Caste in India Caste system stratification of groups

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Caste in India Caste system – stratification of groups in society in a hierarchical

Caste in India Caste system – stratification of groups in society in a hierarchical manner mostly among Hindu communities in India 'Varna' – classificatory device for different 'jatis' 1. Brahmins 2. Kshatriyas 3. Vaishyas 4. Sudras Each 'jati' has similar ritual status

Caste in India (4 fold system) Brahmin – teachers and instructors of knowledge, vedas

Caste in India (4 fold system) Brahmin – teachers and instructors of knowledge, vedas (religious scriptures), officiate as priests in religious functions and receive gifts etc. Kshatriya – Carry weapons and protect people, Defence and war, administration and govt. Vaishya – Trade, commerce and agriculture Sudra – crafts and labour

Caste Functions Outside the Varna system – Polluting castes – The Dalits or SC.

Caste Functions Outside the Varna system – Polluting castes – The Dalits or SC. 1. Caste – as a social status – same style of living and feeling of solidarity 2. Caste as a social system – Social, Cultural, Economic and Political dimensions – interdependent system

Caste Functions 3. Caste as a system of stratification - Difference - Division into

Caste Functions 3. Caste as a system of stratification - Difference - Division into strata - Inequality - Valuation (ritual purity/pollution) - Hierarchy

Features of a Traditional Caste System Segmental division of society – inequality Hierarchy –

Features of a Traditional Caste System Segmental division of society – inequality Hierarchy – purity/pollution Restrictions on feeding and social interaction Restrictions on marriage - endogamous Lack of un-restricted choice of occupations and assets (economic) Civil and religious restrictions

Nature of the Caste System (2 views) Harmonious Integrative Social Order – cooperation and

Nature of the Caste System (2 views) Harmonious Integrative Social Order – cooperation and functional interdependence Exploitative and Repressive System – Conflictual Example of the 'Jajmani system' – has both integrative and exploitative features Functional for the upper castes and exploitative for the lower castes.

Changes in the Caste System - Political and Economic (secular domains) Fast changing (structural

Changes in the Caste System - Political and Economic (secular domains) Fast changing (structural features) Occupation, political power, land etc. - Socio-Cultural (religious domain) Very slow change (cultural)

Concept of Dominant Caste Population Land ownership and wealth Political power – Casteism in

Concept of Dominant Caste Population Land ownership and wealth Political power – Casteism in Politics – very important role Important positions in government and other organisations