Caste system, please compare to USA's system?

Question

help me :)

Answer 1

I usually say that in the US, everyone says they're middle class unless they're homeless.  The American class system is economic and social first, hereditary and political second.  The Indian class system is hereditary and political primarily, social and economic secondarily.

Answer 2

the indian caste sys is slowly eroding away and as india modernises and westernizes it will slowly and eventually lead to the same sys as in usa where anyone fr any class/ethnic background can climb the soc ladder without any hindrance.  many indians fr the lower caste has now proven to be as intelligent as those from the higher caste, hence this will further erode the caste sys.  opportunities r plentiful.....

Answer 3

A society can have a caste and class system simultaneously. But we obviously lean towards class. The key difference is that we (the USofA) have the ability to move "above" or "below" the class we are born into. Depending on access to resources of wealth, power and prestige, it is quite impossible for some to move out of the lowest classes, and are therefore stuck in caste. India is moving towards a class system, but still clings to its caste roots. What specifically are you looking for? That briefly compares the systems itself, but you might want to look at the characteristics and histories of such societies to understand more.

And be careful about the word "modernize". This term is ethnocentric and not preferred by anthropologists, I believe, unless they conform to a strict early evolutionists perspective or something.

Answer 4

USA -All men are created equal.  Period.  There are laws that refer to this, mostly dealing with employment but many people move up and down wealth/social ladder depending upon situations and circumstances.  Some people have moved up and down ladder several times during their life. There is freedom to go after the golden ring if someone is intent upon that goal.