Priyadarshini: Sociology II answer copy

1. (a) Secularization and caste

Secularization refers to the declining influence of religion and ritual hierarchy from the public domains of social life - economy, polity, cultural and individual aspects (personality). It thus is a social process triggered by modernisation and democratisation.

Caste as a social institution, within the context of secularisation loses its ritual stranglehold. As Yogendra Singh notes 'caste structurally adapts' to the forces of secularization by becoming more secular in its aspirations. Thus caste is no longer trapped within ritualism, occupational specialisation and strict rules of ritual avoidance and commensality.

In fact the 'politicisation of caste' as Rajni Kothari notes refers to the importance of secular factors of dominance and capture of state power.

Thus caste increasingly has become

• devoid of traditional-ritual content and oriented towards secular forces.
• It has made the transition from the 'sacred' ritual spaces to the 'profane' spaces of everyday politics and economy.
• Its influence over social patterns of interaction has been diluted by features of interdependence and cooperation in an increasingly fragmented society.

Nonetheless, caste retains its resilience within the traditional values within the private domains of the family and ritual spaces. However its influence in social organisation in a secularised context remains limited.

1. (b) With reference to their understanding of the Indian village, compare the perspective of MN Srinivas and SC Dube.