Intergenerational occupational mobility among Oraon community in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Occupational mobility refers to a change or movement between multiple categories of occupations. Changing jobs or giving up a traditional employment could indicate a change in the values and perceptions of what defines a reasonable quality of life. The present study aims to investigate the intergenerational changes in the occupational structure of Oraon community. The study is based on a primary survey using a purposive sampling strategy, considered 390 samples in total. We chose three generations to investigate occupational mobility: the first includes a grandfather or grandmother, the second includes a father or mother, and the third includes a grandson or a granddaughter. To assess the current employment situation of the Oraon community, Dominant and Distinctive function was performed. Additionally, the Transition Probability Matrix (TPM) was utilised to measure the structural shift in occupation that occurs within the Oraon community across generations. There is a significant generational difference in the occupational status of oraon community of the study area. Previously, the majority of oraons worked in tea gardens; however, recent generations have witnessed significant changes in occupation, including small business, agriculture, poultry farming, and service. The government ought to enable people to obtain small loans for their cattle ranching, agriculture, and small business. It is crucial to enhance the literacy rate among oraons and provide better employment opportunities for educated oraons.