The Struggle for Dignity and Economic Opportunity: A Study of Poverty and Gender Inequality in a Marginalized Community in Tamil Nadu

Abstract: The Arunthathiyar community in Tamil Nadu, historically marginalized and socially excluded, faces significant challenges in accessing economic opportunities, which exacerbates their vulnerability to poverty. As a Dalit group, the Arunthathiyars have been subjected to caste-based discrimination, limiting their access to education, employment, land, and financial resources. This paper examines the impact of economic opportunity on poverty reduction in the Arunthathiyar community, with a focus on gendered disparities within this group. The first section analyzes key economic opportunities available to both men and women in the Arunthathiyar community, including access to education, employment, skill development, and microfinance. While economic growth in Tamil Nadu has resulted in some improvements, women within the community continue to face compounded challenges due to both caste and gender discrimination. Limited access to formal financial services, restricted mobility, and societal norms that confine women to unpaid labour hinder their economic participation. The second part of the paper explores successful initiatives that have targeted both caste and gender inequalities, such as government schemes for skill development, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and microcredit programs tailored to Dalit women. These programs have enabled women in the Arunthathiyar community to access economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and gain greater autonomy, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation. The paper concludes by arguing that addressing both caste and gender-based barriers is crucial for fostering sustainable poverty reduction. Empowering Arunthathiyar women through enhanced economic opportunities can lead to long-term social and economic mobility, benefiting both the community and broader society in Tamil Nadu.