caste system
Definition
A caste system is a rigid social structure where individuals' status and social mobility are determined by birth. It dictates every aspect of life including occupation, marriage, and social interaction based on inherited status.
Analogy
Think of society as a multi-story building where each floor represents a different caste. You're born on a certain floor, and no matter how hard you try, moving to a different floor is nearly impossible because the elevator (social mobility) doesn't work between floors – your floor determines the view you have (social opportunities) and the people you live with (social interactions).
Related terms
Social Stratification: The division of society into levels, classes, or castes, where individuals inherit their societal position.
Mobility: In sociology, mobility refers to the ability to move up or down the social hierarchy, which is severely restricted in a caste system.
Endogamy: A practice common in caste systems where marriage is limited to members within the same caste or social group
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