Education, Social Exclusion and Inclusive Framework: A Perspective from Dalit Women

Abstract

The modest attempt of this article is to understand the social exclusion of women in general and Dalit women in particular. This article intends to argue that education is a key instrument for the development of Dalit women to get liberation from the oppressive structures of Hindu caste-patriarchy. Education ultimately ensures the re-establishment of a new social order based on inclusive values. As it is noted that women are one of the largest socially segregated groups in the world. Among them, Dalit women are most segregated and excluded from all the public and private spheres. It is found that Dalit women in India are placed at the bottom of society due to unjust social order. They are segregated and excluded based on their caste, class and gender identity. Every day, approximately four Dalit women and girls are being gang-raped and brutally murdered. It can be argued that Dalit women as an identity but also their issues and concerns are segregated and excluded. This article explores the mechanisms of segregation and exclusion of Dalit women’s identity and their issues. Along with this, the article traces the role of education in the social exclusion and emancipation of Dalit women. Further, this article explores the kind of perspective and framework that Dalit women need to overcome their historical exclusion and marginalization.