Vulnerable Groups

3.6 Vulnerable Groups

Description

Quick Overview

This section discusses how poverty disproportionately affects certain social and economic groups in India, identifying the specific demographics most vulnerable to poverty.

Standard

The section elaborates on the various social and economic groups facing heightened vulnerability to poverty in India, such as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households, rural agricultural laborers, and urban casual workers. It highlights the significance of double disadvantage for these groups and indicates trends in poverty reduction among different demographics.

Detailed

Vulnerable Groups

In India, the poverty line does not impact all social and economic groups equally. Certain groups, particularly Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), are more predisposed to poverty, demonstrating a stark contrast to averages across the population. For instance, an alarming 43% of Scheduled Tribe households live below the poverty line, reflecting systemic inequalities. Similarly, 34% of urban casual laborers and 34% of rural agricultural laborers are below the poverty line.

This section illustrates how poverty isn't merely a matter of income but is intertwined with social inclusion and exclusion, leading to specific groups experiencing compounded negative effects. Historical and contemporary inequities, such as landlessness and limited access to education and job opportunities, contribute to this disparity.

Moreover, the narratives of individuals like Sivaraman from Tamil Nadu showcase real-life implications of these statistics. The report on inter-state disparities also indicates varying poverty levels across regions, suggesting localized factors impacting poverty differently depending on the area.

In sum, vulnerability to poverty in India is multi-faceted, encompassing elements of social identity, economic status, and regional differences.

Key Concepts

  • Social Exclusion: The process where specific groups are barred from equal social and economic opportunities.

  • Economic Disparities: Differences in income and resources across various population segments.

  • Vulnerable Groups: Demographics that are more likely to experience poverty.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In every land, there’s a plight, Social groups struggle day and night.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once in a small village, a family of Scheduled Tribes faced challenges every day. With hard work and education, they aimed to change their fate; their dreams of prosperity shined bright.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Use 'P.E.E.P': Policies, Education, Economy, Population to remember the factors of poverty disparities.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Remember 'S.E.E.D'

  • Social exclusion
  • Economic deprivation
  • Education deficits
  • and Discrimination.

Examples

  • A family of Scheduled Tribes living in rural areas often lacks access to education and healthcare.

  • Urban casual laborers who face job insecurity tend to live in poorer conditions compared to other socioeconomic classes.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Scheduled Castes (SC)

    Definition:

    Social groups that have historically faced discrimination and social exclusion in India.

  • Term: Scheduled Tribes (ST)

    Definition:

    Indigenous peoples with distinct cultural practices and communities in India, often facing marginalization.

  • Term: Vulnerability

    Definition:

    The probability of certain communities or individuals remaining in poverty due to lack of resources, opportunities, and support.

  • Term: Social exclusion

    Definition:

    The process by which certain groups are denied access to rights, opportunities, or resources, often based on social status.