The Caste System’s Impact on Modern-Day India
Mentor Information
Holly Singh (Judy Genshaft Honors College)
Description
This research paper will discuss the social discrimination in India due to the caste system. The caste system divided people based on their heritage, occupation, and class. It has created large socioeconomic boundaries between the higher and lower castes, separating many groups in India from one another. The castes were in place for over 1,000 years and despite the modern Indian constitution outlawing caste discrimination, the social hierarchy continues to be prominent throughout society. Though the government has denounced and distanced itself from castes, change has yet to be made to dismantle the caste system in its entirety. Furthermore, the caste system was implemented for centuries which makes its presence difficult to disband. Castes continue to be omnipresent due to their historical significance within the country and due to a lack of government legislation to help improve the quality of life for the lower castes and Untouchables. Inter-caste relationships and connections have become more common, but many social constructs persist in not allowing people in higher castes to intermingle with lower castes. In this research study, it will explore what the modern-day caste system looks like and elaborate on its impact, or lack of impact, on the lower castes.
The Caste System’s Impact on Modern-Day India
This research paper will discuss the social discrimination in India due to the caste system. The caste system divided people based on their heritage, occupation, and class. It has created large socioeconomic boundaries between the higher and lower castes, separating many groups in India from one another. The castes were in place for over 1,000 years and despite the modern Indian constitution outlawing caste discrimination, the social hierarchy continues to be prominent throughout society. Though the government has denounced and distanced itself from castes, change has yet to be made to dismantle the caste system in its entirety. Furthermore, the caste system was implemented for centuries which makes its presence difficult to disband. Castes continue to be omnipresent due to their historical significance within the country and due to a lack of government legislation to help improve the quality of life for the lower castes and Untouchables. Inter-caste relationships and connections have become more common, but many social constructs persist in not allowing people in higher castes to intermingle with lower castes. In this research study, it will explore what the modern-day caste system looks like and elaborate on its impact, or lack of impact, on the lower castes.
