Caste System
The caste system in India long has been an extreme example of a stratification structure based on ascribed status. Each level in the stratification structure is known as a caste. Everyone is born belonging to a specific caste. The caste of the parents thus generally determines the status of their children, regardless of ability or merit. The ranks of the caste system include:
- Brahmins- These is the highest rank of the whole caste system. The Brahmins consist of all priests, scholars, and enlightened people that have been through many lives.
- Kshatriyas- These are the rulers, warriors, and those concerned with the defense and administration of the well-being of their town or village.
- Vaishyas- These people consisted of all the traders, merchants, and people involved in agricultural production
- Sudra- These people are the lowest of the caste system. Hindu religion believes this class is where first life starts. The sudras spend most of their time being the laborers and servants for the other castes.
- Untouchables- The untouchables are the lowest of the low. They are so low that they do not have a place in the caste system. The jobs of these people include dealing with dead bodies and excrement.
Read more about this topic: Ascribed Status
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