Which is true of social mobility in a caste system?

Question

Which is true of social mobility in a caste system?

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Let’s parse the question carefully: the topic is social mobility within a caste system, and we have four statements to evaluate.
Option 1: 'There is little or no chance of social mobility.' This aligns with the traditional understanding of caste systems, where social position is largely fixed at birth and moving to a different caste is rare or discouraged. The structure emphasizes hereditary status and rigid boundaries between castes, limiting upward (or downward) movement.
Option 2: 'A small but significant percentage of each generation will experience upward social mobility.' While some modern or reformist perspectives might claim occasional movement, classical caste arrangements tend to resist mobility more strongly, so this statement tends to overstate mobility in a traditional caste system.
Option 3: 'A great deal of social mobility occurs.' This is inconsistent with the core feature of a caste system, which is its stratified and rigid hierarchy where mobility is minimal. High social immobility is one of the defining characteristics of caste-based organization.
Option 4: 'It is a merit based system.' Caste systems are typically described in terms of ascribed status (birth), not merit-based criteria. They assign roles and statuses based on lineage rather than individual achievement, though some argue about informal movements or symbolic merit within the system; overall, meritocracy is not the hallmark of a caste system.
In summary, the statements differ mainly in how much mobility they attribute to the caste context. The traditional view emphasizes structural immobility and birth-based status, while the other options suggest varying degrees or bases of mobility that clash with the standard description of caste systems.

Introduction to Sociology Exam #2

Which is true of social mobility in a caste system?

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