Citizenship, Differences and Identity: Dalit Women and Political Inclusion

Abstract

The paper examines issues related to citizenship and political participation of dalit women. The disadvantages of caste, class and gender and the exclusionary mechanisms entrenched in hierarchical social relations have had differential outcomes for dalit women in citizenship and politics. The experiences of marginality, which they encounter, defines how identity is perceived and constructed. The participation of dalit women in citizenship is constrained by high levels of deprivation, minimal participation in civil society, and low political activity of any kind.