Identifying Barriers to SDG Awareness Among Scheduled Caste Youth in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Despite the sustainable development goals’ (SDGs) emphasis on inclusion, marginalized youths are denied full participation due to discriminatory practices. Despite a few studies examining the SDGs and their social targets, none has examined young people’s awareness of the SDGs in Scheduled Castes (SCs). In our study, we analysed the narratives of 40 SC youth in seven districts of Tamil Nadu, who have historically been marginalized. In this study, we examined how SC youth experience social exclusion and what factors contribute to their lack of awareness of schemes and programmes. We suggested ways to promote the involvement of SC youth in achieving Tamil Nadu’s SDGs.