What is the difference between a class system and a caste system?

Caste system is static whereas the class system is dynamic. As such social mobility (movement upwards and downwards) is much more common in the class structure than in the caste system or in other types. In the caste system, individual mobility from one caste to another is impossible.

What is the difference between caste and class system as practiced in India?

A caste is a form of social stratification determined by one single factor i.e. ritualistic legitimation of authority. Class of a person is based on multiple factors like economic status, education, power, achievements etc.

How was the caste system different from other systems of social order like class systems?

Class systems are fluid with movement possible, and are large scale whereas caste systems in which ones social status is held for life.

What kind of caste system does India have?

The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.

What is meant by caste system?

The caste system is the bane for the Indian society. It divides the Indian society into sectarian groups and classes. The terms ‘Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes’ (SC/ST) are the official terms used in government documents to identify former untouchables and tribes.

What is the relationship between caste and class?

While caste is perceived as a hereditary group with a fixed ritual status, a social class is a category of people who have a similar socio-economic status in relation to other segments of their community or society.

What is the purpose of the caste system in India?

The caste system provides a hierarchy of social roles that hold inherent characteristics and, more importantly, remain stable throughout life (Dirks, 1989). An implicit status is attached to one’s caste which historically changed from the social roles to hereditary roles.