Causes and Forms of Marginalization: An Investigation of Social Marginalization of Craft Workers in Dembecha Woreda, North Western Ethiopia

Haregewoin Tiruye

doi:10.7176/rhss/9-21-02

Abstract

This paper is primarily concerned to investigate the causes and forms of social marginalization of craft workers living in Dembecha Woreda in North Western Ethiopia. The study has been carried out in two purposely selected villages in Dembecha Woreda. A cross sectional qualitative method was employed (in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion) involving a total of 44 participants 26 key informant, and 3 FGD comprising 6 individuals in each group through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Accordingly, the causes for marginalization of craft workers are mainly socio-cultural constructions retained in negative stereotypes, and evil eye ideology stemmed from the perception of the non-craft worker society. Thus, potters are highly associated with evil eye whereas tanner’s stereotype is associated with ‘impurity’. Craft-workers were marginalized in many forms mainly, restriction from social associations, restriction in intermarriage with the non-craft workers, and spatial segregation. Moreover, craft workers of Dembecha Woreda are marginalized occupational groups who are socially excluded, culturally subordinated, and spatially segregated. Nowadays some forms of marginalization are declining and hence there is spatial integration and intermarriage. Finally it is recommended that, interventions are needed like public and religious teaching to change the belief of the society, promoting ‘indigenous crafts’ through culture and tourism, and the government should design programs to teach the society about equality. Key w ords: marginalization, social exclusion, craft worker, potter, tanner, stereotype, prejudice DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-21-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

Highlights

Handcraft working has a long history in producing the most vital utilities associated with the daily lives of both urban and rural communities in Ethiopia (Mulu, 2007)
Ethiopian Human Rights Council, (2009) noted in Ethiopia ethnic minorities and occupational minorities of craft workers are exposed to marginalization due to their occupation
Though there are craft workers who live dispersed in different kebeles in the Woreda due to financial and other constraints the study carried out on two well-known villages of craft workers ArogeAmba and Wotebet were selected purposefully. 2.2.4 Sample and Sampling procedure For this research purposive sampling technique was used in order to select44 individuals from the two villages as total sample size .26 individuals were selected for in-depth interview based on their willingness and seniority, both from craft workers and non- craft individuals who can provide rich information from their life experiences about the existing social marginalization of tanners and potters

Summary

Introduction

Handcraft working has a long history in producing the most vital utilities associated with the daily lives of both urban and rural communities in Ethiopia (Mulu, 2007). This Woreda is known in different craft work products but craft workers are socially and culturally subjected to marginalization. Design of the Study The research employed descriptive research design due to the fact that it is appropriate to come across the prevailing social dimensions of marginalization that characterize Dembecha Woreda craft workers.

Results

Conclusion