Symbolic discrimination and material deprivation of historically disadvantaged groups in India

It is widely understood that the ultimate goal of eliminating material deprivation through broadly shared economic development is giving people the means to lead lives they have reason to value, as formulated in Amartya Sen’s capability approach. However, in India, it is critical to keep in mind when evaluating progress in poverty reduction that, for historically disadvantaged groups, economic disadvantage is compounded by the persistence of various forms of derogatory treatment based on their caste identity.

It is undeniable that hierarchical elements rooted in the ritual origins of caste continue to be a part of caste’s influence over contemporary India. The most blatant expression of such hierarchical elements is the persistence of extreme forms of derogatory treatment and social exclusion imposed on those in the lowest rank of the ‘traditional’ Hindu social order, Dalits (referred to as Scheduled Castes in administrative data sources, and formerly called ‘Untouchables’).

How often do material deprivation and social disabilities come together for those at the bottom of India´s caste hierarchy? This paper aims to investigate the links between the living standards of Dalits and the prevalence of symbolic discrimination against them in India.

Available at: https://doi.org/10.55158/DEEPWP23