Faith, Stigma, and Disability: Intersectional Marginalization of Religious Minorities within Marginalized Castes in India
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: As a framework, intersectionality shows how marginalization is exacerbated by overlapping identities. Although research has looked at the relationship between caste and gender or disability and gender, little is known about how religion, caste, and disability interact. Religious minorities from underprivileged castes in India face multi- layered discrimination, and their marginalization increases when a disability is present. This essay uses an intersectional perspective to examine these communities' lived realities. It illustrates how caste stigma, minority identity, and disability come together to limit access to welfare benefits, mobility, and dignity using secondary data, policy documents, and qualitative narratives. The study makes the case for rethinking inclusion strategies in order to identify compounded vulnerabilities. To guarantee that these marginalized groups are visible, policy recommendations include inter-sectional quotas, targeted welfare programs, and sensitization campaigns.
Author: T, Harisha
Institution: BMS College for Women
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220145669