Describe the types of discrimination that occur against members of the lower castes, especially Dalits, in the caste system. What is another name for the Dalits?
The discrimination against Dalits, also known as "Untouchables," in the caste system includes physical and social exclusion, segregation, and inequalities in access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing. Dalits are considered impure and polluting by the upper castes, so they are not allowed to drink from the same wells, enter temples, or touch the food or utensils of the upper castes. Inter-caste marriages are also prohibited, and Dalit women are often subjected to sexual violence and exploitation.
Dalits are also denied equal access to political power and are not included in decision-making processes. They are often forced to do menial and degrading tasks, such as cleaning sewers and toilets, and are not remunerated fairly. Dalits are also vulnerable to bonded labor and debt slavery, further exacerbating their poverty and marginalization.
Another name for Dalits is "Scheduled Castes," which refers to the groups recognized by the Indian government as historically disadvantaged and entitled to affirmative action policies. However, this categorization has also been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing caste hierarchies.
In the caste system, members of the lower castes, especially Dalits, face various types of discrimination. Some of these types include:
1. Untouchability: Dalits are considered "untouchable" in the caste system, which means they are considered impure or polluted. As a result, they face extreme social exclusion and are segregated from higher-caste individuals. Touching, eating, or intermarrying with Dalits is traditionally considered impure by higher castes.
2. Occupational restrictions: Dalits historically have been assigned jobs considered "polluting" or lowly, such as manual scavenging, leatherwork, or cleaning human waste. These caste-based occupational restrictions limit their access to better employment opportunities and contribute to the perpetuation of caste-based inequality.
3. Social segregation: Dalits face social segregation and are often subject to residential segregation, restrictive access to public spaces, and the imposition of separate drinking water sources. In many cases, they are also required to maintain a physical distance from higher caste individuals.
4. Denial of basic rights: Discrimination against Dalits includes the denial of basic rights, such as access to education, healthcare, and justice. This denial reinforces their social and economic marginalization and limits their upward mobility.
5. Violence and atrocities: Dalits are disproportionately subjected to violence and atrocities, including physical and sexual abuse, land grabbing, forced labor, and denial of justice. These acts of violence are often perpetrated to maintain caste-based hierarchy and power dynamics.
Another name for Dalits is "Scheduled Castes" in official terminology in India, referring to specific groups officially recognized as requiring special protection and affirmative action measures due to historical social disadvantage. The term "Dalit" itself is a self-chosen term meaning "oppressed" or "downtrodden."