Social Capital and Social Inclusion in Higher Education

Scheduled Castes are considered oppressed and exploited social groups in India. The social functioning of members of the Scheduled Caste is impacted by systemic oppression. According to studies, parents of Scheduled Caste youth see education as a means of achieving liberation. Youth is a period of transition and identity development. Social capital, which includes manifestations of agency, is a crucial element of identity. In addition to emotional support, social capital gives people chances and power. Young people use their social networks and relationships to advance their education and job mobility. According to the theory of social capital, social connections serve as valuable assets that contribute to the advancement and progress of human capital. Consequently, the cultivation of social capital holds the potential to empower the youth belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, enabling them to achieve academic success, improve their overall well-being, and actively engage in both formal and informal social circles. Moreover, the enhancement of social capital among Scheduled Caste youth is an essential prerequisite, as it fosters social integration and aids in overcoming the systemic obstacles imposed upon them due to their historical marginalization. This chapter presents the narratives of young people from Scheduled Castes who are enrolled in government colleges in Tamil Nadu to pursue undergraduate degrees using a purposive sample technique. The chapter finds that new relationships and the educational setting had a major impact on the social inclusion of Scheduled Caste youth in higher education in Tamil Nadu.