Multiple factors were used to determine caste in part because of numerous mixed births during the colonial times between natives, Europeans, and people brought in as slaves or indentured laborers. Some literature suggests that the term caste should not be confused with race or social class. Members of different castes in one society may belong to the same race or class, as in India, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Yemen, or Europe. Usually, but not always, members of the same caste are of the same social rank, have a similar group of occupations, and typically have social mores which distinguish them from other groups.
Some sociologists suggest that caste systems come in two forms: racial caste systems and non-racial caste systems. Caste is often associated with India. Historically, the caste system in India consisted of four well known categories Varnas : Brahmins priests , Kshatriyas warriors , Vaishyas commerce , Shudras workmen.
Other Indian scriptures suggest ancient Indian law was not rigid about endogamy within castes. Several statutes recognized offsprings of mixed castes, much like caste system of colonial Spain. Visualize the World. Museum resources and educational resources that help students develop visual literacy and a better understanding of the world.
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Independent India's constitution banned discrimination on the basis of caste, and, in an attempt to correct historical injustices and provide a level playing field to the traditionally disadvantaged, the authorities announced quotas in government jobs and educational institutions for scheduled castes and tribes, the lowest in the caste hierarchy, in In , quotas were extended to include a grouping called the OBCs Other Backward Classes which fall between the traditional upper castes and the lowest.
In recent decades, with the spread of secular education and growing urbanisation, the influence of caste has somewhat declined, especially in cities where different castes live side-by-side and inter-caste marriages are becoming more common. In certain southern states and in the northern state of Bihar, many people began using just one name after social reform movements. Despite the changes though, caste identities remain strong, and last names are almost always indications of what caste a person belongs to.
In recent years, there have been demands from several communities to be recognised as OBCs - in there were violent protests by the Jat community in Haryana and the Patel community led huge protests in Gujarat in demanding access to caste quotas. Both are prosperous and politically dominant communities, but they support their demand for caste quotas by saying large numbers in their communities are poor and suffering.
Some say the caste system would have disappeared by now if the fires were not regularly fanned by politicians. At elections, many caste groups still vote as a block and are wooed by politicians looking for electoral gains. Did the social standing of your parents differ from the social standing of your grandparents and great-grandparents?
What social traits were handed down by your forebears? Are there any exogamous marriages in your history? Does your family exhibit status consistencies or inconsistencies? What defines communities that have low status consistency? What are the ramifications, both positive and negative, of cultures with low status consistency? Try to think of specific examples to support your ideas. Practice 1. What factor makes caste systems closed? They are run by secretive governments.
People cannot change their social standings. Most have been outlawed. They exist only in rural areas. Show Answer b. What factor makes class systems open? They allow for movement between the classes. People are more open-minded. People are encouraged to socialize within their class. They do not have clearly defined layers. Show Answer a. Which of these systems allows for the most social mobility?
Caste Monarchy Endogamy Class. Show Answer d. Which statement illustrates low status consistency? A suburban family lives in a modest ranch home and enjoys a nice vacation each summer.
A single mother receives food stamps and struggles to find adequate employment.
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