caste
A rigid system of social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion.
Unlike class, which allows for economic mobility, a caste is fixed at birth. It implies absolute immobility and strict social segregation.
Word relationships
- social stratum: Social stratum is a general term for any social layer, whereas caste specifically implies a hereditary, inescapable, and legally or culturally enforced layer.
- estate: Estate refers to the historical European system of stratification (e.g., Nobility, Clergy, Commoners), which had some fluid boundaries, unlike the absolute rigidity of caste.
- open class system: An open class system allows individuals to move freely between social classes based on merit and achievement.
Commonly confused with
- class: Class is primarily defined by economic position and allows for social mobility, whereas caste is defined by birth, heredity, and absolute social immobility.
Word family
- casteless (adjective): Not divided into or belonging to any social caste.
Collocations
- caste system
- rigid caste
- hereditary caste
- caste barriers
Example sentences
- "In her groundbreaking book, Isabel Wilkerson argues that America has a hidden caste system that shapes lives and opportunities." Sociological commentary on modern divisions
- "The traditional Indian caste system divided society into distinct hereditary groups, dictating occupations and social interactions." Historical analysis of India
Memory hook
Think of a mold used to 'cast' metal. Once the liquid metal is poured into the cast, its shape is permanently fixed and cannot be changed—just like a person's social position in a caste system. Cast in stone: a caste system fixes your social status permanently at birth.
When not to use
Do not use to describe temporary social groups or fluid economic classes where people can easily change their status.
Fun facts
- While most famous in India, caste-like systems have existed globally, including the 'Yangban' class of feudal Korea and the 'Kagots' of medieval France and Spain.
Related words
Explore more words
mobility, stratification, dynasty, hereditary, segregation, immutable
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