Framing Caste Tracing the Interrelationship of Caste and Identity in India

Authors

Scott Albrecht, Brigham Young University
Dr. Ralph Brown, Brigham Young University

Keywords

caste tracing, caste, identity, India, Indian society

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

Abstract

I posit here that three variables must be considered when discussing the devolvement of caste as the dominant element of Indian society: economic organization, the secularization of caste identities, and the disproportionate distribution of power as a remnant of the traditional economic arrangement. By tapping into the rationality of caste in terms of the human experience we can better understand the interrelationship of these variables and caste. I further argue that because caste roles and caste identities are essentially unique phenomena, caste identities may be perpetuated indefinitely where caste roles have become antiquated and unenforceable.

Recommended Citation

Albrecht, Scott and Brown, Dr. Ralph (2013) "Framing Caste Tracing the Interrelationship of Caste and Identity in India," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 594.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/594