What is caste system? Describe its sociological importance?
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A caste is a social category to which a person belongs involuntarily (one's social status is ascribed); a caste contrasts with a social class. A caste system, then, is a social structure in which people belong to such social categories; historically, an example is the caste system of India. In sociology, a caste system describes one form of social stratification. Castes also explain why some societies offer little social mobility: if a person occupies a low social status in that person's caste, then it is difficult or impossible for that person to achieve a higher status, as typically one cannot change one's caste. Interaction between people of different castes is restricted; for example, commonly people must practice endogamy (marriage within their own caste).