Question

The basis of a caste system is:

• A. Ascribed status
• B. Achieved status
• C. Power
• D. Wealth

Hint:

Remember: "Ascribed = Assigned by Birth (Caste)," and "Achieved = Earned by Merit/Effort (Class)." This simple classification is fundamental in rural sociology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Social stratification classifies individuals into groups based on social status, which can be either ascribed or achieved.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us define the types of social status:
- Ascribed Status: A social position that is assigned to an individual at birth or involuntarily later in life (e.g., race, gender, caste). In a caste system, a person is born into their caste, and this position is fixed for life, with no social mobility. (Option A)
- Achieved Status: A social position that a person acquires through their own efforts, skills, choices, and merits (e.g., profession, education level). This is the basis of class-based systems.
Since membership in a caste is determined entirely by birth, the basis of the caste system is ascribed status.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The basis is ascribed status, matching Option (A).