Rural Sociology and Psycology (1+0)

1.3.15.Class vs Caste

A social class may be defined as unorganized group of people who become members by birth or by later entry into group, who tear each other as approximate equals, who associate with each other more intimately than with other persons, and who have approximately the same relationship of super ordination or subordination to person of other groups within the society.

Caste is social classes whose membership is determined solely by birth and between which there is no vertical and social mobility. In other words, caste is a closed system, with clearly democrated status and role for its members. One is born into a caste, lives and dies in it and gets benefits in it.

A mere social class is open in the sense that one can escape from a class or fall into it or climb into it. In this open class system, there is a social mobility both up and down the ladders, depending on the socio-economic status.