Roots and Manifestations of Marginalization: An Exploration of Socio-Economic and Political Facets of Minority Group in Woliatta Zone, Southern Ethiopia
This paper is primarily concerned to explore widerange of socio-economic and political dimensions of marginalization that characterizes Ayille minority group in Woliatta zone, Southern Ethiopia. It investigates the overall living condition of Ayilles in terms of economic, social and political aspects within the socio-cultural endeavors of the host society. The study has been carried out in three purposely identified areas in Woliatta zone. Across sectional qualitative method was employed (in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion) involving a total of 37 in-depth informants, 6 Focus group discussions comprising of 6 individuals in each group through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Traditionally, this group lost the rights and privileges in the society at large and did not get equal treatment similar to other people. In the years before 1974 revolution, some of them did not own essential resources like land and livestock of any kind. They were restricted in social interaction and prohibited from participating in social activities collectively with the dominant groups. However, after 1974 revolution the living condition of Ayilles generally improved since they gained access to land. Accompanied with this, the social relationship they had with the host society enhanced. The recent conversion to Christianity in the areas, the economic improvement in their lives could be mentioned as some of the causes for their recognition. Even so, although they are better off economically in the course of share cropping and rearing arrangements, their social life is still subjected to restriction which is in plain sight mainly in production activities, social interaction and commensality, submissive greetings and stereotypic image about this group, and most stunningly in the issue of intermarriage.
