A Comparison of Social Stratification between the American Society and India's Caste System

A Comparison of Social Stratification between the American Society and India’s Caste System
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Social Stratification in American and Indian Societies
Comparing the American and Indian societies, it is clear that the two cultures are different in terms of the levels of social stratification that exist. The most single distinguishing factor is the degree to which social stratification on the basis of race, gender, family background and economic status is practiced and accepted in each society. In the Indian society, the caste system is widely regarded as a cultural norm practiced by successive generations. As a result, discrimination along gender, racial and family background is accepted as a cultural practice. The caste system, therefore, provides a moral/ethical and legal basis for discriminating and marginalizing certain sections of the population. For instance, a person born in a low caste, such as to peasant parents, will remain a lower-class citizen all his or her live despite how hard he or she may work to move up the social ladder. In fact, one’s destiny is sealed from birth, and there is nothing one can do to change their social status in society.
In contrast, the American society provides individuals w...