faced by Adivasis are deeply interconnected, with economic marginalization exacerbating social dislocation and cultural erosion. Displacement and loss of land perpetuate cycles of poverty and deprivation, trapping Adivasis in a cycle of socio-economic vulnerability. Moreover, the marginalization of Adivasi communities reinforces existing power structures, perpetuating patterns of exploitation and inequality.

Adivasis use around 10,000 plant species – approximately 8,000 species are used for medicinal purposes; 325 are used as pesticides; 425 as gums, resins and dyes; 550 as fibres; 3,500 are edible. This entire knowledge system gets wiped out when Adivasis lose their rights over forest lands.

The plight of Adivasis underscores the urgent need for inclusive development policies that prioritize their rights, dignity, and autonomy. Addressing the root causes of dispossession and displacement requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Adivasi communities and seeks to rectify systemic inequalities. By empowering Adivasis to reclaim their land, culture, and livelihoods, society can move towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all its citizens.

Understanding Marginalization: A Focus on Minorities

Significance of Safeguards:

The Constitution of India provides safeguards for religious and linguistic minorities to protect them against cultural domination, discrimination, and disadvantage. These safeguards are essential to preserve India’s cultural diversity and promote equality and justice. Minority communities, despite their numerical size, may face marginalization due to power imbalances and limited access to resources. Therefore, safeguards are crucial to ensure their rights and well-being.

Muslims and Marginalization:

The Muslim community in India has been identified as a marginalized group, facing socio-economic disparities and discrimination. The Sachar Committee Report highlighted the marginalization of Muslims, indicating disparities in education, employment, and access to basic amenities compared to other socio-religious communities. Economic and social marginalization often leads to prejudice, unfair treatment, and even violence against Muslims, contributing to their social exclusion and ghettoization.

Table I: Access to Basic Amenities, 2008–2009

Religious Community	Pucca House (%)	Electricity (%)	Tap Water (%)
Hindu	65.4	75.2	43.7
Muslim	63.8	67.5	35.8
Christian	69.3	86.2	48.0
Sikh	91.3	96.0	49.3

Table II: Literacy Rate by Religion, 2011 (percentages)

Religious Community	Literacy Rate (%)
Hindu	74
Muslims	63
Christians	57
Sikhs	74
Buddhists	67
Jains	71
Highest Literacy Rate	Jains (71%)
Lowest Literacy Rate	Christians (57%)

Table III: Public Employment of Muslims (percentages)

Sector	Percentage (%)
IAS	3
IPS	4
IFS	1.8
Central Public Sector Units	3.3
State Public Sector Units	10.8
Banks & RBI	2.2

Socio-Economic Status of Muslims:

Tables derived from various sources depict the socio-economic status of the Muslim community in India. These tables illustrate disparities in access to basic amenities, literacy rates, and public employment opportunities compared to other communities. The data suggests that Muslims, despite constituting a significant portion of the population, have been deprived of socio-economic development benefits, reinforcing their marginalized status.

Complexity of Marginalization:

The experiences of marginalized groups, including Adivasis and women, highlight the multifaceted nature of marginalization. Marginalization manifests differently across various communities, yet shares common elements of disadvantage, prejudice, and powerlessness. Addressing marginalization requires comprehensive strategies, measures, and safeguards to promote equality and protect fundamental rights outlined in the Constitution.

Call to Action:

Protecting the rights of marginalized communities is essential to uphold India’s diversity and fulfill the state’s commitment to equality for all. Recognizing the historical struggles and resilience of marginalized groups, there is a collective responsibility to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusive development. Marginalized communities aspire to maintain their cultural identity while gaining equal access to opportunities and resources, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to confront and overcome marginalization.

Source: NCERT