UNTOUCHABILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Untouchability refers to a social practice or system that involves stigmatization and discrimination toward a particular group of individuals based on their birth or perceived social status. This term primarily relates to the Indian caste system, where it is deeply ingrained in society.
Untouchability, also known as Dalit oppression, is based on the notion that certain groups of individuals are considered "untouchable" by birth. These individuals belong to the lowest caste, often referred to as Dalits or Scheduled Castes. The practice of untouchability leads to the exclusion and segregation of Dalits from various aspects of social, religious, and economic life. It encompasses the denial of basic human rights, social interactions, and equal opportunities for those perceived as "untouchable."
Untouchability perpetuates a cycle of extreme marginalization and discrimination, wherein Dalits face social and economic disadvantages, limited access to education, employment, and political representation. They typically experience deplorable living conditions, poverty, and restricted mobility due to the practice of untouchability. Discrimination against Dalits often manifests in the form of restrictions on inter-caste marriages, separate water sources, exclusion from places of worship, and even physical violence.
The Indian government has enacted various laws and constitutional provisions to combat untouchability and improve social justice and equality for Dalits. However, despite these efforts, untouchability and caste-based discrimination continue to persist, requiring ongoing efforts and awareness to eliminate this deep-rooted social issue.
Common Misspellings for UNTOUCHABILITY
- yntouchability
- hntouchability
- jntouchability
- intouchability
- 8ntouchability
- 7ntouchability
- ubtouchability
- umtouchability
- ujtouchability
- uhtouchability
- unrouchability
- unfouchability
- ungouchability
- unyouchability
- un6ouchability
- un5ouchability
- untiuchability
- untkuchability
- untluchability
Etymology of UNTOUCHABILITY
The word "untouchability" derives from the combination of two words: "untouchable" and "-ity".
The term "untouchable" originated in the context of the Hindu caste system in India. It refers to individuals who were considered impure or socially inferior, occupying the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy. These individuals were believed to be so impure that their touch or contact would contaminate higher-caste individuals. The term can be traced back to the Sanskrit word "acchoḍa", which means "untouchable".
The suffix "-ity" is derived from Latin and is commonly used in English to form abstract nouns from adjectives. It conveys the concept of being in a particular state or condition, in this case, the state of being untouchable.
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