Social and Economic Exclusion among Social Groups in India

Abstract

Social and economic exclusion is a dynamic and multi dimensional processes, driven by unequal power relationship in the society. It hinders to achieve equity and justice. India is the country known for its diversity and complexity known in its socio-economic and cultural policy. Poverty and unemployment are the major constraints in the path of development. Informalisation of work further deteriorates the working condition of Schedule caste, schedule tribe and minority. The root of such causes lies in its social structure. The unique social system known as caste is an important feature of this country. This system is still critical and complex in the study of social sciences. The adverse effects of the caste system is prevalent in today's society especially in rural areas, continue to be widespread and impoverish a certain part of society. The caste system brings the division of labor based on caste, which is inherited from birth. This system is subject to the notion of purity and pollution. Agricultural labour and casual labour in rural and urban areas respectively are largely contributed by the people from schedule caste and schedule tribe, who are left with meagre wage, uncertain works and without social security. Development induced displacement and land acquisition have left them with depeasantization and casual works. Social exclusion forms are divided into several groups that have been perpetuated since ancient times and have taken a new shape under the market economy and globalisation, citing as invisible forms or new discrimination. The relative socio-economic disadvantages among Muslim prove their exclusion from the majority-infested Hindu in general and the upper caste in particular.