The caste system continues to be one of the key drivers of poverty and inequality in India. Discuss.
Introduction
31 words
Main Body
Poverty:
1. Limited occupation opportunities as skill 45000 manual scavengers are employed.
2. Discrimination at educational institutions eg: separate lunch during mid day meal → literacy rate is 66% compared to 73% of India.
3. Social ostracization if any caste norms are broken. eg: Honour killings.
Inequality:
1. Unequal access to resources such as healthcare, water from wells etc.
2. Creation of 'class within caste' which has lead to injustice of benefits by select few.
Stereotypes → Big omission → Tendency of mother (Poverty & inequality ← Feeling of isolation)
— Hrishikesh Alare · AIR 61
Conclusion
33 words
- Clear definition of caste system
- Identifies systemic nature of inequality
- Provides specific statistical examples (45000 manual scavengers, 66% vs 73% literacy)
- Links caste to specific poverty factors
Hrishikesh Alare
Salient features of Indian Society and Social Issues
Caste system and inequality
Caste system as driver of poverty and inequality
154
Total words
7
Paragraphs
Academic and analytical
Tone