As India grows economically, we can observe a shift from a hierarchy of caste to a hierarchy of class. This is due to what change in the caste system itself?
A) Political will and legislation has lessened the power of caste.
B) Caste has gradually shifted from a system of ascribed status to achieved status.
C) The upper castes have learned to embrace the lower castes.
D) Dalit-led resistance has changed the attitudes of the upper classes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shift from a hierarchy of caste to a hierarchy of class is due to the gradual shift of the caste system from a system of ascribed status to achieved status. As India grows economically, education and employment opportunities have become more accessible, allowing individuals from lower castes to move up in the socio-economic ladder. This has resulted in a shift in the way society perceives status, with class becoming a more important factor than caste. Political will and legislation have certainly played a role in lessening the power of caste, but it is primarily the shift towards achieved status that has led to this change. The upper castes embracing lower castes and Dalit-led resistance have also had a role, but these are secondary factors to the primary shift in the caste system.

As India Grows Economically, We Can Observe a Shift from a Hierarchy