Question

changing. dimension of class structure​

Answer 1

$<b><I>In recent years several studies have been conducted pertaining to the changing class system in rural society. Andre Beteille in his article ‘Class Structure in an Agrarian Society’ observes that caste is in the process of being transformed into class.$

There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that caste as a system of structural inequality, of late, has declined. But class as a system of antagonistic groups based on the polarisation of consciously organised interests has not taken a definite shape in rural India. Beteille is certain that class is replacing caste but the form of class has not taken a proper shape.

On the other hand, the study conducted by Pauline Kolenda reveals that the existence of caste is discernible only at the level of the habitation pattern of the villages. Caste also persists, to some extent, as organized communities in rural India. So far as the agricultural operations are concerned, there is the decline of caste in rural society.

Further, Kolenda, in categorical words, observes that the caste is in the process of being replaced by class especially by the middle class. Similarly, Jan Breman points out that in the Southern and Western parts of India, the intermediate castes have been transformed into middle classes.