What is meant by caste hierarchy? Explain the role of caste in Indian politics
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Evaluate the role of caste hierarchy in present day politics of India.
Ans. The caste hierarchy means the system of social stratification in our society. Broadly speaking, caste system is a process of placing people in occupational groups. It has pervaded several aspects of Indian society for centuries. It dictates the types of occupatiohs a person can pursue and the social interactions that he/she may have. Castes are ranked in hierarchical order, which determines the behaviour of one member of society over andther.
Besides voting, the caste is an important factor, influencing the selection of candidates in elections, appointment of ministers, transfer and posting of public officials etc. The policy of reservation has given further impetus to the role of caste in politics. Caste plays a very important role in elections and voting. Political parties select their candidates on the basis of caste composition in the constituency. The voting in elections and mobilisation of political support from top to bottom moves on the caste lines. Caste functions as a pressure group in politics. Political bargaining is also done on caste lines.
A caste system is a class structure that is determined by birth. Loosely, it means that in some societies, if your parents are poor, you’re going to be poor, too. Same goes for being rich, if you’re a glass-half-full person
For more you can refer science notes for class 10