A Study on the Impact of Population Size: Investigating the Unequal Representation of Scheduled Castes Communities in Graduates and above in Maharashtra, India

Vini Sivanandan, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), BMCC Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune – 411004, Maharashtra, India
Vinaya Sivanandan, Independent researcher

This study examines the representation of higher education graduates among scheduled castes communities in Maharashtra, India, focusing on the impact of population size and carrying capacity. The analysis reveals that if the middle level of education decreases over time, the lower limit of carrying capacity may not exist or may be close to the population with middle-level education in 2001. This trend is observed in communities such as Aray Mala, Ellamalvar, Dom, and Beda Jangam. As a result, the estimated number of graduates will be at its lowest when the carrying capacity is high, due to the decline in middle-level education and subsequent decrease in growth rate. The study also highlights the likelihood of fluctuation of scenarios in smaller communities. Intervention is recommended for communities such as Beda Jangam, Ellamalvar, Bhangi, Khatik, and Holeya experiencing a decline in middle-level education, as well as when there is a significant gap between the number of graduates and the middle-educated population. To maintain the number of graduates or individuals with middle-level education, the carrying capacity value must increase proportionately. Overall, the study suggests a need for a paradigm shift to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in education in India.

Keywords: Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Census data, The Demography of Indigenous Populations, Human Capital, Education, and Work

See paper.