Caste ,Class & Occupation
The caste system is a Classification of people into four hierarchically ranked castes called varnas. They are classified according to occupation and determine access to wealth, power, and privilege.
The Brahmans, usually priests and scholars, are at the top. Next are the Kshatriyas, or political rulers and soldiers. They are followed by the Vaishyas, or merchants, and the fourth are the Shudras, who are usually laborers, peasants, artisans, and servants. At the very bottom are those considered the untouchables. These individuals perform occupations that are considered unclean and polluting, such as scavenging and skinning dead animals and are considered outcastes. They are not considered to be included in the ranked castes.
The four orders of Society are believed to have originated from the self-sacrifice of Purusha-the creator, the primeval being and are mentioned in Rig Veda.
There seems to be a constant upward and downward social mobility between the different Varnas.When a lower Varna changed into a higher varna, it was known as jatyutkarsa or uplift of the caste. On the other hand, if a person belonging to a higher varna gradually descended into a lower Varna, it was known as jatyapakarsa or the degeneration of the caste. While the caste system is rigid without possibility of social mobility.
Caste on the other hand may be defined as a hereditary endogenous group which decides the individual‟s status in the social stratification and his profession. Caste is also defined as an aggregate of persons whose share of obligations and privileges is fixed by birth, sanctioned and supported by magic and or religion.
Caste is basically a closed system of stratification, since members are recruited on the criteria of ascribed status. In other words, an individual becomes a member of a caste in which he or she is born. Thus it is an ascribed status. Even if there is social mobility in the caste system through the process of Sankritisation, urbanizations, etc it is only a positional change rather than a structural change.
The main features of caste system in Indian Society are –
(1) Hierarchy
(2) Endogamy and Hypergamy
(3) Pre-fixed occupation of castes
(4) Restriction on food, drink, smoking etc.
(5) Distinction in customs, dress and speech
(6) Differentiation in rituals
(7) Caste based disabilities
(8) Theory of pollution
(9) Criteria of touchability and untouchability
(10) Concept of purity and impurity
(11) Claim of Divine creation
(12) Prohibition on marriages outside one‟s own caste
(13) Location or residences.
The division of Indian society into various castes, together with the practice of untouchability, and the geographic isolation of some tribal communities has meant that these communities have lagged behind others in terms of educational and occupational attainment, political participation and with regard to opportunities for social mobility.
There were many movements and governmental actions that took place pre- and post- independence in order to overcome and attempt to eliminate the inequalities and injustices associated with the caste system. During the national movement, Gandhi began using the term “Harijans” (God‟s people) to refer to the untouchables in order to encourage a shift towards positive Attitude towards the lower castes. B.R. Ambedkar campaigned for greater rights for Dalits in British India, and even after independence.
Theory of Sankritization and Mordernization has lead to the diminishing characteristic of caste system in Indian society.,
Social stratification is a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. In a stratified system, some categories have more power and privilege than others. There are two main types of social stratification: caste and class.
Caste is a system in which people are born into a social position that they cannot change. Caste systems are often based on religion or ethnicity. In India, for example, there are four main castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. People are born into their caste and cannot change it.
Class is a system in which people are ranked based on their wealth, income, and Education. Class systems are more open than caste systems, and people can move up or down the social ladder. In the United States, for example, there are three main Social Classes: upper class, middle class, and lower class. People can move up or down the social ladder based on their own achievements.
Social mobility is the movement of people from one social position to another. There are two types of social mobility: vertical and horizontal. Vertical mobility is the movement up or down the social ladder. Horizontal mobility is the movement from one social position to another that is of equal status.
Social inequality is the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige in a society. There are many causes of social inequality, including discrimination, prejudice, and economic factors.
Socialization is the process by which people learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. Socialization begins at birth and continues throughout life. It is a two-way process, with both individuals and society shaping each other.
Assimilation is the process by which a minority group adopts the culture and values of the dominant group. Assimilation can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary assimilation occurs when a minority group chooses to adopt the dominant culture. Involuntary assimilation occurs when a minority group is forced to adopt the dominant culture.
Accommodation is the process by which two or more groups adjust their behavior to each other. Accommodation can be peaceful or conflictual. Peaceful accommodation occurs when two or more groups agree to change their behavior in order to live together in harmony. Conflictual accommodation occurs when two or more groups are unable to agree on how to live together and engage in conflict.
Conflict is a disagreement between two or more people or groups. Conflict can be overt or covert. Overt conflict is open and obvious. Covert conflict is hidden and disguised.
Deviance is any behavior that violates the norms of a society. Deviance can be criminal, non-criminal, or even positive. Criminal deviance is behavior that is against the law. Non-criminal deviance is behavior that is not against the law, but is still considered to be unacceptable. Positive deviance is behavior that is above and beyond what is expected.
Social control is the process by which society regulates the behavior of its members. Social control can be informal or formal. Informal social control is the control that is exerted by family, friends, and peers. Formal social control is the control that is exerted by the government, such as the police and the courts.
Social Change is the process by which a society changes over time. Social change can be caused by many factors, including technological advances, economic changes, and political changes.
Social Stratification
Social stratification is a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. In a stratified system, those at the top have more power and wealth than those at the bottom.
There are many different ways to stratify a society. One common way is to use social class. Social class is a group of people who share similar economic status, occupation, and education.
Another common way to stratify a society is to use caste. Caste is a system in which people are born into a certain social position and cannot change it.
Social stratification can have a number of negative effects on society. It can lead to inequality, POVERTY, and crime. It can also lead to social unrest and conflict.
Social processes are the ways in which people interact with each other and with the world around them. They are the building blocks of society, and they help to shape the way we live our lives.
There are many different types of social processes. Some of the most important ones include socialization, social interaction, and social change.
Socialization is the process by which we learn the norms and values of our society. It is the process by which we become members of society.
Social interaction is the process by which we communicate and interact with other people. It is the process by which we build relationships and create social networks.
Social change is the process by which society changes over time. It is the process by which new ideas and practices are introduced and old ones are replaced.
Social processes are constantly at work in our lives. They shape the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we act. They are the foundation of our society, and they are the key to understanding human behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is social stratification?
Social stratification is a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. In a stratified system, those at the top have more power and wealth than those at the bottom.
- What are the different types of social stratification?
There are many different ways to stratify a society. One common way is to use social class. Social class is a group of people who share similar economic status, occupation, and education. Another common way to stratify a society is to use caste. Caste is a system in which people are born into a certain social position and cannot change it.
- What are the negative effects of social stratification?
Social stratification can have a number of negative effects on society. It can lead to inequality, poverty, and crime. It can also lead to social unrest and conflict.
- What are social processes?
Social processes are the ways in which people interact with each other and with the world around them. They are the building blocks of society, and they help to shape the way we live our lives.
- What are some of the most important social processes?
Some of the most important social processes include socialization, social interaction, and social change. Socialization is the process by which we learn the norms and values of our society. It is the process by which we become members of society. Social interaction is the process by which we communicate and interact with other people. It is the process by which we build relationships and create social networks. Social change is the process by which society changes over time. It is the process by which new ideas and practices are introduced and old ones are replaced.
- What are the benefits of social processes?
Social processes are essential for the functioning of society. They help to create order and stability, and they provide us with a sense of belonging. They also help us to learn and grow as individuals.
- What are the challenges of social processes?
Social processes can also be challenging. They can lead to conflict and division, and they can be difficult to control. They can also be used to oppress and marginalize certain groups of people.
- How can we address the challenges of social processes?
We can address the challenges of social processes by promoting understanding and Tolerance. We can also work to create a more just and equitable society.
Which of the following is not a social process?
(A) Assimilation
(B) Socialization
(C) Social mobility
(D) Social stratificationWhich of the following is not a type of social stratification?
(A) Caste
(B) Class
(C) Status
(D) PowerWhich of the following is not a characteristic of a caste system?
(A) Membership is determined by birth
(B) Social mobility is limited
(C) There is a hierarchy of social groups
(D) Members of different castes are not allowed to interact with each otherWhich of the following is not a characteristic of a class system?
(A) Membership is determined by birth
(B) Social mobility is possible
(C) There is a hierarchy of social groups
(D) Members of different classes are allowed to interact with each otherWhich of the following is not a type of social mobility?
(A) Intragenerational mobility
(B) Intergenerational mobility
(C) Horizontal mobility
(D) Vertical mobilityWhich of the following is not a factor that affects social mobility?
(A) Education
(B) Occupation
(C) Wealth
(D) RaceWhich of the following is not a characteristic of a society with high social mobility?
(A) There is a strong correlation between parents’ social class and children’s social class.
(B) There are many opportunities for people to improve their social status.
(C) People are able to move up or down the social ladder based on their own achievements.
(D) The social structure is relatively open and fluid.Which of the following is not a characteristic of a society with low social mobility?
(A) There is a strong correlation between parents’ social class and children’s social class.
(B) There are few opportunities for people to improve their social status.
(C) People are largely born into the social class they will remain in for the rest of their lives.
(D) The social structure is relatively closed and rigid.Which of the following is not a social institution?
(A) Family
(B) Religion
(C) Education
(D) Social stratificationWhich of the following is not a function of the family?
(A) Providing economic support
(B) Regulating sexual behavior
(C) Socializing children
(D) Providing social statusWhich of the following is not a function of religion?
(A) Providing comfort and support in times of need
(B) Promoting social cohesion
(C) Regulating social behavior
(D) Providing social statusWhich of the following is not a function of education?
(A) Preparing people for the workforce
(B) Transmitting culture
(C) Promoting social mobility
(D) Providing social statusWhich of the following is not a characteristic of a traditional family?
(A) The nuclear family is the most common form of family.
(B) Marriage is usually seen as a lifelong commitment.
(C) Children are expected to obey their parents.
(D) Women are expected to stay at home and take care of the children.Which of the following is not a characteristic of a modern family?
(A) The nuclear family is no longer the most common form of family.
(B) Marriage is no longer seen as a lifelong commitment.
(C) Children are expected to be independent and self-sufficient.
(D) Women are expected to work outside the home.Which of the following is not a characteristic of a religious society?
(A) Religion is a major part of people’s lives.
(B) Religion is used to explain the meaning of life.
(C) Religion is used to regulate social behavior.
(D) Religion is used to provide social status.Which of the following is not a characteristic of a secular society?
(A) Religion is not a major part of people’s lives.
(B) Religion is not used to explain the meaning of life.
(C) Religion is not used to regulate social behavior.
(D) Religion is not used to provide social status.Which of the following is not a characteristic of a developed country?
(A) It has a high standard of living.
(B) It has a high level of education.
(C) It has a high level of technology.
(D) It has a high level of social stratification.Which of the following is not a characteristic of a developing country?
(A) It