Sociology II · 10 marks · 150 words

What is tribe caste continuum? What are Elwin's views on the same?

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Syllabus: Tribal communities in India: (a) Definitional problems. (b) Geographical spread. (c) Colonial policies and tribes. (d) Issues of integration and autonomy.

How toppers approached it

From 3 of the 4 answers · about 200 words.

Opening

  • A definition3 of 3

Body

  • Points2 of 3
  • Points and prose1 of 3

Close

  • No separate close1 of 3
  • A summary1 of 3
  • A way forward1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

RajeshwariAIR 2 · CSE 2025 · 138 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

None written.

Body · points

Tribe - caste continuum is the process of the tribes acquiring attribute of caste system. It is done by accommodation, assimilation etc.

F. G. Bailey termed this tribe caste continuum concept. However, Elwin had different views on it.

Elwin's views on tribe caste continuum:

→ Elwin considered tribes as aboriginals with primitive characteristics. He is propagating isolationist approach towards tribes.

→ Elwin has different view on tribe - caste continuum.

→ He want the tribal culture to be preserved or undisturbed while providing them some basic growth prospects which mainstream society has undergone.

→ Elwin advocates for seperate policies and approach for tribes.

→ Elwin do not generally agree with the 'tribe-caste continuum'. He is against the assimilation of tribes in mainstream society.

Close · a way forward

Hence Elwin proposes new way of undisturbed growth of tribes without affecting their original culture.

More on Tribal Communities

Definitional problems, geographical spread, colonial policies, and integration and autonomy of tribes.

All Sociology II questions on Tribal Communities