Nurturing Critical Consciousness of Caste Oppression in the Early Years of Primary School in India

Caste is an ancient social hierarchy in India that divides people based on their birth into families and communities having a fixed hereditary occupation. Those at the 'top' of this hierarchy continue to experience higher social status and socio-economic wealth, and those at the 'bottom' (Dalits) experience oppression, poverty, and stigma. Across primary schools in India, children from Dalit communities face segregation, prejudice, and humiliation. For instance, being denied access to water / healthcare and the practice of untouchability where people avoid contact, and friendship with Dalit children. However, issues of caste oppression are silenced for children from caste-privileged backgrounds, contributing to social apathy for the issue. It is in the early years that children learn to normalise injustice or to challenge it. Early primary programs can raise children's awareness of oppression and promote inclusion.