Difference between Caste and Class is explained here in detail.Â
A caste is a form of social stratification determined by one single factor i.e. ritualistic legitimation of authority.Â
Class of a person is based on multiple factors like economic status, education, power, achievements etc.Â
Candidates interested in pursuing a career in Indian Civil Services can visit the given link for details on dates, structure and other important information related to IAS Exam.
Difference Between Caste and Class: UPSC Notes – Download PDF Here
The major differences between Caste and Class are:
| Caste | Class |
| Castes are perceived as hereditary groups with a fixed ritual status according to Max Weber’s phraseology | A person’s Class is based on social status, wealth and power acquired, level of education and other achievements. |
| A person belonging to certain caste has to follow certain traditions, rituals and customs | A person belonging to a certain class is not bound by customs, rituals or traditions. |
| According to Anthropologist Louis Dumont and Social Anthropologist Edmund Leach, caste is unique to the Indian sub-continent | Classes are usually found in highly industrialized countries located in Europe, North America. |
| Inter caste marriage leads to disputes between family members and members of different castes. | If there is a marriage between two people belonging to different classes, it does not evoke any kind of disputes between members of different Class. |
| The caste system does not promote democracy, since it severely limits equal opportunity to rise from an individual’s station | Class system does not necessarily act as a hindrance to democracy, since classification is based on education, social status, and the work one does. |
| Occupational mobility is one of the biggest banes of the Caste system. A person has to continue in the line of work of his ancestors irrespective of his interest, education and skills. | Social class does not act as a hindrance to occupational mobility. A person belonging to any class can change his occupations based on his skills, education and interests. |
| The caste system has religious connotations. | The class system is not based on any religion. |
| The Social Gap between people belonging to different castes is very wide which is not healthy for the overall progress of a nation | The Social gap between people belonging to different classes is narrower when compared to the gap that is prevalent among people belonging to different Castes. |
| Caste System is static | The class system is dynamic |
| There is no scope for vertical social mobility since the division is solely determined by birth. | There is ample scope for vertical social mobility for people belonging to different classes since it is dependent on one’s abilities, nature of work, education, acquisition of wealth, status etc. |
| Caste system works as a political force. | Class system does not act as a political force. |
| Cumulative Inequality is a distinctive feature of the caste system | Dispersed Inequality is a distinctive feature of the class system |
After learning about the Difference between Caste and Class, visit the below-given links for important information pertaining to Sociology Optional, and for other important details regarding Social Empowerment in India.
- Sociology Optional for UPSC – Preparation Strategy, Reference Books
- Sociology Optional – Syllabus for UPSC Mains Examination
- Vulnerability due to Caste – An Overview and Laws in Constitution for Protection
- Social Empowerment – Gist of Yojana Magazine
- Laws formulated for Reservation in India
- Rural Prosperity – Gist of Kurukshetra Magazine
- Difference between Articles – Complete List (History, Geography, Polity and More)
Difference Between Caste and Class: UPSC Notes – Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions about Class and Caste
What are the similarities and differences between social class and caste?
What is a class system?
Candidates can find the general pattern of the UPSC Exams by visiting the UPSC Syllabus page.
Related Links
| IAS Salary | Static GK |
| Gupta Empire | CAG |
| GI Tag Full Form | National Skill Development |
| Battle of Kohima | Who Appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India |
Free Class
Comments