"Perpetuating Inequality" delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of the Indian caste system, exploring its historical roots, its endurance in modern society, and the profound impact it continues to have on social stratification and inequality in India. This comprehensive book offers a critical examination of one of the world's oldest forms of social hierarchy and its implications for contemporary Indian life.
The book begins by tracing the origins of the caste system in ancient India, providing a historical context for its development and institutionalization over millennia. It explores how the system, initially perhaps more fluid and occupation-based, solidified into a rigid structure of social order, deeply intertwined with religious and cultural norms.
Each chapter methodically dissects the various layers and complexities of the caste system, from the division of society into hierarchical groups based on birth to the subtler, but no less impactful, notions of purity and pollution. The narrative also sheds light on the intersection of caste with other social variables like gender and economic status, examining how these intersections further compound disparities and discrimination.
A crucial component of "Perpetuating Inequality" is its exploration of the caste system's persistence in modern India. Despite legal abolition and efforts at social reform, the book reveals how caste continues to influence various aspects of life, including politics, education, employment, and marriage. It brings to the fore contemporary issues such as caste-based violence, affirmative action policies, and the emerging dialogue around caste in the diaspora.
The book also amplifies the voices of those at the lowest rungs of the caste hierarchy - the Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables") - sharing their experiences of prejudice and resistance. It looks at the movements that have emerged to challenge caste oppression, profiling key figures who have fought for equality and social justice.
Concluding with a discussion on the future of the caste system, "Perpetuating Inequality" contemplates the challenges and possibilities for a society striving to overcome deep-rooted social divisions. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring complexities of caste and its pervasive influence on the fabric of Indian society.