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DISCOURSE ON
CASTE AND
GENDER IN INDIA
By savvy thakur
INTRODUCTION
 The caste system in India has been one of the most significant factors of social stratifications.
Many aspects of the human condition are deeply affected by the stratified patterns of caste
system. Along with gender stratifications that defines many social relations, caste system is
deeply rooted in many aspects of human life. It defines the socio-cultural norms of different
communities and often women bear the multiple burden of oppression based on caste, class
and work hierarchies. Caste hierarchies prescribe different roles and assign different duties,
especially for women. It is understood by now that caste and gender hierarchy cannot be
analysed as independent entities; rather the complex interplay between these hierarchical
systems of power need to be analysed intersectionally.
OBJECTIVES
 Understanding the intersections of gender and caste
 Key factors and concepts in articulating the gender and caste
 Analysis about how caste ideologies shape the lives of men and women in India.
ENDOGAMY AS CASTE
VIOLENCE
Endogamy is the practice of marrying within the same caste, one of the significant ways in
which caste hierarchies are maintained and practiced. Enforcing cultural codes through the strict
practice of endogamy led to much gendered violence in India. Analyzing the widespread
phenomenon of gendered violence, Prem Chowdhry (1997) notes that inter-caste and
intermarriages which violate cultural norms and customary practices of the society invariably
lead to direct violence upon the couples and the community who infringe those norms or
prescriptions. Ambedkar’s discussion of endogamy also defines an important shift in social
relations. It effectively superimposed the existing practices of exogamy which was the elemental
law of primitive societies. It was an issue of parity between marriageable units, men and
women, or how to maintain it. By thus framing caste and suplus woman, Ambedkar was laying
the base for what was, properly speaking, a feminist take on caste
ROLE AND IDENTITY OF
WOMEN IN A CASTE BASED
SOCIETY
 As for the development of the problem of women's identity in a caste society, it cannot be discussed
without using the notion of patriarchy. Patriarchy is part of identity formation. Gender, class, and caste
overlap with patriarchy. Men generally have more power. On the other hand, women rank lower in all
groups and subgroups of identity. The vast majority of women accept and live out this inequality in terms
of identity politics. Otherwise, their community will become upset and may even ruin their relationship.
The rejection of their community identification codes can result in serious consequences, and in some
cases death. Women are symbols and honor of their community.
UPPER CLASS AND LOWER
CLASS WOMEN
 Women from the highest caste are inferior to their husbands. Women in families of higher castes are
strictly bound by social norms. A girl's parents or brothers can refuse to provide economic or physical
support if they fail to comply with their decision, particularly when it comes to choosing a spouse.
Marriage as an event and institution determines and largely limits the position of women in these
families. It is important to note that while upper-caste women lose to their husbands in a patriarchal
situation, they benefit from the system to which they belong.
 Lower cast women tend to work and contribute to household income. In this context it should be
mentioned that manual labor is seen in the higher castes and women are not allowed to go out and work.
Thus, women from the lower caste are not limited to the household. They lead a less restricted lifestyle
than women from the upper castes of society. It is important to remember that the very idea of lower-
caste women going to work does not indicate their better status, but is an economic necessity. Women
from the lower castes are victims of both caste and gender discrimination.
 Sexuality of both lower and upper class women is controlled by men in different ways
CONCLUSION
 The paper focuses on Brahmanical patriarchy and endogamy, two important systems which perpetuate
caste and gendered violence even in contemporary India. Factors such as unequal control over property,
unequal performance of labour and the endogamous marriage system etc. still keep the caste system alive
and its worst manifestations are seen in the contemporary context. As well as how women have been
treated within their own social stratification as well as the system as a whole.

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