Discrimination and Marginalization of Scheduled Castes: A Field Study in Gujarat

Abstract

The foundation of caste system is on social stratification. Social structure of the ancient Indian society had sustained on the four pillars of Hindu society in a hierarchical ladder. The strategies are always thought, recommended and utilized to sustain the existing system. The means to sustain the system may or may not be based on justice. Mostly the means to sustain any system is adopted on the grounds of perceived justice, though if lacks in fairness, it might be unjust which may lead to varied forms of injustices. The marginalized social groups and communities are at the receiving end. The caste system divides, discriminates, and marginalizes the weaker sections of the society. The physically visible system of Casteism has been weakened. The idea of social stratification based on discrimination, in the present times, is found hidden inside the skins of caste system. The idea remains the same, however, in new forms. The present paper tries to see the sustenance of the caste system and subsequent impact of discrimination, marginalization from the mainstream and violation of natural human rights. The data is primarily based on participant observation and analysis of condition of scheduled castes or dalit community.