Caste in the Era of Economic Growth, Development and Modernization

Abstract

Caste is defined as a closed group in which membership is ascribed. Class means a person’s economic position which may change according to change in financial status. In the present era, when economic determinant is the most important factor caste has not lost its past significance. Factors such as education, availability of resources, awareness about rights, constitutional safeguards have led to increased significance of Caste. Caste has found continuity in the reservation system but in the larger and socio-cultural context, it is forming nexus with the class system in India. People are now practically more influenced by a person’s economic situation. As present day world is more and more focusing on economic prospects, growth and development functions are increasing leading to secularization of communities. Secularisation leads to tendency towards formation of class based society but Caste features have found relevance even in the modern and rational economic context.