Life of Society

It turns out, in the life of society in certain areas, especially Hindu communities, there are still levels of social status called caste. Caste is a social system that divides society into groups based on occupation and social status that is passed down from generation to generation. The most well-known and structured caste system exists in India, known as the varna system, which traditionally divides society into four main groups: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (workers and servants). Outside this system, there are the Dalits, who are considered "untouchables" and suffer the most severe discrimination.

The caste system in India has very old roots, with archaeological and textual evidence indicating its existence since Vedic times, around 1500 BC. In Vedic texts, especially the Rigveda, there are early references to the division of society into four varnas. This division was initially more functional than hierarchical, with different tasks and responsibilities for each group.

However, as time went by, this system grew more rigid and hierarchical, especially with the appearance of the Manusmriti manuscripts around the 2nd century BC. Manusmriti provides a theological and moral basis for the caste system, emphasizing that a person's social standing is determined by karma and birth. This reinforced social divisions and caused caste-based discrimination to become more systematic.

Although the caste system is best known in India, similar social structures are also found in other parts of the world, although with different forms and intensity. In Japan, for example, there is a "burakumin" system that marginalizes certain groups based on occupation and descent. In medieval Europe, the feudal system also divided society into very rigid classes, such as nobles, clergy, and farmers.

Colonialism, especially by the British in India, exacerbated the caste system. Colonial governments often used and strengthened caste structures to facilitate administration and social control. They conducted a caste-based census and gave official status to many aspects of caste discrimination, which had previously been more fluid. This made the caste system even more entrenched in India's social and political structure.

One of the worst impacts of the caste system is the discrimination and social injustice experienced by those in the lower castes. People from lower castes, especially Dalits, often do not have equal access to education, employment and health services. They also often experience violence and harassment, both physical and verbal, just because of their social status.

The rigid caste system makes social mobility very limited. A person born into a low caste has almost no opportunity to improve his social status through effort or education. This creates a vicious circle of poverty and underdevelopment that is difficult to break. This limited social mobility not only harms individuals, but also hinders the economic and social development of society as a whole.

In many societies that adhere to a caste system, jobs considered "low" or "dirty" are exclusively performed by lower castes. This often means that those in the lower castes are economically exploited, underpaid, and work in very poor conditions. For example, in India, work such as cleaning gutters or carrying human waste is often carried out by Dalits, without proper protection or compensation.

Education is supposed to be a means of overcoming social inequality, but in the caste system, access to education is often limited based on caste. Children from lower castes may not be allowed to attend the same schools as children from higher castes, or they may face discrimination and harassment at school. This hinders their intellectual and professional development, and reinforces social stratification.

The caste system also often interacts with patriarchy, exacerbating gender discrimination. Women from lower castes experience double oppression, both because of their caste and gender. They often become victims of sexual violence, forced marriage and domestic exploitation. This creates an additional layer of injustice that is very difficult to overcome.

Persistent injustice and discrimination can have a profound psychological impact on individuals. Those in lower castes often experience low self-esteem, depression and chronic stress due to the discriminatory treatment they receive. These psychological impacts not only affect an individual's well-being but can also hinder their potential to develop and contribute to society.

Efforts to abolish or reform the caste system often face enormous challenges. Caste structures are so ingrained in the culture and traditions of many societies that significant changes often trigger resistance. In India, for example, despite legislative and constitutional efforts to eliminate caste discrimination, discriminatory practices are still widely encountered in everyday life.

Despite the enormous challenges, there is hope and positive steps towards change. Social movements and human rights organizations continue to fight against caste discrimination and promote social inclusion. Education and raising awareness also play an important role in changing people's attitudes towards the caste system. In some areas, there has been positive change, with individuals from lower castes achieving important positions in government, business, and other fields.

The caste system, which is rooted in a long and complex history, has had various negative impacts on people's lives. Discrimination, social injustice, economic exploitation, limited social mobility, and psychological impacts are just a few examples of the negative impacts produced by this system. While change is not easy, continued efforts to raise awareness, social reform, and inclusion can help overcome and ultimately eradicate the harmful effects of the caste system. In this way, society can move towards greater equality and justice for all its members.