Question

How would a Conflict Sociologist view a formal social structure like the Indian Caste System? Explain your answer making specific references to the Caste System and the ideas of the Conflict Perspective.

Answer 1

A conflict sociologist would view the Indian Caste System through the lens of conflict theory, analyzing how it perpetuates social stratification and inequality. The system assigns individuals to specific castes based on social status and occupation, restricting social mobility and reinforcing the dominance of upper-caste groups. Historical and colonial influences also contribute to the unequal power dynamics within the Caste System.

Step-by-step explanation:

A conflict sociologist would view the Indian Caste System from the perspective of conflict theory. According to this theory, societies are characterized by social inequality and conflict between different social groups. In the case of the Caste System, the conflict sociologist would analyze how the system perpetuates social stratification and unequal power dynamics.

They would argue that the Caste System maintains class differences by assigning individuals to specific castes based on their social status and occupation. This social structure restricts social mobility and reinforces the dominance of upper-caste groups.

Moreover, the conflict sociologist would highlight the historical and colonial influences on the Caste System, such as the British colonial government's role in making the system more rigid and reinforcing caste-based discrimination.

Answer 2

Functional sociologists would view a formal social structure like the Indian Caste System by applying Conflict theory. Conflict Theory involves competition that prompts individuals to struggle for limited resources in society. Social and economic institutions are perceived as tools of the struggle between classes and are used to maintain inequality and dominance for the ruling class. The Caste System divides Hindus into four categories: The Shudras, Brahmins, Vaishyas, and the Kshatriyas. For instance, in 1950, government jobs and educational institutions are scheduled for castes and tribes with the lowest caste hierarchy.