Social Stratification; The caste system

Outline a number of religious reasons for the segregation of the caste system

- The social rules of segregation are based on the hindu ideas of spritual purity and pollution. - It is believed that contact with someone from a lower caste will cause spiritual pollution. - If an upper member of the caste system comes into contact with a lower cast. Religious rituals must be undertaken in order to purify the soul. - If the soul is not purified, it is believed that the contaminated person will be reincarnated as a lower caste member or a lower life form

Discuss the consequences of someone's life for remaining within a particular caste

-occupation is usually defined by the caste - Social mobility has been limited historically but is not impossible. Jatis (occupational groups) belong to different social groups in different parts of india therefore proving that social mobility has occurred in the past. - Housing areas are separate and marriage to someone of another caste will usually lead to exile. - India made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of caste in 1949 but aspects of it today remain in full force - especially in rural areas. - Globalisation has challenged the caste system as people of different castes will come together in restaurants and public transport.

In regards to the caste system. How many different layers of people are involved in the caste system.

1. Brahmins (Scholars and spiritual leaders). 2. Ksyatriyas (soliders and rulers) 3. Vaisyas (farmers and merchants) 4. Shudras (labourers and artisans) Beneath the 4 castes are the dalits or the untouchables