Caste Theory: Ambedkar's Perspective
The question asks to identify the scholar who described caste as a process involving imitation and social closure, preceding M. N. Srinivas' concept of 'sanskritisation'.
Key Sociological Concepts
- Sanskritisation: A term by M. N. Srinivas, referring to the process where lower castes adopt practices of higher castes to elevate their social status.
- Social Closure: The mechanism by which groups restrict access to resources or opportunities for others, maintaining social boundaries.
- Imitation: In caste dynamics, this involves lower social groups adopting customs and behaviours of higher status groups.
Ambedkar's View on Caste
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar provided foundational analyses of the Indian caste system. His work emphasized that caste functions as a system built on exclusion and hierarchy.
Ambedkar's perspective aligns significantly with the idea of social closure. He argued that caste created rigid social divisions and prevented inter-group interaction and mobility. The dynamics within this system often involved groups imitating higher castes in an attempt to improve their position, although Ambedkar primarily focused on the oppressive nature of this structure.
Importantly, Ambedkar's writings and theoretical contributions regarding the caste system were established well before M. N. Srinivas formally introduced and defined 'sanskritisation' in sociological discourse.
Scholar Identification
Based on his analyses focusing on exclusion, hierarchy, and the social mechanisms within caste, B. R. Ambedkar is the scholar credited with framing caste in terms of imitation and social closure prior to Srinivas.
Important Questions from Indian Structure: Caste–Class–Tribe
Match the following authors in Column I with their books on caste in Column II.
Column I Column II Author Book M Mukul Sharma 1 Caste Pride N Joel Lee 2 Deceptive Majority O Manoj Mitta 3 The Oxford Handbook of Caste P Surinder Jodhka 4 Caste and Nature Match the following scholars in Column I and their contributions in Column II.
Column I Column II Scholar Contribution M Prem Chowdhry 1 Dalit feminist standpoint position N Sharmila Rege 2 Yuganta O Irawati Karve 3 Gender and land rights in South Asia P Beena Agarwal 4 Caste and gender formation in Haryana - Which of the following statement(s) about tribes is/are CORRECT?
Which of the following proposition(s) is/are part of the argument that B. R. Ambedkar makes in his Caste in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development
Despite the constitutional provision of equality of all citizens before the law, in practice, Dalits are often excluded from access to common property resources and public spaces (e.g., pastures, water resources etc.)
Which theorist's conceptualization of power best explains this scenario?
