Untouchables obviously live also by a certain set of rules. A caste system is one in which people are born into their social standing and will remain in it their whole lives. The nationalist movement contributed towards the dissolution of old distinctions. It cannot be changed unless a person him/herself changes it according to their own will. If you take a look at our society, even without the caste system, you will see that this never-ending cycle of poverty is also a major problem in the Philippines, and one question still stands, that is, “How can one break free from poverty?” Poverty is a problem, because those experiencing it, the poor, are marginalized. [15] These cases of rape and physical abuse of women, even at the hands of the authorities such as the police, are very common in India. According to Smita Narula, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch, “Dalits are not allowed to drink from the same wells, attend the same temples, wear shoes in the presence of an upper caste, or drink from the same cups in tea stalls.” [11] They are not allowed to enter houses of the higher varnas especially in which the chula (the small earthen stove) is located. The basis of slavery is economic. Their people experience the never-ending cycle of poverty. Social Stratification is a system in which groups of peopl are divided into layers according to their power, property and prestige. The reason why the people of India, in general, especially those of the lower caste, endure whatever hardships they are faced with is because of the belief that they are in that state because they are being punished and also believing that enduring the pain and not complaining will eventually lead them to a better life in the next life. For Dumont caste is not a form of stratification but as a special form of inequality. 16. a form of social stratification in which some people are owned by others as their property. To illustrate, there are said areas in northern India wherein Dalits have to beat their drums whenever arriving at a place so as to alert and warn the people of their presence. [1] The word caste derives from the Portuguese word casta, meaning breed, race, or kind. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. The caste system is a check on economic and intellectual advancement and a great stumbling block in the way of social reforms because it keeps economic and intellectual opportunities confined to a certain section of the population only. From Purusa’s mouth, came forth the varna of Brahmans which consists of the intellectual and spiritual leaders of the society such as the priests and teachers. On a lighter note, being at the bottom of the social hierarchy in the Philippines is less tragic. All work is written to order. And God proclaims as a first principle to the rulers, and above all else, that there is nothing which they should so anxiously guard, or of which they are to be such good guardians, as of the race”. The social oppression of the untouchables had religious sanctions. Caste systems are closed stratification systems in which people can do little or nothing to change their social standing. Regarding the professions of the caste, Plato says that the husbandmen should always remain a husbandman, a soldier always a soldier, etc. Company Registration No: 4964706. Prior to that period, the divisions that existed among the people in India were among the Negritos, Mongoloids, Austroloids and Dravidians. Other terms used for the word caste would include jati, jat, biradri, and samaj. Caste is generationally inherited. That the line of demarcation between different- employments or grades of work, “almost equivalent to an hereditary distinction of caste”, was known in the 19th century England was admitted by J.S. Estates 3. Caste: is a rigid class distinction based on birth or wealth. A large number of Dalits have already converted to Christianity. The nobility were ordained to defend all, the clergy to pray for all, and the commons to provide food for all’. Based on religion, India's caste system has existed for almost three thousand years. From birth, they are ostracized. In the Philippines, if one is able work hard and use his resources and connections well, he can progress and enrich himself. Headlines about crimes victimizing the Dalits includes the following:: “Dalit boy beaten to death for plucking flowers”; “Dalit tortured by cops for three days”; “Dalit ‘witch’ paraded naked in Bihar”; “Dalit killed in lock-up at Kurnool”; “7 Dalits burnt alive in caste clash”; “5 Dalits lynched in Haryana”; “Dalit woman gang-raped, paraded naked”; “Police egged on mob to lynch Dalits.” [22]. The caste system, in cruel or mild form, has always existed, and is still existing, in every civilized country in the world. Dalit representation in university teaching posts is less than 1%.” [29], New economic forces, education and nationalist movements had different impacts on the treatment of the people on untouchables. For instance, Brahmans, as they are the priests and teachers of the society, are expected to be nonviolent and spiritual. Thirdly, the feudal estates were political groups. Millions of Dalits work even as slaves and mostly have no opportunities for better employment. The caste panchayats or the caste councils regulate the conduct of members. A woman’s chastity relies on her place in the caste system. A caste system is defined as _____ a. social stratification based on ascription, or birth. “Dalit songs celebrate life but lament their life conditions, while frankly exposing the realities of life, in a style full of humour and sensual zest, by using simple instruments and vocals. Some of you have the power of command, and in the composition of these he has mingled gold, where-for they have also the greatest honour; others he has made of silver, to be auxiliaries; others again who are to be husbandmen and craftsmen he has composed of brass and iron; and the species will be generally preserved in the children……………. In its modified form, slavery existed in almost all parts of the world. Highest position in the hierarchy is Brahmin and it includes the leaders, priests and teachers in the society. 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