THE INDIAN CASTE SYSTEM UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INDUSTRIALIZATION AND URBANIZATION: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhSamajik.v3.i1.2026.66Keywords:
Caste System, Industrialization, Urbanization, Social Mobility, Occupational Change, ModernityAbstract
This research paper analyzes the structural and functional changes occurring in the caste system in contemporary India as a result of the dual processes of industrialization and urbanization. Traditionally, Indian society has been a hierarchical system based on the principles of 'purity and pollution'. However, rapid industrial development has weakened the traditional link between caste and occupation by promoting occupational mobility.
This study demonstrates that urbanization has reduced social distance through anonymity and physical proximity, leading to the near elimination of practices like untouchability in public spaces. The findings of the research indicate that while the 'ritualistic' aspect of caste has declined, its 'secular' aspect has been strengthened due to democratic politics and identity consciousness. Ultimately, this paper argues that under the influence of modernity, caste has not completely disappeared, but has adapted itself to a class-based society, which can be termed 'caste adaptation' in sociological terminology.
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