Caste System

Basis of Indian society

• By Product or Varna
• Many Castes

Definition
• Extreme Form of Class
• Status of Determined by Descent, birth
(Anderson, Parker)
Characteristics
YHURYE
• Segmented division of society
• Hierarchy
• Restriction on food
• Civil, Religious disabilities
• Lack of choice of occupation
• Restrictions of marriage
N.K. DUTTA
• Endogamous
• Hereditary Occupation
• Hierarchy
• Membership by Birth
Factors and change in Caste system
• Western education, Modernization
• Change of political system
• Transport and Communication
• Urbanization, industrialization
• Education
• Democracy
• Reservations
• Legislation
Merits
• Provides statues to caste members
• Determines occupation
• Provides division of labour
• Provides social security
Demerits
• Global inequality
• Exploitation
• Obstructs social solidarity
• Creates Caste Tensions
• Does not encourage qualities
• Detrimental to personality development
• Harmful for national unity