Page 247 - DSOC202_SOCIAL_STRATIFICATION_ENGLISH

Social Stratification

Notes Education and sanskritization are two main factors responsible for mobility at the individual
level. We find that in all the six villages of Rajasthan studied by us, the graduates and matriculates
are respected more than other members of their families and their age-groups irrespective of their
caste and economic status. Similarly, vegetarian, teetotaler, regular worshiper and bathtaker are
esteemed more than the non-vegetarian and non-believer in God and non- worshiper. Thus,
sanskritized individuals are rated higher than the non-sanskritized ones.
The mode of orientation in the mobility at the individual level is essentially achievement-oriented,
and therefore, such a mobility is least corporate in character and action. Individualism prevails
over collectivism within the family, however, the latter is generally benefited by the achievements
of its individual members.

What do you mean by reference groups ?

Patterns of Mobility in Caste Structure
Structural enforcements that were brought to mitigate the caste distinctions have been proved
ineffective so far. The legal enactments have strengthened caste sentiments and loyalties. Some
changes, particularly land reforms, have, however, brought significant class-like changes within
the caste structure. Horizontal status distinctions within the caste have considerably increased.
The processes, though not considerably effective to change the caste structure, are of
’proletarianization’ and ‘bourgeoisiefication’ (Sharma, 1969). Some former Zamindars have become
petty peasants and the former tenants have become big peasants. Economic inequalities are thus
reduced in some cases. But to achieve an egalitarian pattern of society such more effective radical
changes are needed. As such decentralization of power, abolition of untouchability and caste
system and adult suffrage have almost been infructuous.
The following patterns of mobility may, however, be discerned in caste structure on the basis of
foregoing analysis :
(a) Marginally going up
Some families and groups of families have raised their status marginally within their own
castes. This change is reflected through changes in their customs, practices, occupations,
education and income. These changes essentially imply a social climbing.
(b) Marginally going down
The reverse of the pattern of marginally going up is the pattern of marginally going down.
Adherence to the so-called defiling and degrading callings and practices lowers down status
compared to those who have discarded the degrading occupations and taken up the clean
and prestigious occupations and practices. This applies to some families of several lower and
upper castes.
(c) Maintaining status quo
There are families and castes which have faced a number of attacks on their caste ranks. The
landowning and priestly castes, such as the Rajputs, Brahmins and Jats have been facing
new challenges and situations since Independence, but they have been adjusting themselves
in such a way that no significant shifts have taken place in their caste ranks. The loss they
had suffered has been compensated with regard to high education, lucrative jobs, cash income
and political power.

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