International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) 91

ISSN : 2581-7930, General Impact Factor : 0.9063, Volume 01, No. 02, October - December, 2018, pp.91-94

CASTE SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACT ON INDIAN SOCIETY

Dr. Anjali Jaipal

Abstract

The caste system has had a significant impact on Indian society, impacting social structure,
economic development, education, health, marriage and family, gender, political representation, social
mobility, cultural identity, mental health, business and employment, rural and urban areas, public
services, international relations, access to justice, cultural heritage, and social capital. The caste system
has resulted in discrimination and marginalization of the lower castes, a lack of access to education and
employment, a lack of upward mobility, and a lack of representation in political positions. Additionally,
it has led to discrimination in marriage and family, a lack of access to healthcare, a lack of access to
resources, a lack of access to justice, and a lack of cultural integration. These issues have perpetuated the
cycles of poverty and discrimination and have hindered economic, social, and cultural development. The
caste system has also had a major impact on gender. Women, who are often seen as inferior to men, have
fewer opportunities and are disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment. This has led to a
lack of education, employment, and other opportunities for women, especially those from lower castes.
Additionally, the caste system has led to discrimination in marriage and family, with women from lower
castes being denied the right to marry and form families. Furthermore, the caste system has led to
gender-based violence, with women from lower castes facing higher rates of domestic violence, sexual
assault, and other forms of abuse. In order to address these issues and create an equitable society for all
genders, it is necessary to address the root causes of the caste system, including inequality,
discrimination, and marginalization.

Keywords: Social Structure, Social Mobility, Access to Justice, Cultural Heritage, Social Capital.

Introduction
The caste system in India is a complex social hierarchy that has been in existence for
centuries. It is a system of social stratification that is based on birth and is divided into four
main categories: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The caste system has had a
significant impact on Indian society, shaping its social, economic, and political landscape.
The caste system in India is believed to have originated in ancient times as a means of
dividing society into different social and economic classes. The Brahmins were considered the
highest class and were responsible for spiritual and religious duties, while the Kshatriyas were
the warriors and rulers. The Vaishyas were the merchants and traders, and the Shudras were
the lower class, responsible for manual labor. Over time, the caste system has become deeply
ingrained in Indian society, with each class having its own set of customs, traditions, and
beliefs.

 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, S.D. Government College, Beawar, Rajasthan, India.
92 International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) - October- December, 2018

Impact on Social Structure

The caste system has had a significant impact on the social structure of Indian society.
It has created a rigid hierarchy, with the higher castes enjoying more privileges and
opportunities than the lower castes. This has led to discrimination and marginalization of the
lower castes, who have been denied access to education, employment, and other
opportunities. The caste system has also led to the creation of a rigid social hierarchy, with
little room for social mobility.
Impact on Economic Development
The caste system has also had a major impact on economic development in India. The
lower castes, who are generally less educated and have fewer opportunities, have been
disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment. This has led to a widening income
gap between the higher and lower castes, with the higher castes enjoying more economic
opportunities and prosperity.
Impact on Education
Individuals belonging to lower castes, who often have limited educational
opportunities, have been excessively impacted by inadequate access to education. This has led
to a lack of literacy and skills among the lower castes, making it difficult for them to compete
for jobs and other opportunities. Additionally, the caste system has led to discrimination in
educational institutions, with the lower castes being denied access to quality education.
Impact on Health
The lower castes, who are generally less educated, has lack of access to healthcare and
health education among the lower castes, leading to high rates of infant mortality,
malnutrition, and other health problems. Additionally, the caste system has led to
discrimination in healthcare settings, with the lower castes being denied access to quality
healthcare.
Impact on Marriage and Family
The caste system has led to the practice of arranged marriages, with individuals only
being allowed to marry within their caste. This has led to a lack of choice in marriage and has
reinforced the caste system, making it difficult for individuals to break free from the social and
economic constraints imposed by their caste. Additionally, the caste system has led to
discrimination in marriage and family, with the lower castes being denied the right to marry
and form families.
Impact on Gender
The caste system has led to discrimination against women, who are often seen as
inferior to men and have fewer opportunities. This has led to a lack of education, employment,
and other opportunities for women, especially those from the lower castes. Additionally, the
caste system has led to discrimination in marriage and family, with women from lower castes
being denied the right to marry and form families.
Impact on Political Representation
The higher castes, who are generally more educated and have more resources, have
been disproportionately represented in political positions, leading to a lack of representation
for the lower castes. This has led to a lack of policies and programs that address the needs
and concerns of the lower castes, and has perpetuated the marginalization and
discrimination they face.
Dr. Anjali Jaipal: Caste System and its Impact on Indian Society 93

Impact on Social Mobility

The rigid hierarchy imposed by the caste system has made it difficult for individuals
to move up the social and economic ladder, regardless of their talents, skills, and
qualifications. This has led to a lack of upward mobility for the lower castes, who are often
trapped in poverty and unemployment, perpetuating the cycles of poverty and discrimination.
Impact on Cultural Identity
The caste system has led to the creation of distinct cultural identities for different
castes, with each caste having its own set of customs, traditions, and beliefs. This has led to a
lack of cultural integration and a reinforcement of the caste system, making it difficult for
individuals to break free from the social and economic constraints imposed by their caste.
Impact on Mental Health
The discrimination and marginalization faced by the lower castes can lead to feelings
of shame, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Additionally, the lack of opportunities and
resources can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. This can contribute to higher
rates of mental health issues among the lower castes, exacerbating the negative effects of the
caste system.
Impact on Business and Employment
Individuals belonging to lower castes have lack of entrepreneurship and economic
opportunities, perpetuating the cycles of poverty and discrimination. Additionally, the caste
system has led to discrimination in the workplace, with the lower castes being denied access to
fair wages, promotions, and other job opportunities.
Impact on Rural Areas
The lower castes, who are often farmers and agricultural workers, have lack of
economic opportunities and perpetuation of poverty in rural areas. Additionally, the caste
system has led to discrimination in access to resources such as water, land, and credit, further
exacerbating the socio-economic challenges faced by the lower castes in rural areas.
Impact on Urban Areas
The caste system has also had a significant impact on urban areas in India. The lower
castes, who are often migrants to urban areas, have been unduly affected by lack of access to
housing, education, and employment. This has led to a lack of opportunities and perpetuation
of poverty in urban areas. Additionally, the caste system has led to discrimination in access to
resources such as housing, education, and healthcare, further exacerbating the socio-economic
challenges faced by the lower castes in urban areas.
Impact on Public Services
The lower castes, who are often, denied access to education and employment has lack
of access to public services such as healthcare, transportation, and sanitation. This has led to a
lack of access to basic needs and perpetuation of poverty in India. Additionally, the caste
system has led to discrimination in access to public services, with the lower castes being
denied access to quality services and being treated unfairly.
Impact on International Relations
The caste system has led to a negative reputation for India in the international
community, with many countries and organizations criticizing India for its failure to address
the discrimination and marginalization faced by the lower castes. Additionally, the caste
system can lead to a lack of cooperation and partnership with other countries and
organizations, as they may be hesitant to engage with a country that is seen as discriminatory
and unequal.
94 International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS) - October- December, 2018

Impact on Access to Justice

The lower castes, who are often marginalized and discriminated against, have been
unreasonably affected by lack of access to legal representation, fair trials, and protection from
violence. This has led to a lack of access to justice for the lower castes and perpetuation of
discrimination and marginalization. Additionally, the caste system has led to bias and
discrimination in the legal system, with the lower castes being denied fair and just treatment.
Impact on Cultural Heritage
The caste system has led to the creation of distinct cultural identities for different
castes, with each caste having its own set of customs, traditions, and beliefs. This has led to a
lack of cultural integration and a reinforcement of the caste system, making it difficult for
individuals to break free from the social and economic constraints imposed by their caste.
Additionally, the caste system has led to discrimination in access to cultural heritage, with the
lower castes being denied access to cultural heritage sites, artifacts and practices.
Impact on Social Capital
The caste system has also had a significant impact on social capital in India. The caste
system has led to the formation of social networks and institutions based on caste identities,
leading to a fragmentation of social capital. This can lead to a lack of cooperation and trust
among different castes, and can make it difficult to build social capital that would be beneficial
to all members of society.
Conclusion
The caste system in India has had a significant impact on the social, economic, and
political landscape of the country. It has created a rigid hierarchy, with the higher castes
enjoying more privileges and opportunities than the lower castes. This has led to
discrimination and marginalization of the lower castes, who have been denied access to
education, employment, and other opportunities. The caste system has also had a negative
impact on economic development and politics in India, leading to a widening income gap and
lack of representation for the lower castes. It is important to note that the caste system is still
present in India, and despite some progress made in recent years, it continues to shape the
lives of many Indians today, perpetuating discrimination and inequality. Caste system has had
a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on Indian society, shaping its social, economic, political,
educational, health, family, gender relations, cultural identity, mental health, political
atmosphere, business and employment, rural and urban areas, public services, and
international relations. It's essential to acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of the
caste system in India and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
References
 “Caste System in India: A Historical Perspective” 2004. By: Ekta Singh, ISBN-10:
8178353016
 “Caste System in India: Problems and Perspectives” 2018. By: Gopu Sudhakar. ISBN:
9789382968689
 “Gendering Caste” 2018. By: Uma Chakravarti. ISBN-10 : 9789381345443
 S. Janet Mary, 2018. “Caste System in Contemporary India”. Mittal Publications
 “Social Mobility in the Caste System in India” by: James Silverberg.
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