Essay on Caste and Migration

Caste is also an important feature that gives rise to migration. Ones position in the society is based on his association with which caste he belongs to. It causes social stratification. It places one in the hierarchical society and depending on his level he is treated. There’s a lot of discrimination done based on the castes. Thus different caste groups have different amounts of access to the society or country’s economic, social or cultural resources.

The backward class is usually deprived of educational and occupational opportunities which is why they are compelled to go out and work as drivers etc. The rigidity of the caste system rules and hierarchical practices disturb the social mobility. No matter how problematic people strictly adhere to the caste system. Because the superior will continue to be a superior which is why they aren’t the ones bothered about it. It is the inferior class that suffers. If caste positions in the hierarchy are different then their migration would also be affected. Like the superior could afford to travel long distances and settle there favorably. Whereas the lower caste isn’t that able enough to afford the migration costs and thus they will have lesser migration benefits than other people.

There has always existed inequality be it economically, culturally or socially when we talk in terms of caste, color, community or religion. Amongst castes with little or no ownership of land, the migration rates are low. Because social and economic class inequalities are present there is selectivity of migration based on one’s class and caste that he belongs to.

Generally speaking, some lower caste people might also migrate just to escape disrespect and suppression by upper caste. Thus the rate of caste migration varies from person to person. Some get used to of it while some have a hard time accepting it. In urban areas, the caste migrations are still fewer as compared to in villages.

What is Caste System, Varna 

Share on:

Literature Student at Delhi University!