Abstract
This study investigates the socio-economic dynamics of the marginalized Meo community in Ujina village, Nuh District, Haryana, a historically disadvantaged group facing systemic exclusion. The objectives are to examine the community's socio-economic status, focusing on factors such as income, employment, education, and social mobility, and to identify the challenges and resilience patterns within the community. The research employs a quantitative methodology, using purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select 120 participants. Data collection involved face-to-face in-depth interviews and electronic surveys, analyzed using SPSS 27.0.1 software. Bivariate analysis was conducted to explore relationships among socio-economic variables. Findings reveal significant gender disparity, with males constituting 64.1% of the sample. Education levels are low, with 72.5% lacking formal education, affecting socio-economic mobility. Employment data indicate a heavy reliance on agriculture (44.1%), with minimal representation in formal sector jobs (2.5%). The income distribution shows a modest economic standing, with the majority earning between 30,000 and 39,999 rupees monthly. Correlation analyses suggest that higher educational attainment is linked to better occupational opportunities and greater participation in household decision-making; although the impact on mobility and asset ownership is limited. This research highlights the compounded effects of historical marginalization and systemic discrimination on the Meo community. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve educational access, enhance skill development, and create economic opportunities to foster social inclusion and economic empowerment for this marginalized group.
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