Write short note on characteristics of caste.
Answers
Stratification is the ranking of members of a society according to the unequal distribution of desirable rewards, which are typically wealth, prestige and power. Every society is stratified. It has rightly been said that an “unstratified society, with a real equality of its members is a myth, which has never been realised in the history of mankind.
The forms and proportions may vary but its essence is permanent”. In India we find a unique system of social stratification based on birth, the like of which is not found elsewhere in the whole world. However great an individual may be, he has no separate entity and existence apart from the caste he belongs to.
The English word ‘Caste’ comes from the Portuguese word ‘Casta’ which means breed, race or kind. In the Indian context caste is popularly known as ‘ Jati’ which connotes birth or descent.
Characteristics of caste:
These are the following characteristics of caste Segmental Division of society, Hierarchy, Endogamy, Hereditary Status, Hereditary Occupation, Restriction of food and drink.
- Segmental Division of Society: This segment is a determination by the consideration of birth. The children belong to caste of their parents.
- Hierarchy: It is being arranged on order of superiority and inferiority.
- Hierarchy status: the status is depending on birth.
- Restriction on food and drink: There is certain place where some food and drinks are restricted for lower caste.
- Hereditary occupation: It is one of the major issues in caste system. It is fixed in our society the son of Brahmin can only make a priest.