Anthropology /Understanding the Indian Caste System Part 2
Understanding the Indian Caste System Part 2
This deck covers key concepts and questions related to the Indian caste system, focusing on hierarchy, purity, and the practice of manual scavenging.
Can you change your caste?
No, but you can be expelled
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
Can you change your caste?
No, but you can be expelled
What happens if you are expelled from your caste?
You lose your caste privileges
What is the basic social principle of the caste system?
Hierarchy
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How is this hierarchy represented?
Ladder, with upper and lower castes
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Give an example of upper and lower castes in the hierarchy.
Brahmins - Dalits
How are different castes ranked in the caste system?
Pure at the top, impure at the bottom
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Can you change your caste? | No, but you can be expelled |
What happens if you are expelled from your caste? | You lose your caste privileges |
What is the basic social principle of the caste system? | Hierarchy |
How is this hierarchy represented? | Ladder, with upper and lower castes |
Give an example of upper and lower castes in the hierarchy. | Brahmins - Dalits |
How are different castes ranked in the caste system? | Pure at the top, impure at the bottom |
What does 'pure' mean in the context of caste? | High status, deserving of respect |
What does 'impure' mean in the context of caste? | Low status, associated with pollution |
How does the notion of purity and pollution affect people's lives? | Determines privileges and punishments |
What are some restrictions placed on different caste groups? | Contact, dining |
Why are these restrictions imposed? | To maintain purity |
Who benefits from these restrictions? | Upper castes |
Who is harmed by these restrictions? | Lower castes |
What are some of the justifications given for the caste system? | Do your own |
What does manual scavenging involve? | Manually removing untreated human excreta from dry toilets or pit latrines |
Is it a legal practice in India? | No, it has been officially banned since |
Why does manual scavenging still exist? | Several factors contribute, including infrastructure issues |
How many insanitary latrines are there in India? | Around 26 million |
What type of toilets are most often used for manual scavenging? | Dry latrines |
What is the government's role in addressing manual scavenging? | Providing sanitation facilities and rehabilitation for workers |
Are there enough opportunities for manual scavengers to find other jobs? | Often limited, leading to continued reliance on this dangerous work |
How does social stigma play a role in manual scavenging? | Caste-based discrimination and exclusion |
What are the health risks associated with manual scavenging? | Exposure to human waste, infections, respiratory problems |
What are some long-term consequences for manual scavengers and their families? | Poverty, poor health, limited education |
What can be done to end manual scavenging completely? | Eradication of dry latrines, investment in sanitation infrastructure, education and awareness campaigns |
Can you name an organization working to eradicate manual scavenging? | Safai Karmachari Andolan, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
What are some individual actions people can take to combat manual scavenging? | Advocate for sanitation rights, challenge discrimination, support relevant organizations |
Imagine a future India without manual scavenging. What would it look like? | Safe sanitation for all, equal opportunities, eradicated stigma |