Social Capital in Old-Age and the Role of the Social Marginalisation

In India, despite heavy constitutional protection, due to caste-based discrimination, millions of residents are still struggling to access their basic rights such as good food, quality of education, merit-based employment and basic living conditions. This paper illustrates the role of marginality (for more details please, see Braun and Gatzweiler 2014) in determining the accessibility of social capital and its functions to sustain basic needs in old-age. The coverage on discrimination and social hierarchy are some of the significant criterions in which functions of social capital are unproductive and further blocks the opportunities of adaptability in the later years. The paper addresses the issues of living arrangements and financial security among the elderly population. In conclusion, it recommends promotion of institutional care, pension protection and social safety measures for the creation of supportive environment for elderly population across all sections of the society.

Automated summary

Despite constitutional protection, caste-based discrimination in India has prevented millions of residents from accessing basic rights such as adequate food, quality education, employment based on merit, and basic living conditions. This paper examines the role of marginality in determining access to social capital for meeting basic needs in old age, and addresses issues related to living arrangements and financial security among the elderly population.