Tag: sociology

Varna system started in Vedic Period. It finds mention in Rig Veda and Manusmriti. It is basically classification of people based on their occupation or position they hold in society according to which society is divided into four classes viz., Brahmans (priests or scholars having high position) , Kshatriyas (Warriors or knights), Vaishyas (traders), Shudras (unskilled workers or labourers). Varna in RigVeda means colour, complexion or outward experience. Varna system did not classify people as high and low or superior or inferior it was just classification in the order of the society based on the skills of people. The Varna system took form of caste system where people were stratified as high or low and Swarnas (upper two Varna's) imposed their system.

Untouchability is the ancient caste discrimination whereby the upper caste people considers lower castes people (Dalits) as polluted and they are not to be touched by swarnas(upper caste people), nor can they live in the same village as swarna, cannot drink water from same well and are also prohibited to enter temples or public places. It is the most inhumane practice deeply exercised in India. Untouchable suffers from various rights deprivation like social, economic, legal etc. 

Article 17 of the Constitution is the Fundamental Right which abolishes the practice of untouchability and makes it an offence punishable by law. In pursuance of this Article, The Untouchability Offences Act, 1955 renamed as Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1976 was enacted by the parliament which provides for pehal provisions for such practices.

Social stratification refers to social differentiation whereby society groups people based on their class, economic status, occupation, power, religion caste etc. People are categorised as inferior and superior based on their social position. Social stratification is found in all ranges of society and the system of classification find its roots from ancient times since people were only indulged in Hunting, gathering and status. Based on their position they are assigned different roles and status. Social stratification is done by society and it is not natural. Man for their own needs make groups and avail opportunities and as the result of social inequalities classification arises which categorises people.

Plato wrote in his book ‘The Republic’ on the Division of Labour. He said, “Human society is formed on natural inequalities. This natural inequality is based on division of labour”. A society’s need is fulfilled by different divisions of people. For example, the food is produced by farmers, cloth by weavers, and dresses are produced by tailors. The division of labour leads to organic merger of various sections of society. The Division of labour is necessary to fulfill the needs of social, economic and political needs of the society. But, there should be no exploitation in this process.

In his work, The Republic Plato had practically condemned Democracy. He had developed the idea that all were not fit to rule and that only the philosophers who had been specially trained for the purpose should rule. He said this because it was Athenian Democracy which condemned his teacher Socrates to death.

Division of labour means work being done by people depending upon their area of expertise, specialisation, skills and abilities. Division of labour creates economic strata and class system. People from different area of specialisation who work together to generate their source of livelihood and earn income.