CH: UNDERSTANDING
MARGINALISATION
CLASS VIII
NOTES
✅ 1. What is Marginalisation?
● Meaning:
Marginalisation means being pushed to the edge of society, where people have less
access to resources, rights, decision-making, and respect.
● Features of Marginalised Groups:
○ They lack economic opportunities
○ They face social discrimination
○ They struggle for political representation
○ Their culture and identity are devalued
● Examples in India:
○ Adivasis (Tribal Communities)
○ Dalits
○ Religious minorities (e.g., Muslims)
○ Some backward castes
○ Nomadic tribes
○ Women, differently-abled people
✅ 2. Causes of Marginalisation
1. Social Prejudice and Stereotypes
People judge others as inferior based on caste, culture, language, or religion.
2. Economic Inequality
Poor people get fewer chances to study, work, or participate in public life.
3. Historical Injustice
Groups like Adivasis and Dalits were oppressed for centuries.
4. Cultural Dominance
Majority groups often ignore the customs and languages of minorities.
5. Lack of Political Representation
Marginalised groups have limited voice in decision-making.
6. Illiteracy and Lack of Awareness
Many don’t know their rights due to lack of education.
✅ 3. Who Are Adivasis?
● Adivasis are the original inhabitants of India, mainly living in forests, hills, and rural
regions.
● They make up about 8% of India's population.
● They belong to groups like Santhals, Bhils, Gonds, Nagas, Mizos, Oraons, Mundas,
Kharias, etc.
● They speak distinct tribal languages and have unique traditions and festivals.
✔ Their Association with Forests:
● Forests provide them with food, medicines, shelter, fuel, and livelihood.
● Their culture is closely tied to nature, animals, and environment.
✅ 4. Why Are Adivasis Marginalised?
1. Loss of Forest Land
○ British and later governments took over forests for timber, tea plantations,
dams, and mining.
○ Adivasis lost their homes, traditions, and livelihoods.
2. Displacement
○ Projects like Narmada Dam, mining in Jharkhand, iron and coal industries
displaced lakhs.
3. No Proper Compensation
○ Many were not given land, jobs, or money in return.
4. Migration
○ They were forced to work as daily-wage labourers in cities.
5. Cultural Erosion
○ Their songs, languages, dress, and customs began to disappear.
6. Poverty and Illiteracy
○ They face poor health care, lack of education, and unemployment.
✅ 5. Adivasis and Stereotypes
● Often referred to as " backward, uncivilised".
● Media and textbooks show them in a poor, primitive image.
● This affects their confidence and identity.
✅ 6. Minorities and Marginalisation
✔ Who is a Minority?
● A minority is a group that is smaller in number AND has less power, respect, and
opportunity.
● Example: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains.
✔ Why Are Minorities Marginalised?
● Prejudice and mistrust from majority groups.
● Economic backwardness.
● Stereotypes in movies, media, and textbooks.
● Less representation in jobs and politics.
✔ Example: Muslims in India
● India’s largest minority (about 14%).
● Many Muslims face:
○ Lower education levels
○ Fewer government jobs
○ Social discrimination
○ Underrepresentation in politics
Muslims and Marginalisation
✔ Who are Muslims as minorities?
● Groups that are smaller in number AND have less power and representation.
● Muslims are India's largest minority (14%).
✔ Why Muslims face marginalisation:
1. Religious Prejudice
○ Seen with suspicion or bias.
○ Targeted by stereotypes.
2. Economic Backwardness
○ Sachar Committee Report (2006) found:
■ Low income levels
■ Many work in informal sectors (rickshaws, labour, small shops)
■ Poor access to government jobs
3. Lower Literacy and Education
○ Muslim children have lower school enrollment and higher dropout rates.
○ Lack of schools in Muslim localities.
4. Ghettoisation
○ Many Muslims live in segregated areas due to fear and discrimination.
○ These areas have poor services: sanitation, schools, hospitals.
5. Political Underrepresentation
○ Few MPs/MLAs from the community.
○ Weak voice in decision-making.
6. Stereotyping in media and textbooks
○ Often shown as extremists or outsiders.
○ Their achievements and diversity ignored.
✅ 7. Constitutional Safeguards for Minorities &
Marginalised Groups
✔ Equality & Protection (Fundamental Rights)
● Article 14 — Equality before law
● Article 15 — No discrimination by religion, caste, gender, etc.
● Article 17 — Abolition of untouchability
✔ Cultural & Educational Rights
● Article 29 — Protect language and culture
● Article 30 — Minorities can run their own schools (e.g., Aligarh Muslim University)
✔ Policies & Reservations
● Quotas for SCs, STs, OBCs in:
○ Government jobs
○ Education
○ Political representation (Panchayats, Parliament)
✔ Committees & Welfare Schemes
● Sachar Committee (2006) – studied Muslim conditions.
● Government minority scholarships, skill training, subsidised loans.
✅ 8. Laws for Tribal Protection
✔ Forest Rights Act (2006)
● Recognises Adivasis’ rights over:
○ Forest land
○ Forest produce (like bamboo, honey, fruits, herbs)
○ Traditional habitats
✔ Protection Against Displacement
● Government has to provide rehabilitation, compensation, and land rights if displaced.
✅ 9. Why Ending Marginalisation Matters
● Ensures justice and equality
● Preserves India’s diversity
● Reduces poverty and illiteracy
● Strengthens democracy
● Improves economic development
● Promotes social harmony