What is a "caste system"?

A caste system is characterized as a hierarchical social structure based on hereditary status. This means that individuals are born into a particular social class, or caste, which determines their social status, occupation, and the relationships they are permitted to form within society. The key aspect of a caste system is that it is predominantly rigid and often dictates the social mobility of its members, ensuring that most individuals remain within the caste they were born into throughout their lives. Such systems are historically associated with certain cultures, most notably the traditional Hindu society in India, where the caste system has been an integral part of social organization for centuries.

Understanding the nature of this social structure is important because it highlights how social stratification can influence various aspects of life, including access to resources, education, and social interactions. The caste system contrasts sharply with more fluid and democratic forms of social organization, where individuals may move between social classes based on achievements or changes in wealth.