Final answer:
The population shift to large cities, known as urbanization, has weakened the caste system in India by providing more opportunities and diluting traditional social structures with a more diverse urban workforce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The population shift to large cities, called urbanization, has contributed to the weakening of the caste system within India. Urbanization has led to a significant rural-to-urban shift in population, especially in areas transitioning into stage 3 of demographic transition. As more people move to urban centers such as Mumbai, they experience a more urbanized workforce and higher incomes, along with a decreasing family size.
In these large cities, the opportunities for individuals to choose their own career paths and marriage partners have increased. This, in turn, has shifted cultural expectations and reduced the influence of the caste system, as merit-based hiring and employment introduced by corporations take precedence. The urban environment, which is more heterogeneous and characterized by occupational diversity, political stratification, and wealth stratification, poses challenges to traditional caste-embedded social structures.
Moreover, as countries industrialize and factory work becomes a significant employment option, the appeal of urban life pulls more people into growing cities. This urban culture replaces agrarian culture, helping to breakdown traditional values and support a more individualistic and diverse social landscape, further contributing to the caste system's weakening hold on society.