Difference Between Caste and Class, Heredity, Mobility, Religion

Caste and class are two ways society organizes people, but they are different. Caste is a social group people are born into, often linked to religion, tradition, and fixed social roles. Class is based on economic status, education, or occupation and people can move between classes. While caste is rigid and hereditary, class is more flexible and can change over a person’s life. The Difference Between Caste and Class has been discussed below in this article.

Difference Between Caste and Class

Caste and class are two ways of dividing people in society based on social and economic factors. While caste is mostly hereditary and fixed by birth, class is largely based on wealth, education, occupation and achievements and allows mobility. The table below explains the Difference Between Caste and Class in detail.

Caste

• Caste is a social system in which people are born into specific groups that often determine their occupation, social status, and relationships. In India, the Hindu caste system is the most well-known example. It divides Hindus into four main groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Over time, these groups developed 3,000 major subgroups and around 25,000 sub-castes, based mostly on traditional professions.
• This system historically did not include Dalits (also called Untouchables), who were considered outside the main caste hierarchy. Among the main castes, Brahmins and Kshatriyas were considered the highest, while Dalits faced severe social discrimination and were the most vulnerable.
• The caste system has its roots in ancient India, and the strict social divisions have shaped community life for centuries. Even today, these divisions influence social interactions, marriage, and politics in some areas, though urbanization, education and legal protections have reduced its economic and social impact.
• In modern India, while caste continues to affect social identity, there are increasing opportunities for education, employment, and mobility, which allow people to move beyond traditional caste roles. This makes caste less rigid than it was in the past, though its cultural and social influence remains significant.

‹ ›

Class

• Class refers to a person’s social and economic position in society. It is mostly determined by factors like wealth, occupation, education, income and sometimes caste. Unlike caste, class is not fixed by birth and allows social mobility. People can improve their position through education, hard work or business success.
• Social classes are usually seen as groups of people who share similar economic conditions and lifestyles. For example, some people belong to the ruling elite, educated elite, middle class, working class, or lower class, depending on their income, education, and occupation.
• According to Karl Marx, class is also about relationships in production the way wealth and resources are distributed between the rich and the poor. Marx highlighted the idea of class conflict, where workers often have little control over their work and have to follow the instructions of those in higher classes, while the rich benefit from their labor.
• In modern society, class influences opportunities, access to education, healthcare and living standards. However, unlike caste, class is flexible. People can move up or down based on their skills, effort and achievements.