Introduction
In this chapter students learned about social structure—the underlying patterns of relationships in a group. Statuses and roles are the major elements of social structure. A status, a position a person occupies within a social structure, may be ascribed or achieved. Achieving status is possible when people have some degree of control and choice, as they do in most modern societies. In some societies, however, aspects of a person's life such as religion and social class are ascribed by the family at birth. In this activity students will learn more about a country that has long used a system of ascribed status—India.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a Web site about the caste system in India. They will learn about the history of the caste system and the factors that led to changes in the system. After answering several questions about the article, students will compare and contrast the caste system in India to the social system in the United States.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to summarize the history of the caste system of India.
2. Students will be able to identify the groups into which the caste system divided Indian society.
3. Students will be able to compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of each caste group.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. In order, the five levels of varna are Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalits.
2. Brahmans are expected to be nonviolent and spiritual. Kshatriyas are supposed to be strong, with a taste for aggression, eating meat, and drinking alcohol. Vaishyas are considered adept businessmen. Shudras are often tolerably pleasant but assumed to be base in behavior. Dalits are often regarded by others as followers of vulgar lifestyles.
3. Violations of the caste standards are usually dealt with by a caste council. The councils are usually formed of groups of male elders. Punishments such as fines and outcasting, either temporary or permanent, can be enforced. Under certain circumstances, a person can be expelled from the caste.
4. Both the British government and people involved in the preindependence movements were appalled at the conditions and treatment of the lower castes in India. During British rule discrimination against a certain caste was made illegal. The preindependence reform movements led by Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar fought for the right of all castes to enter Hindu temples and to use village wells. Their actions effectively pressed for the enactment of stronger laws opposing discrimination against lower castes.
5. Students' paragraphs will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity