Explaining Caste–Class Nexus: Continuity and Change

Abstract

The main point of this chapter is to highlight the significance and relevance of caste–class nexus as an approach to the study of social stratification in India. Such an approach exposes misconceptions such as that caste and class are antithetical formations, being at opposite poles, caste is a socio-cultural entity and class is an economic phenomenon. Colonialism, policies of the contemporary Indian state, western frames of reference and ideological moorings have undermined the caste–class nexus and its dynamics. Neither the ‘caste alone’ and nor the ‘class alone’ approach would bring out the complex social inequality. The caste–class nexus approach does not imply a correspondence between caste hierarchy and class ranking. It refers to the dynamics of caste–class contexts and situations at a given point of time and also over a period of time. For example, it has been argued that caste system was never absolutely rigid and stagnant. There are innumerable evidences of protests and movements against rigidity and hegemony of the upper castes by the middle and lower castes. There were also institutional mechanisms for redressal of grievances and for settlement of disputes. Both individuals and families have been units of status-evaluation within and between castes. ‘Caste model’ ignores this historical fact which is evident in the analyses of ancient, medieval and modern Indian society. Today, castes are acting more as interest groups rather than as socio-cultural entities. Emergence of a new class structure comprising industrialists, big businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals, government functionaries, workers, etc., cuts across caste hierarchy.