Unit -7: Tribe and Caste in the traditional Order - Caste and Class in Contemporary India - The Backward Classes.

Unit -7: Tribe and Caste in the traditional Order - Caste and Class in Contemporary India - The
Backward Classes.

1. Unit 7: Tribe & Caste in the Traditional Order Caste and Class in Contemporary India – The Backward Classes

2. Tribe” & “Caste” Caste (in Indian context): a hereditary, endogamous, hierarchical social group often tied to occupation, notions of purity/pollution, ritual status. Tribe : generally conceived as more egalitarian groups, often with distinct cultural practices, limited integration with the dominant caste society, sometimes geographically isolated. Note: Sociologists and anthropologists caution that the boundary is not always sharp.

3. Feature Caste Tribe Endogamy Strong, internal marriages Sometimes exogamous or flexible Hierarchy & purity Prominent notions of purity / pollution Less rigid hierarchy (in original state) Occupational specialization Occupational divisions fixed More general livelihoods (hunting, shifting cultivation) Contact with wider society High interaction, assimilation Initially more isolated, minimal contact Social mobility Very limited In initial form, more scope for mobility or change

4. Historical Processes: From Tribe to Caste Assimilation/Hinduization: adoption of caste practices, Sanskritization, claims to varna status Subordination, incorporation within caste system Loss of tribal land, forest rights, identity dilution Examples: Many Adivasi communities over time adopting caste practices

5. Historical Transition Processes: Sanskritization, Hinduization, assimilation. Tribes incorporated into caste structure over time. Loss of autonomy, land, and traditional identity.

6. The Traditional Social Order: Caste Hierarchy in India Classic four-fold varna model: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra (with the “outside” groups such as “untouchables”) Jati system: thousands of local caste groups (jati) within varna schema Basis: occupational division, hierarchy, purity–pollution, social disability Mechanisms of maintenance: endogamy, religious sanction, social sanctions

7. Caste & Social Inequality in the Traditional Order Social exclusion, restrictions on temple entry, access to common resources, restrictions on mobility Economic hierarchy: limited access to land, exploitative relations (e.g. bonded labor) Political deprivation: no voice, no representation Cultural stigma and social disabilities

8. Transition to Modernity: Caste & Class in Contemporary India Groups that are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged. Includes SCs, STs, and OBCs. Recognized As India modernizes, the rigid link between caste and occupation has somewhat weakened. Rise of new economic classes (middle class, entrepreneurs) cutting across caste lines But caste remains an important determinant in access to education, jobs, social networks, marriage Intersection of caste and class: a higher-caste poor vs. a low-caste rich — social status may persist under Articles 341, 342 of the Constitution.

9. Scheduled Castes (SC) Historically 'untouchable' groups. Issues: discrimination, poverty, limited education. Protected by reservations in education, jobs, and politics.

10. Scheduled Tribes (ST) Distinct cultural and social identity. Challenges: isolation, displacement, lack of access to services. Welfare through tribal-specific programs.

11. Other Backward Classes (OBC) Socially and educationally backward groups not in SC/ST. Mandal Commission (1980s) pivotal. Creamy layer exclusion introduced for fairness.

12. Policies for Backward Classes Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15, 16, 46. Reservation in education, jobs, legislature. Protective discrimination and welfare schemes.

13. Reservation: Achievements & Challenges Achievements: social mobility, representation. Challenges: creamy layer, exclusion debates, backlash, limited reach.

14. Empirical Evidence Studies show caste-based earning gaps persist. Caste mobility varies by region and economic development. Reservation improved access to education.

15. Contemporary Challenges Caste-based politics, persistent stigma, demand for new quotas. Intersection with gender, religion, and region. Debates over EWS and private sector quotas.

16. Future Directions Reform welfare targeting, improve education and health. Promote social integration and awareness. Reassess reservation mechanisms for equity.