Labour, Caste, Brick Kilns, and the Social Psychology of Oppression: The Experiences of Labour Migrants

This paper explores the intricate relationship between caste and labour migration, focusing on the experiences of Dalit migrants from Odisha seeking employment across India. Grounded in social psychology, it examines how entrenched caste structures shape access to labor markets, job assignments, and upward mobility for Dalit workers. Drawing on Ambedkar’s framework of “undoing caste” through migration, the research investigates whether leaving the village can help Dalits break free from caste-based identities. Through 20 qualitative case studies, the research delves into caste-based discrimination in brick kiln sectors, perpetuating socio-economic disparities and hindering financial progress.

The study also examines Dalit aspirations for a caste-free society and their efforts to dismantle these oppressive structures through migration. By analyzing both Dalit and non-Dalit perspectives, the research highlights the challenges of social stigma, exploitation, and economic barriers that Dalit migrants face, while also acknowledging their resilience and resistance. The findings reveal how caste continues to shape labor economies and underscore the need for policies that address caste-driven inequalities in the migration and employment sectors.