Dalit Christians- exclusion by society, church, state
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Caste Discrimination and Untouchability: The caste system in Hinduism has historically relegated Dalits to the lowest rungs of society, subjecting them to severe discrimination and untouchability. Conversion to another religion can offer an escape from this oppressive social hierarchy.
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Equality and Dignity: Other religions, such as Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity, often promote principles of equality, dignity, and social justice. Dalits may find these teachings appealing as they offer a sense of respect and worth that may be lacking in their experience within Hinduism.
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Escape from Social Marginalization: Conversion can provide Dalits with a sense of belonging to a larger community that does not discriminate based on caste. It offers an opportunity to integrate into a social environment that may be more accepting and supportive.
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Access to Religious Leadership Roles: Some religions offer more accessible paths to leadership roles within their religious institutions. In contrast, Hinduism historically restricted such roles for Dalits due to their caste status.
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Economic Improvement: Conversion can sometimes lead to improved economic opportunities, especially if the converted individual gains access to networks and resources through their new religious community.
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Political Empowerment: In some cases, religious conversion can be intertwined with political empowerment movements. Joining a religious group that advocates for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities can provide a platform for social change.
- Influence of Missionary Activities: Missionary activities by religious groups such as Christianity and Islam have sometimes played a role in converting Dalits. These groups might provide education, healthcare, and other services in conjunction with their religious teachings.
- Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that examines how different social identities, such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
- It was first coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to describe the experiences of black women in the United States
- The theory of intersectionality can be applied to Dalit Christians to understand the unique experiences of oppression and privilege that they face. Dalit Christians are people who are born into Dalit castes, but who have converted to Christianity. They face discrimination on the basis of both their caste and their religion
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Dalit Christians often face discrimination from both Hindus and Christians. Hindus may see them as traitors to their caste, while Christians may see them as inferior because of their caste.
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They may be denied jobs, education, and housing. They may also be the victims of violence and abuse.
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Intersectionality can be used to understand the unique experiences of Dalit Christians. It can help to explain why they face such high levels of discrimination. It can also help to develop strategies for addressing the challenges that they face.
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Intersectionality can be used to understand how our identities intersect to create our unique experiences.
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The identity of Dalit Christians is shaped by their caste, their religion, and their gender. Dalits are a social group in India who are considered to be "untouchable".
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They face discrimination and oppression on the basis of their caste. Christians are a religious group who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. They believe in one God and that Jesus is the Son of God
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The intersection of caste and gender in the identity of Dalit Christians can also create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
- A single-axis framework is a way of thinking about discrimination that focuses on one social identity, such as race, gender, or class.
- This framework assumes that discrimination can be explained by a single factor, and that people who share a particular social identity will experience the same level of discrimination
- Soosai Etc vs Union Of India and Others Case (1985) was a landmark case in the Supreme Court of India that challenged the constitutional validity of a provision of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 that excluded Christian converts from the benefits of reservation for Scheduled Castes.
- The case was brought by Soosai, a Christian convert from the Adi Dravida caste, who was denied a benefit under a government scheme for Scheduled Castes because he was a Christian.
- Soosai argued that the provision of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 that excluded Christian converts from the benefits of reservation was unconstitutional because it violated the fundamental right to equality guaranteed by Article 14 of the Constitution of India
- The Supreme Court agreed with Soosai and held that the provision of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 that excluded Christian converts from the benefits of reservation was unconstitutional. The Court held that the provision discriminated against Christian converts on the basis of their religion and violated their fundamental right to equality
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Practice Questions
1.Discuss the historical origins and social implications of untouchability in India. How has the practice of untouchability influenced various aspects of social life, and what measures have been taken to address and eradicate this issue?
2.Examine the role of B.R. Ambedkar in the fight against untouchability and his contributions to the upliftment of marginalized communities. How did his ideas and efforts influence social and political dynamics in post-independence India?
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