Caste is a closed stratification while …

Caste

• Individual’s position totally depends on the status attributes ascribed by birth rather than achieved. • Each position in the caste structure was defined in terms of its purity or pollution relative to others. The Brahmin priestly castes, are superior to all others and the Panchamas. • The traditional system is generally conceptualised in terms of the four fold v a r n a o f B r a h m i n s , K s h a t r i y a s , Vaishynavas and Shudra. In reality there are innumerable occupation-based caste groups, called Jatis. • The caste system in India has undergone considerable changes.

Class

• It is not dependent on birth, but it depends on profession, ability, skill, education etc. • It is open ended. • An individual can change his/her class & can acquire high status. • Types of class — High class, Middle class. Lower class, Agricultural class