Three Decades of Occupational Transformation: A Case of Socio-economic Discrimination Against Dalit Landless Agricultural Labourers in Kondaiahgaripalli Village

Abstract

This study examines the occupational transformations of Dalit landless agricultural labourers in Kondaiahgaripalli village over the past three decades. It explores the dynamics driving these shifts and assesses their implications for the socio-economic well-being of Dalit landless agricultural labourers. The findings reveal a pronounced decline in traditional agricultural labour occupations, characterized by a sharp reduction in agricultural wage labour and a significant decrease in female participation. The disappearance of semi-attached labour arrangements highlights the erosion of long-standing agrarian labour structures. Concurrently, a notable transition towards non-agricultural employment and migration has been observed, with younger generations increasingly participating in salaried jobs and self-employment ventures. Key drivers of this occupational shift include improved access to education, skill acquisition and the expansion of non-farm employment opportunities. The emergence of digital platforms—such as e-commerce, freelancing portals and gig economy services—has further facilitated new income-generating avenues for rural youth to secure alternative livelihoods.