CASTEISM (INDIA)

Traditional Indian society has been organized around caste structures and caste identities which are hereditary. Caste is a ‘hereditary endogamous localized group, having a traditional association with an occupation and a particular position in the local hierarchy of castes’ – M. N. Sriniwas.

The Indian caste system is the most unjust oppressive social system and the practice of untouchability is its worst feature. The caste system propagates inequality.

Caste system continues to influence intergroup relations even today. Even a change in religion does not destroy caste system.

INEQUALITIES CAUSED BY CASTE SYSTEM

Lack of professional and business opportunities – As the caste system is considered hereditary, the lower caste are not allowed to exchange professions or move up the social ladder.

Child marriage – In order to avoid intercaste marriages at a later stage, child marriage is encouraged.

Inequality and unrest in society – Due to inequality there is anger among the people. the suppressed masses have to fight for their rights against the upper castes.

Socio economic inequalities – are caused as wealth gets accumulated in with the upper castes who exploit the lower castes.

Freedom curbed – Lower castes are not allowed to socialize outside the caste and are forced to follow a number of restrictions.

Anti – Democracy – being unequal the caste system is anti democracy.

Low status of women – women are denied education and are harassed by members of the upper castes.

Untouchability – lower castes are forced to continue their unclean occupation and are exploited by upper castes

False prestige among higher castes – A false sense of prestige is created among upper castes who continue to exploit lower castes.

Hampers national development – The lower castes have no voice in national development and advancement. They are not allowed opportunities for progress and this in turn affects national development.

MEASURES TO SOLVE CASTEISM IN INDIA

Encourage education – educate lower castes about their democratic and moral rights. Educating lower caste and women will prevent them from being exploited.

Industrialization – increase employment rate and opportunities especially in rural areas.

Mass media – plays an important role in changing the mindset of people and can create awareness about the ill effects of the caste system

Judiciary and police – must take necessary steps to be unbiased when faced with crimes against the lower castes.

NGOs – can work to eradicate caste discrimination. They can pressurize the government to promote education, land reforms, equal opportunities and uniform legislation. When the media fails to address issues faced by the lower castes, NGO’s can create awareness about the problems faced by them and the violence against them. They can also provide employment opportunities and promote education among the lower caste communities.

Social movements – like the Bramho Samaj by Raja Ram Mohan Roy rejected caste system and stood for brother hood of man. Prarthana Samaj by Justice Ranade promoted intercaste marriage and remarriage of widows.

Constitution of India – Article 15 of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, race, religion, gender or place of birth. Article 16 provides equal opportunity in matters of employment. Article 338 has created National Commission for Scheduled Castes to safe guard their interests.

If we can change the mindset of people against caste system and make people believe in equality of the masses it will definitely make the world a better place.