Features of Caste System by GS Ghurye
According to G.S. Ghurye, Caste is a system of stratification based on ascriptive pattern and it has six main features/ characteristics.
1. Segmental Division of Society:
The caste system divides the whole society into various segments or sections. Each of these castes is a well developed social group, the membership of which is fixed by birth. So change from one caste to another caste is not possible.
2. Hierarchy:
The caste system is characterized by hierarchical order. Dumount believes that the hierarchical order of caste system is based on the concept of purity and pollution. At the top of this hierarchy are the Brahmins and at the bottom is the Shudras.
3. Restriction on feeding and social inter-course:
In caste system there are several restrictions which are related to food, drink and social inter-course. The members of the upper caste cannot take food or water from the lower caste members, even not interact with the members of the other castes but the vice-versa is permissible.
4. Civil and religious disabilities:
In caste system, there is an unequal distribution of privileges and restrictions among its members. Generally, the higher caste people enjoy all the privileges and the lower caste people are put to all kinds of restrictions.
5. Lack of unrestricted choice of occupation:
Under caste system, each caste has its own traditional occupation. Occupation is fixed at the time of birth and the members of a caste are forced to follow the occupation of that caste.
6. Restriction on marriage:
<
p style=”text-align: justify; padding-left: 30px;”>In caste system the principles of endogamy is strictly followed. That means, marriage within the own caste on sub-caste is purely followed.