Question

Differentiate between Caste and Class.

Answer 1

A principle difference between class and caste is that class in open for all and social mobility is possible. In the caste system the vertical mobility is not possible. Caste in India has religious background and everybody tries to fulfill the caste duties, but in class system of social stratification religion has place. There the physical and mental qualities are more important.

Caste and Class jointly determine the position of an individual in social strain. Particularly in rural communities where caste system has maintained its rigidity. It forms the basic for economic and special life. In a single village there may be as many as 24 castes and of these are interdependent. Even in the urban society a constant tendency to make caste distinction is observed in the upper and middle classes. Thus the castes have maintained their importance in class system of social stratification.

Answer 2

Dear Student,

◆ Difference between caste and class -

1. Caste is constant while class is changeable.
2. Caste is ascribed at birth while class is ascribed according to achievement.
3. Caste system is conservative while class system is progressive.
4. Caste is indian origin while class is western origin.
5. All caste members have common religion while members of class can be of varying origin.
6. Class consciousness is there in members of class which is not there in cast members.

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