Revisiting Globalization Through Dalit Women Perspective

Abstract

The relation of globalization with social and economic empowerment of Dalit women is a highly contested issue especially when they continue to be victims of discrimination on the basis of their caste, class and gender. One of the major innovations of globalization in India is the microcredit loans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that were formed with the aim of increasing the financial independence of Dalit and poor Indian women. Although increasing number of women participate in SHGs, I argue that it is the Dalit women who do not receive their adequate benefits due to the existing division between Dalit and non-Dalit women, the role of the intermediaries and the subordination that is inflicted upon them by Dalit men. Finally, this study concludes that it is only when reforms are built specifically targeting the plight of Dalit women, then they will bring a change in their social and economic status.