Caste Inequalities in India
The caste system is a unique feature that has historically shaped social structures in India. Unlike gender and religion, caste divisions are specifically tied to India's socio-historical context. The caste system sanctioned hereditary occupational division through rituals, enforcing social exclusivity and discrimination against 'outcaste' groups, often resulting in practices like untouchability. Prominent figures such as Jotiba Phule, Gandhiji, B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar Ramaswami Naicker advocated for a society free of caste inequalities.
Despite socio-economic developments that have contributed to changing caste dynamics—such as urbanization and literacy—the caste system's impact endures. Current socio-economic inequalities reveal that 'upper' castes tend to dominate economically, while Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) continue to face significant disadvantages.
Additionally, although constitutional measures aimed at eliminating caste discrimination have been enacted, the hierarchical caste legacy still manifests in material disparities. Political engagement often leverages caste identities, ushering both positive inclusion of marginalized castes and potential conflicts arising from caste-based politics. Caste remains an influential social marker, shaping various aspects of political representation and social identity in contemporary India.