Sociology of con ict and casteism

PRIYANKA MAZUMDER

Faculty of VIVEKANANDA COLLEGE, THAKURPUKUR, KOLKATA

Email id- mazumder23.priyanka@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The sociology of conflict and caste is a subfield of sociology that seeks to

understand the relationship between caste, a social hierarchy based on birth, and
conflict in societies that practice caste-based discrimination. Caste-based
discrimination is a deeply rooted practice in India, but it is also present in other
countries around the world.Caste-based conflicts can arise in a number of ways.
For example, conflicts may emerge between different castes over access to
resources such as land, water, and jobs. Caste discrimination may also lead to
social exclusion, which can have negative impacts on the psychological well-
being and life chances of members of lower castes.One important theoretical
framework for understanding the sociology of conflict and caste is the social
identity theory, which suggests that individuals derive their sense of identity
from the social groups to which they belong, and that conflicts can arise when
these identities are threatened or challenged. According to this perspective,
caste-based conflicts may arise when members of lower castes perceive
discrimination or injustice as a threat to their social identity.Another theoretical
approach to the sociology of conflict and caste is the cultural theory, which
emphasises the role of cultural beliefs and values in shaping the attitudes and
behaviours of individuals and groups. According to this perspective, caste-
based discrimination is often justified by cultural norms and beliefs that
reinforce the idea of social hierarchy based on birth.Sociologists studying
conflict and caste may also examine the role of institutions such as the legal
system, political parties, and religious organisations in perpetuating or
challenging caste-based discrimination. For example, affirmative action policies
may be put in place to address historical discrimination against lower castes,
while political mobilisation and social movements may seek to challenge the
cultural norms and beliefs that support caste-based discrimination.Overall, the
sociology of conflict and caste provides a critical perspective on the ways in
which caste-based discrimination can lead to social conflict and inequality, and
identifies strategies for promoting social justice and equality in caste-divided
societies.
Keywords- Conflict, Caste-based discrimination, Affirmative Action, Cultural
Theory, Social Justice
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