Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities

Introduction

The collective incidence of cultural, linguistic, religious, ethnic and geographical makes India a unique example in the world. This cultural plurality often intersects with socio-economic factors leading to marginalisation among different groups.

OR

Indian society is a pluralistic society with a complex social order with a dash of ethnic, religious, linguistic divisions. Amidst complexities and differences, stands diversity which has a widely accepted social base that fosters fraternity, cohesion and brotherhood.

Body

Cultural diversity intersect with socio-economic marginalities reinforcing inequalities

• Caste (Jati): More than 3000 jatis, hierarchical in different religions, hereditary endogamous, thus creating lower caste facing extreme exclusion from resources and opportunities.
  • Eg: A study from the NSSO reveals that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have disproportionately high levels of poverty compared to upper castes.
• Language: 22 official languages with more than 1600 dialects can hinder access to education and employment  as many marginalised groups face difficulty to compete in dominant language.
  • Eg: About 50% of dalit and adivasi children can read a paragraph as compared to 69% brahmin children.
• Geographical:  India is divided into physio-geographic regions (Himalayas, plains, peninsular plateau, etc.), climatic zones (arid, tropical, temperate), and various agro-climatic zones
• Geographic regions experience varying levels of development, with some culturally rich areas remaining economically underdeveloped.
  • Eg: Adivasi communities in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, despite living in mineral-rich areas, remain among the poorest in India
  • Eg: North east & Hilly region.

• • • Access to Resources: Different cultural groups may have unequal access to land, capital, and social networks, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation. where certain groups are left out of decision-making processes, impacting their socio-economic opportunities. 
  • Eg.tribal conflict mizo-kuki
  • Eg: According to Global multidimensional poverty Index 2018, about 33% of Scheduled castes in India are multidimensionally poor.

India’s cultural diversity does not lead to socio-economic marginalities

• Economic mobility: Education and employment opportunities through affirmative actions has enabled the upward mobility of individuals from marginalised sections. 
  • Eg. Delhi Haat, a TRIFED initiative promotes the exhibition of tribal products.
• Cultural Enrichment: Diversity has promoted different avenues such as tourism and handicraft industry. 
  • Eg: Cuisine of trials is being widely celebrated like the red ant chutney of Orissa.
• Strong Community support: at the time of adversity marginalised section together raise their concerns for welfare 
  • Eg: AASU student union demand of citizenship.
• Impact of Urbanisation & Globalisation: It has opened newer avenues for their products now being sold in international markets.

Conclusion

The correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities is complex and multifaceted. While cultural factors contribute to disparities, they are not the sole determinants of socio-economic status. By recognizing and harnessing the potential of cultural diversity, India can work towards reducing socio-economic marginalities and fostering inclusive development.

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