Indian Sociologists — Sociology STD 11 Humanities — Question
CBSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 11 HumanitiesSociologyIndian Sociologists6 Marks
Question
Explain the structural features of caste given by Ghurye.
✓
Answer
The caste system has got the following six structural characteristics:
Segmental Division: Govind Sadashiv Ghurye sees caste as social grouping or segments; the membership of which is obtained and fixed by birth. Caste provides its own centre regarding rules, regulations, standards of morality and justice.
Hierarchy: The castes or segments are arranged in terms of hierarchy. The Brahmans were placed at the top and the untouchables were kept at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Principles of Purity and Pollution: The above described two features (attributes) reflect the separation or distance between castes. This fact of separation is reinforced by the principles of purity and pollution that find their expression in the codes, regulating the acceptance of food or drink from other castes.
Civil and Religious Disabilities and Privileges of different Sections: A result of the hierarchical division of society is that rights and obligations are unequally shared by different sections of the society.
Lack of Choice of Occupation: Every group or caste was associated with a hereditary occupation. Distinction between pure and impure occupations, the hereditary occupation of a caste reflected its status in society.
Restrictions on Marriage: Inter-caste marriage was prohibited.
Need a full question paper?
Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.