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Caste And Class - Differences, Definition With Examples And More
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One of the major points of difference between caste and class is that a person's caste is usually determined by birth or heredity, whereas the class of a person is fixed by his or her social status. This means that a person's class is open to changes in the latter part of his life, whereas the caste of a person is fixed to him or her from his or her date of birth.
The difference between caste and class is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.
In this article on the Difference between Caste and Class in Indian Society notes, we shall discuss their differences, their distinctive features, and a few other details. This will be very helpful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.
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Difference Between Caste and Class
The following table highlights key differences between the Caste and Class:
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Key Differences between Caste and Class |
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Caste |
Class |
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Based on the phraseology approach of Max Weber, the caste of a particular person is based on the hereditary groups which are fixed from birth based on the ritual status followed by his or her family. |
Whereas the class of a person is determined in the latter part of his life based on the level of status, wealth, education, power, or authority acquired by that person. |
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Usually there is abounding to follow a certain set of rules and regulations when a person belongs to a particular caste. |
Whereas a person is not expected or mandated to follow a certain set of rules and regulations when a person acquires a particular class in society. |
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As per the views of the social anthropologist Edmund leach and Louis Dumont, the caste system is present only in the Indian subcontinent. |
Whereas the class system is usually followed in more industrialized and developed nations like Europe, America, Canada etc. |
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Marriage between different castes is not accepted in Indian society and it can lead to conflicts between the family members of the couple belonging to different castes. |
However, there is no restriction in marriage between two people belonging to different classes and there is usually no conflict between the family members of the couple belonging to different classes. |
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The caste system causes hindrance to the development of a constitutional system as it fixes the social status of an individual right from his or her birth which is against the right to equality and right to equal opportunity as enshrined in Articles 14 and 19 of the Indian Constitution. |
Whereas the class system does not pose a hindrance to the growth of the democratic system as the class of a person is based on his or her education, income, achievement, etc. |
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Occupational mobility is also restricted under the caste system because the caste system poses a hindrance to changing the occupational status of an individual irrespective of his or her level of education, income, achievements, etc. |
Whereas the class system does not pose any hindrance to the level of occupational mobility as a person can easily shift occupations irrespective of his or her level of class in society. |
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On a general basis, the caste system is usually linked to religious beliefs. |
Whereas the class system is generally secular in nature and does not have any linkages to religious beliefs. |
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The gap between the different castes under the caste system is very much wide. This often leads to social conflicts and reduces the prospects of social peace and prosperity. |
Whereas the gap between the different classes under the class system is quite narrow as compared to the caste system. This acts as a good platform to enhance the level of social peace and prosperity in that society. |
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The caste system is based on the premise of cumulative inequality |
Whereas the class system is based on the premise of dispersed inequality. |
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The chances of vertical mobility within the caste system are very difficult to know because the cost of a person is usually determined by his or her date of birth |
The chances of horizontal mobility within the car class system are quite possible because the class of a person is usually determined by his or her education, income, achievements, etc. |
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The caste system is a static concept. |
The class system is a dynamic concept. |
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Example for Castes includes Brahmin, Naidu, Reddy |
Example for Class includes Rich, Poor, Literate, Illiterate |
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What is Caste?
Caste refers to a social system or hierarchy based on hereditary occupation and social status and is often associated with specific privileges and restrictions. Caste systems have been prevalent in various societies worldwide, but the term "caste" is commonly associated with the traditional social system in India.
In the Indian caste system, individuals are born into a specific caste or social group, which determines their occupation, social standing, and interactions with other castes.
Example of Caste
The caste system traditionally categorized people into four main varnas or broad social classes:
- Brahmins (priests, scholars): Considered the highest caste, responsible for religious and intellectual pursuits.
- Kshatriyas (warriors, rulers): Associated with the role of warriors, rulers, and administration.
- Vaishyas (merchants, farmers): Engaged in business, agriculture, and trade.
- Shudras (laborers, servants): Engaged in manual labor and providing services to the higher castes.
What is Class?
"Class" generally refers to social and economic divisions based on wealth, occupation, education, and lifestyle. Unlike the caste system, which is primarily based on hereditary and ascribed status, social class in India is more fluid. It can be influenced by income, education, and occupation. India's class system is often categorized into different socioeconomic strata, ranging from the economically disadvantaged to the affluent.
Example of Class
Here are some common classifications of social classes in India:
- Lower Class/Poverty Class: This includes individuals who face significant economic hardships, often living below the poverty line, lacking access to necessities, and experiencing limited opportunities for education and employment.
- Working Class: The working class comprises individuals engaged in manual labor, low-skilled jobs, or informal sector work.
- Middle Class: The middle class encompasses many professionals, office workers, and individuals involved in skilled occupations.
- Upper Middle Class: The upper middle class comprises professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals with higher incomes and greater social mobility.
- Upper Class/Elite: The upper or elite class includes individuals with significant wealth, high social status, and access to resources and privileges.
Difference Between Caste and Class (UPSC Indian Society): Download PDF Here!
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Difference between Caste and Class FAQs
What's the difference between a social class and a caste?
Social classes are defined using the relations of production, unlike castes, which are regarded as hereditary groups having a set ritual rank. A social class is a group of individuals who, in contrast to other social classes, share a similar socioeconomic level.
Is Brahmin a caste or varna?
Brahmin is a caste as well as varna in hindu religion.
What are the four classes in India?
The four classes were the Vaishyas (artists, merchants, craftsmen, and farmers), the Kshatriyas (rulers, administrators, and warriors; also known as Rajanyas, and the Shudras (labouring classes).
What is the difference between caste and Varna?
The word "Varna," which means "colour," comes from the word "Vri," which refers to one's choice of profession. Hence, Varna is concerned with a person's profession or colour. The basic word "Jana," which denotes birth, is where the term "caste" or "Jati" comes from. Caste is therefore affected by birth.
What are the 4 categories of caste?
The caste system is divided into four main categories - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.