How caste system affects India’s social capital

Source: The post how caste system affects India’s social capital has been created, based on the article “Caste salience in Indian society must fall for social capital to rise” published in “Live mint” on 16th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society

Context: The article discusses India’s lack of social capital, linking it to the caste system, which creates divisions and distrust. It suggests promoting inter-dining, protecting inter-caste marriages, universal public schooling, and early childhood exposure to diversity as solutions. How caste system affects India social capital?

For detailed information on Caste based Inequalities in India read this article here

Why Does India Lack Social Capital?

1. Caste System: India’s caste system divides people into thousands of communities (jatis), preventing inter-marriage and inter-dining. As David Reich notes, India is “an extremely large number of small populations.” This creates trust within communities but distrust across them.
2. Fragmented Society: M.N. Srinivas observed that caste divisions strengthened through democratic politics, making social unity difficult. B.R. Ambedkar called castes “anti-national” and a barrier to nation-building.
3. Public Interest vs. Private Gains: Lack of shared community causes neglect of public spaces. Cities face problems like traffic congestion, leading to frustration and distrust.
4. Economic Barriers: Caste limits access to credit, keeping small businesses small.

What are the solutions?

1. Promote Inter-Dining: Establish common canteens in educational institutions and workplaces to encourage different communities to share meals. Introduce public food courts and communal feasts on national holidays to foster a sense of unity.
2. Support Inter-Caste Marriages: Protect inter-caste couples from societal coercion, emphasizing the state’s role in ensuring their safety.
3. Leverage Technology: Use digital payment systems and platforms like the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) to provide fair financial opportunities, reducing economic disparities linked to caste.
4. Universal Public Schooling: Implement inclusive education from the kindergarten level to promote early exposure to diversity, aiming to instill egalitarian values in children.
5. Influence Parenting and Early Childhood Experiences: Encourage diverse, multicultural environments for raising children to develop comfort with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, reducing bias and fostering inclusivity from a young age.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India’s caste system impacts social capital and suggest solutions to overcome these challenges.