Caste Hierarchies

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2014

Published In

Encyclopedia Of Critical Psychology

Abstract

Caste is a mode of social differentiation based on hereditary membership. Caste is common across much of South Asia, though its meanings and significance varies. Caste categories sort populations into groups; the extent and nature of contact between these groups is regulated. Caste membership serves as means of social organization, including labor exchanges, social restriction, social segregation, and rankings. Endogamy,the practice of restricting marriages and other close personal relationships to group members, is a feature of most caste systems.

Keywords

Jati, social differentiation, Dalit, Ambedkar, Gandhi, endogamy

Published By

Springer

Editor(s)

T. Teo

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