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Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions · Model answer

Comment on the distinction between ‘hierarchy’ and ‘social stratification.’ Which of the two will be a more appropriate term to describe the caste system and why?

  • UPSC 1985
  • Caste System

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The two words are often used interchangeably, but Louis Dumont made the difference a matter of principle: hierarchy is a religiously grounded ordering of a whole by a single value, whereas social stratification is the general sociological category for any arrangement of ranked strata. Which term suits caste depends on whether one is describing caste's…

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What the full answer covers

  • Hierarchy
  • Social stratification
  • Which term fits caste better
  • Conclusion
Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions

Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions

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