The intersection of caste and gender significantly influences poverty levels in Indian society, creating complex dynamics that exacerbate inequalities. Here are some key aspects of this intersection:

1. Caste-Based Discrimination

• Economic Marginalization: Lower castes, particularly Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), often face systemic discrimination that limits their access to resources, education, and employment opportunities. This marginalization results in higher poverty rates among these groups.
• Limited Land Ownership: Many lower-caste families lack land ownership, which restricts their ability to generate income through agriculture, leading to dependence on low-paying labor jobs.

2. Gender Inequality

• Wage Disparities: Women, especially from lower castes, often face wage discrimination in the labor market. They typically earn less than men and are concentrated in informal, low-paying jobs, further entrenching their poverty.
• Limited Access to Education: Caste and gender both impact access to education. Girls from lower castes may face additional barriers, such as cultural norms prioritizing boys’ education or economic constraints that force them to drop out.

3. Social Norms and Mobility

• Cultural Restrictions: In many communities, traditional gender roles dictate women’s responsibilities as caretakers and homemakers, limiting their opportunities for employment and economic independence. This is compounded for women from lower castes, who may also face stigma and discrimination in public spaces.
• Social Capital: Women from marginalized castes often have less social capital, making it harder to access networks that could provide job opportunities or resources.

4. Health and Well-Being

• Access to Healthcare: Caste and gender can affect access to healthcare services. Women from lower castes may encounter barriers in receiving adequate medical care, which can impact their health and economic productivity.
• Nutritional Status: Poverty often leads to inadequate nutrition, and women, especially mothers, may prioritize the needs of their families over their own, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

5. Policy and Intervention

• Targeted Programs: Government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation often recognize the intersection of caste and gender. Programs such as reservations in education and employment, and schemes for women’s self-help groups, aim to empower marginalized groups.
• Challenges in Implementation: Despite these initiatives, the effectiveness can be hampered by local caste dynamics and gender biases, which may limit women’s participation and access to benefits.

6. Intersectional Poverty

• Multidimensional Poverty: Poverty is not just about income; it includes access to education, healthcare, and social services. The intersection of caste and gender creates a unique form of multidimensional poverty that requires targeted interventions.

Conclusion

The interplay of caste and gender in India creates a multifaceted landscape of poverty, where individuals face overlapping disadvantages. Addressing these issues requires holistic approaches that consider both caste and gender dynamics, promoting equity and empowerment through targeted policies and community engagement.