Page 258 - DSOC202_SOCIAL_STRATIFICATION_ENGLISH

Unit 12: Mobility in Closed and Open Systems of Stratification

of sanskritization and westernization, and universalization and parochialization, respectively. Notes
The Marxist approach discusses on inter-group relations based on the mode of production, social
classes and the state. The main point in this approach is related to base and superstructure or
relations between core and periphery in the context of the role of capitalist economy.
Generally, social mobility is perceived in the caste system in terms of change in the criteria of
status determination, hereditary occupations, jajmani obligations, observance of certain rituals,
acceptance of modern occupations, education, migration and positions of power in political bodies.
Social mobility, even with regard to the caste system, is not monolithic. It occurs at three levels :
family, group, and individual. One can understand better the entire gamut of mobility by analysing
it at these levels. The extent, quantity and quality of social mobility can be gauzed by seeing
individual, family and group as analytically distinct as well as interrelated units of social mobility.
The three levels of mobility are distinct and also affect each other.

What is called vertical changes ?

Broadly speaking, three patterns of mobility in caste structure may be discussed as under:
(1) those families and groups who have raised their status marginally within their own castes; (2)
the families and individuals who have marginally gone down; and (3) the families and groups,
despite adverse situations, have maintained their status by attaining education, paying jobs, and
formal power.
Thus, social mobility has no doubt enhanced in the past few decades due to education, migration,
modern occupations, technological advancements, political awareness and participation, and
reservation policy for the SCs, STs, OBCs, women, physically challenged, etc. Positional change
continues to be at a faster speed compared to basic structural change. The overall system remains
stable. Change is in the system, and not of the system. Resilience of the caste system and reshaping
of caste identities, reproduction of economic and educational means and processes and hold of a
select minority on positions of power do not allow the basic structural change in Indian society.

Self-Assessment
Choose the correct options
1. In open system mobility is an ............ phenomenon.
(a) Rejected (b) Accepted (c) Both a and b (d) None of these
2. In closed system
(a) Mobility is strongly discouraged (b) Individuals moves up and down
(c) Hierarchy may be fixed and firm (d) None of these
3. In open system
(a) Hierarchy is determined by ascribed (b) Group is the unit of ranking
(c) Individuals moves up and down (d) None of these
4. In open system
(a) There is a rapid movement (b) Hierarchy is static
(c) Quality is hierarchized (d) None of these
5. Caste in India is an example of
(a) Open system (b) Closed system (c) Both a and b (d) None of these

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