Caste, class and social movements

Social stratification has normative and structural dimensions. Evaluative standards are universally found in all soci eties. These standards have a structural bearing. Since differentiation and change are a part of human existence, structure of social inequalities is bound to change over a period of time. The sources of change in the systems of social stratifica tion are both internal and external. The author has examined theory, structure and process of social stratification keeping in view these points.

The author has examined the relevance of studies on social stratification, social mobility and movements. Caste and class in particular have been examined not as. antithetical systems but rather as one incorporating the other. The author exposes the false dichotomy of the two by bringing out the role of British colo nialism and modern western social science. Chapters one to four discuss relevance of studies on social stratification, conceptual problems in defining caste and class, social mobility among the Scheduled castes and agrarian stratification. Chapters five to eight are devoted to the studies of land tenure systems, land reforms and peasant movements in Rajasthan and Jhar khand movement in Bihar, The author suggests social formation point of view for studying Indian society. There is a need to focus upon structure, culture, history and dialectics in the study of social stratification and social movements.