Caste, Space, And Representation: Understanding Developmental Exclusion Of Scheduled Castes At The Block Level In Sitapur District

This research investigates the spatial aspects of socio-economic deprivation among Scheduled Castes (SCs) at the block level within Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. Although district-level data frequently showcases aggregated trends, such averages often mask localized disparities in developmental outcomes. To fill this void, the study utilizes a block-level analytical framework, drawing on secondary data from the Census of India 2011. Selected socio-economic indicators—literacy rates, female literacy, workforce participation, marginal employment, and child population—were standardized through Z-score normalization and amalgamated to create a Composite Deprivation Index (CDI). The blocks were then ranked to uncover patterns of intra-district inequality. The results indicate considerable spatial variation in deprivation levels among the blocks. Certain blocks, such as Laharpur and Behta, display relatively elevated levels of multidimensional deprivation, whereas others like Pahla and Gondlamau show comparatively favorable socio-economic conditions. Notably, the analysis reveals that a higher concentration of Scheduled Caste populations does not inherently lead to increased deprivation, underscoring the impact of localized institutional, educational, and economic contexts. The findings demonstrate that caste-based developmental exclusion is territorially clustered, challenging assumptions of uniform deprivation. By merging demographic concentration with multidimensional socio-economic indicators, the study accentuates the interconnected dynamics between caste, space, and representation. The findings advocate for geographically targeted interventions and decentralized planning strategies to tackle localized inequalities. In summary, the research enhances the understanding of intra-district disparities and reinforces the significance of spatial analysis in exploring caste-based developmental exclusion.