Synopsis: * Introduction * Caste system * Characteristics of Caste system * Merits and demerits of caste system * Class system * Characteristics of Class system * Difference between the caste system and class system * Social Change * Factors that led to social change * Personal analysis
Introduction
Unity as well as diversity decorates the Indian Social Structure and cultural patterns. Rich cultural heritage of India presents an amalgamation of the imminent Aryans, the native Dravidians and a variety of invading groups. India’s social, cultural, economic diversities are reflected in habitat conditions in rural, urban and sub-urban locations. Along with Hindus, Muslims, Christians, other sects also have their centers of pilgrimage in India the practice of caste system cut across religious boundaries and provide then a common social identity.
Mark Twain has once quoted "India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only."
Individuals and societies differ everywhere. Differentiation is the central feature of human society. No two individuals are similar. Diversity and inequality are inherent in society. Hence human society is stratified everywhere. All societies arrange their members with respect to superiority, interiority and equality the placement of individual in the strata or layers which is known as stratification. People on the top of the stratum have more powers, prestige and privileges in comparison with those who are placed lower therein.
Social stratification is Omni-present. Every society is devised into more or less distinct groups. Sorokin points out that unstratified society with real equality of members is a myth which has never been realized in