Ageing of former manual scavengers in India: occupational health vulnerability, social exclusion and healthy ageing
Aniket Godse, Saikat Deb, Vinod SharmaPurpose
This paper aims to build a conceptual framework to examine the consequences of biological and occupational ageing among former manual scavengers in India. It determines the effects of ageing on social inclusion, perceived dignity, economic security and healthy ageing through considering the mediation of occupational health vulnerability and the moderation of safeguarding mechanisms.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper summarizes the interdisciplinary literature to hypothesize the conceptual framework that connects ageing among former manual scavengers, the mediating occupational health vulnerability and the healthy ageing outcomes. It integrates life-course theory, structural violence theory, stigma theory and social exclusion theory to create a multi-dimensional approach, using a comparative and critical lens.
Findings
The study shows that the process of ageing of the manual scavengers further increases their vulnerability in all areas, physical, mental, emotional, social inclusion, dignity and economic stability, impacting on their capacity to age healthily. It further emphasizes the need for protection measures, such as family support, community and NGO assistance, policy-based rehabilitation and alternative livelihood options, to offset these impacts. Good support means less vulnerability and lack of support means more in old age.
Originality/value
This paper offers a conceptual framework embracing the topic of ageing of former manual scavengers that has not received much attention in the literature. It adds to the linkage of ageing, occupational health vulnerability and structural support; it extrapolates findings to a management and social policy context; it provides a foundation for future research.