Role of Caste in Society
Caste plays a very important role in shaping the nature of Indian politics. Caste and politics have become inextricable elements of Indian politics. Theoretically, caste and democratic politics represent opposite value systems, as caste is hierarchical while democracy thrives on equality and freedom of the individual. Despite the contradictory nature of their value systems caste has laid its imprint on the Indian political system.
Politics is a part of society; it cannot function in a vacuum. It is influenced by a myriad of social forces, caste is one of them. Caste influences the political attitude in the following ways:
- Caste as a social stratification system has influenced the socio-economic and political scenario of the society.
- Political socialization: Caste values and caste interest have determined and altered the political thinking, awareness, and participation of the masses to a great extent.
- Nomination of candidates: Owing to the process of political socialization caste has influenced the nomination of the candidates and increased caste consciousness among the people.
- Influence of caste on political propaganda of the parties: The political parties keep the caste affiliations of the candidates in mind while nominating them from particular constituencies, the propaganda of the parties is also greatly determined along caste lines.
- Caste and Voting behaviour: Votes are demanded along caste lines. Caste determines and shapes the nature of election campaigns and voter turnout.
Caste, as we see, is an indispensable component of Indian politics, its influence on politics and society, in general, has its positive and negative impacts on the nature of the Indian federation.
Role of Caste in Indian Politics
Caste is a social category set out in a hierarchical order; it has derived its legitimacy from classical Hindu scriptures. Caste originated initially as ‘varna’, which divided the society into four occupational categories. Caste is the epitome of traditional society, a closed system where generation after generation of individuals did the same work and lived the same life.
Table of Content
- Role of Caste in Society
- Positive effects of Caste on Politics
- Negative effects of Caste on Politics
Caste as an institution is embedded in Indian society, it has changed and moulded itself to fit in the modern democratic politics. Caste and casteism that accompanied caste have never disappeared in India. As Rajni Kothari has effectively pointed out the politicization of caste in India has shaped the nature of Indian politics to a great extent. He proved that the politicization of caste is a two-way process. Caste needs politics as much as politics need caste.
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