Caste System ​
Tags
Cegep1
Humanities
Word count
136 words
Reading time
1 minute
Hierarchical societal structure unique to South Asia
Determines rank, status, privilege and power
Is a social construct
Often linked to Hinduism (contested)
[!abstract] Caste
Each of the social groups in the caste system
[!abstract] Casteism
Discrimination based on caste
Continuity ​
The rigid and inflexible caste system is perpetuated by:
- Birth (one is born into a fixed caste and cannot move caste)
- Endogamy
- Occupation
- Commensality
- Ostracisation and violence against violators of caste norms
- Belief in karma (followers of caste norms reincarnate into a higher caste)
[!abstract] Endogamy
Marriage within a specific social group
[!abstract]+ Commensality
Rules of eating:
- Eat with the same caste group
- Not eat prepared food from another caste
- Can prepare food using ingredients sold by another caste
Ajitani Hifumi