THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL IMPACTS OF MARGINALIZATION ON OCCUPATIONALLY ‘OUTCASTED’ GROUPS: THE CASE OF ‘FUGA’ PEOPLE IN ENORE WOREDA OF GURAGE

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic and political impacts of marginalization on occupationally outcast groups in the case of Enore Woreda, Gurage Zone. Accordingly, the study employed a descriptive survey design. The study applied a qualitative research approach to discourse on the research question, collect, and analyze the dataappropriately. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data collection tools were a semi-structured interview and focus group discussions, but document analyzation was a source of secondary data instrument. The researcher was used thematic data analysis technique way of analyzing data via subjects and emerging themes. The study used nonprobability sampling, specifically the purposive sampling technique for leaders and government officers; and a simple random sampling technique to identify focus groups who are Fuga peoples for focus group discussion. Main data source for the study were semi-structured interview and focus group discussion, which were select the sample through purposive sampling and simple random sampling technique. Thus, 33 respondents, who were 19 from Fuga and 14 from the Wolleba people group in Woreda. This qualitative data was analyzed by using narration and theme building. This thesis study result disclosed the Fuga people in the studied kebeles were socio-economically and politically marginalized and suffered from the effects of their marginalization. The conclusion also exposed that the socio-economic and political outcaste group marginalization of Fuga was caused by their descent, low income-generating occupational status, taboo food breaches, and hygienic problems. In other way, this study depicted that effects of marginalization on Amarican group were socio-cultural effects such as community disagreement, prohibition of intermarriage, denial of membership in community institutions and denial of burial processes; economic consequences which included limitation of products and engagement in less valued works, limitation of access to participate in huge economic activities, absence of favorable working place, and restriction of exchange in the market; and political effects also lack of opportunity to take part in decision making processe and absence of their own representation in political affairs of the community and Woreda level. In other side, at the same time, the study found possible strategies to abolish marginalization of Fuga people were providing opportunity in all aspects, creating awareness for both sides, empowering them, and ensuring their right. In general, the study indicated the recommendation to NGOs, government agencies, religious organizations, and local government in order to alleviate the socio-economic and political marginalization of that occupationally outcaste group in Woreda and retain healthy relationships between both social group communities.