LSST Elephant and Castle Lecturer’s Research on Marginalised Communities Published in Prestigious Journal
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 25 October 2024
Dr Dhaneswar Bhoi, an LSST Elephant and Castle lecturer and author who specialises in sociology, psychology and research methods, has made an outstanding contribution to the discourse on inclusive education through his latest publication, “Creating Cultural Capital for Dalits and Adivasis: Policy Passage for Their De-marginalisation in Higher Education,” in the Journal of Social Inclusion Studies (SAGE). The groundbreaking work meticulously examines Dalit (a self-applied concept for those who are outcasted) and Adivasi (ethnic groups considered to be the original inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent) students’ profound and unfair challenges in India’s higher education system.
Central to Dr Bhoi’s study is the critical role of public policy in promoting cultural capital for Dalit and Adivasi students. Dr Bhoi’s work shows that Dalit and Adivasi students continue to encounter significant unfair social and academic barriers. Indian universities – as highlighted within the study – can often extend discrimination and exclusion that, in turn, hinder educational and social mobility for the respective students.
Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s Deputy CEO, said: “Dr Bhoi’s latest research scrutinises existing educational frameworks while underscoring the role of public policy in cultivating cultural capitals. His work passionately argues that multi-faceted strategies are essential for de-marginalising disadvantaged groups.”
Dr Maryam Idris-Usman, Academic Team Lead at LSST Birmingham and LSST’s Research Centre Coordinator, added: “Owing to the strong focus on societal acceptance and calling for national policy change, this work is another profound achievement for LSST and our Research Centre. It reaffirms our commitment to pioneering research on equity and inclusion.”
The paper rethinks Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital, suggesting it can be actively developed through state support rather than solely inherited. Success, the paper argues, is not limited to one’s background but can be achieved by cultivating cultural capital through policies that empower disadvantaged groups financially, socially and linguistically. This approach highlights how students without ‘traditional advantages can create new pathways to success in higher education.
The paper further stresses the role of policy in creating a fairer educational landscape. It critiques current policies and suggests meaningful improvements to enhance inclusivity and equity for all students.
Reflecting on his achievement, Dr Bhoi added: “The sustained support from LSST has enabled me to delve deeply into this vital area of research. This publication stands as a testament to our collective dedication to advancing inclusive opportunities and challenging systemic inequalities in education.”
The study overall reinforces the need for higher education reforms that address caste-based discrimination and foster an environment where Dalit and Adivasi students can thrive academically and socially. It calls for the expansion of fellowship schemes and a greater focus on the most disadvantaged groups where state interventions and public policies contribute to the generation and distribution of cultural capital in India.
To access the full research paper, please visit: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23944811241247278
To learn more about Bourdieu’s theories, please visit: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/152897999786690753
For additional information please direct inquiries to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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