Craft workers in the Dembecha woreda were/are marginalized occupational groups . . Despiterntheir ago-old existence and importance of crafts, they were sidelined from the mainstreamrnsociety in which they li ve. In addition, factors for the low status and marginalization of craftrnworkers in the northern part of Ethiopia are less studied. Therefore, we have very littlerninformation about this group of people, especially from the change and continuity perspective.rnThus, this thesis aims to contribute ethnographic information about the socio-economic conditionrnand aspects of marginali zation in light of change and continuity.rnThe main objective of the thesis is to investigate and describe factors for the low status ofrnartisans and dimensions of marginalization who are settled in Dembecha woreda, West GojjamrnZone of Amhara Regional State. The thesis also tries to describe organizing principles ofrnartisans in light of the dominant society's social setting. In addition, changes and continuities inrnthe production and exchange system of handicrafts are discussed.rnIn order to treat the stated problem and accomplish the objective, both primary and secondaryrnmethods of data collection were used. Participant observation and informant interview werernimportant mechanisms to gather primary data. Avai lable written materials were also reviewed.rnThe major finding of the thesis indicates that craft workers were exposed to social, cultural,rneconomic, spatial and political aspects of marginalization. In addition, the field data revealedrnthat many of the factors upheld among the dominant society for the low status of m1isans arerncultural constructions under vein of social norms.rnHowever, the lives of craft workers have changed overtime. Approbation of land ownershiprnright and expansion of modern education have positively affected the different dimensions ofrnmarginalization. Craft workers have thus achieved improved social and economic position.rnHowever, craft workers in the study area are not considered as full social persons. They are stillrndespised through contemptuous feelings and ideological explanations. This is to say, though therernis no official marginalization, art isans are sti ll remi nded as not equal with others.