Course Title: Studies on Caste and Class
Code No: So.505
Semester: I
Pass Marks: 30
Time: 3 hours
Batch: 2024
Candidates are required to answer the questions in their own words as far as possible.
Answer any TWO questions:
Group A
[2x15=30]
1. Critically analyze the theoretical foundations of caste with special reference to the ideas of Dumont, Ambedkar, and Weber. How do these perspectives help us understand caste as a structure of graded inequality and cultural-symbolic purity?
2. Elaborate on the five conceptual elements Wright (2005) proposes for a Marxist approach to class analysis. Provide a brief explanation for each element.
3. Define the middle class and discuss the processes through which Nepal's middle class is reproducing, expanding, and consolidating (Luintel, 2020).
Group B
Answer any THREE questions:
[3x10=30]
4. How does the concept of "Dalithood" go beyond caste identity to encompass issues of knowledge, governance, and empowerment? Illustrate with reference to C. Mishra and M. M. Cameron.
5. Examine the factors that forced small-scale farmers in Nepal to seek loans from private money lenders, and analyze how these lending practices led to indebtedness, landlessness, and eventual transformation of peasants into wage laborers (Regmi, 1978).
6. How have labor relations in the agricultural sector changed over time, and how have these shifts influenced the class inequality in rural Nepal (Seddon et al., 1979)?
7. Differentiate between caste and class as systems of social stratification with suitable examples from Nepal society.
Answer (2)
Let's address Question 1 from Group A, which requires a critical analysis of the theoretical foundations of caste, specifically in reference to the ideas of Dumont, Ambedkar, and Weber.
Theoretical Foundations of Caste :
Louis Dumont : Dumont's perspective on caste is rooted in his seminal work "Homo Hierarchicus." He describes caste primarily as a system of social stratification based on hierarchy and purity. Dumont emphasizes the cultural-symbolic aspects of caste, particularly focusing on the religious underpinning and the notion of purity and impurity. According to him, caste is an ideological manifestation of the Hindu worldview, where social order is informed by ritual status rather than economic factors. This perspective helps us understand caste as a deeply entrenched cultural system oriented around graded inequality based on religious notions.
B. R. Ambedkar : Ambedkar offers a critical perspective on caste, grounded in his firsthand experiences as a member of the Dalit community. He viewed caste as a deeply ingrained social practice that perpetuates discrimination and inequality. Ambedkar argued against the hierarchical structure that subjects lower castes to systemic oppression. By challenging the social constructs of caste, Ambedkar's approach underscores how caste perpetuates inequality and hinders social mobility. His work emphasizes the need for social and legal reforms to dismantle caste-based discrimination.
Max Weber : Weber's analysis of caste focuses on its intersection with religion and economy, differentiating between status groups and classes. He perceives caste as part of traditional authority tied to religious and cultural practices. Weber's theory differentiates caste from class, illuminating how social honor and privileges are distributed across different status groups. This framework helps dissect how caste operates as a rigid structure of social stratification independent of economic factors, reinforcing the continuity of social inequality through cultural norms.
These perspectives collectively enhance the understanding of caste as a multifaceted system of graded inequality and purity, illustrating how cultural-symbolic elements and socio-economic factors intricately interact to sustain societal hierarchies.
This answer critically analyzes the foundations of caste through Dumont's cultural-symbolic view, Ambedkar's critique of oppression, and Weber's differentiation between status and economic class. Together, these perspectives highlight caste as a multifaceted structure of inequality rooted in cultural ideologies and socio-economic dynamics. Understanding these theories allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding caste systems.
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