Environmental Degradation and Tribal Educational Exclusion: A Critical Social Work Perspective
Dr. Girish M. Atram
Assistant Professor
College Of Social Work, Kamptee.
Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur.
Pin code- 441001
Mob No.- 9890996604
Email ID- girish.atram@gmail.com
Abstract
Environmental degradation—comprising deforestation, forced displacement, and the erosion of forest-based livelihoods—has emerged as a critical yet under-researched determinant of educational exclusion among Scheduled Tribe (ST) children in India. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the causal pathways linking ecological decline to poor school attendance, high dropout rates, and diminished learning outcomes. Drawing upon secondary data from government reports, empirical studies, and policy documents, the paper identifies three primary mechanisms: (1) increased household labour burdens and child work; (2) migration-induced educational discontinuity; and (3) the cultural-psychological alienation caused by the erosion of forest-linked identity. The paper critically reviews existing social work interventions, finding them largely sectoral, reactive, and ecologically blind. It then proposes an integrated eco-social work framework comprising forest rights advocacy, community-based culturally responsive pedagogy, and multi-systemic intervention. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and a call for social work education to incorporate environmental justice as a core competency.
Keywords: Environmental degradation; tribal education; social work; displacement; forest livelihoods; educational exclusion; eco-social work; India.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2604S01V14P007
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